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View Full Version : [Christmas] NS Advent Calendar 2005 - Serving Christmas - Feedback thread



Julie
2nd December 2005, 03:23
As some of you might have noticed, Zannie is writing us a new fanfiction, in christmas style! It's featured over at the Advent Calendar (*points to link in signature*).

Zannie and some of the readers wanted a, well, for lack of better words, bigger space, to post their feedback. So here you can! =)

Be sure to check it out, because it's really good ;) And then leave feedback both here and at the Advent Calendar. This space is for more longer feedbacks, with quotes etc etc!

*Note: The fanfiction itself will only be featured on the Advent Calendar, so you'll need to head over there to be able to read it!

Zannie
2nd December 2005, 14:52
Thanks, Julie, for starting this.

Most of you are leaving feedback on the Advent Calendar, which is great, so no need to use this thread. This thread is simply for the few of you who might occasionally want to leave more substantial commentary. I'm sure you know who you are . . .

But seriously, if you're reading the fic, please leave me a little feedback. Since I wrote nearly the entire thing without consistent feedback, I'm feeling irrationally needy about the story now.

lexchloe
2nd December 2005, 15:44
Ahh, a thread designed for those of us who just can't help but leave overly long feedback!!!!! :P


She hated Lex. Hated Lex. Hated everything about him.
Up until yesterday, she hadn’t realized how much she hated him. For most of this year, she’d considered herself coldly impersonal about Lex’s hard nature and merely practical in her response. But evidently she was holding on to a lot of resentment, which had just kept building up.
She couldn’t believe there had actually been a time when she’d considered him her friend.

She hated him. And she hated him more now than she had yesterday. And probably would hate him even more tomorrow.
It was only going to get worse. Each day she’d hate him even more.
And it was only the second day of December.

Methinks the lady doth protest too much. You know when someone says they hate someone this many times that they're only putting off the inevitable. Really liking this story and how tense things are between Chloe and Lex especially since they are going to be stuck in eachother's company until Christmas. Love the story and the calander and look forward to the daily Chlexy presents. :)

hfce
2nd December 2005, 16:48
I am so sorry I didn't realize this story or section was here. I am so focused on the regular fics I didn't know this existed. Heee..
I loved both chapters and I think Chloe is just protesting to much. You only hate someone when you really care about them. I see it will be a fight to the end. I can't wait to see who comes out on top.


Hope :)

sexi_angel_babee
2nd December 2005, 19:48
i wanna read ittttt! where do i go? i went to julie's site and it just said that the advent calendar was 90% done? i'm so confused... where do i go?

becky
2nd December 2005, 19:49
i wanna read ittttt! where do i go? i went to julie's site and it just said that the advent calendar was 90% done? i'm so confused... where do i go?

here: http://network.naughty-seduction.net/advent/ :P

Julie
2nd December 2005, 21:14
i wanna read ittttt! where do i go? i went to julie's site and it just said that the advent calendar was 90% done? i'm so confused... where do i go?

A good idea would also be to check the main website http://www.naughty-seduction.net , or simply just do a search here at the forum.

My personal website has nothing to do with NS, and hasn't been updated in the past few days/weeks...

Julie
3rd December 2005, 01:12
Just informing you hungry fiction people, that it's past midnight here (00:11am), and you know what that means ;)

A fresh new update from Zannie, as well as a fresh icon!

sexi_angel_babee
3rd December 2005, 07:40
:D thank you julie.... :D

Norah
4th December 2005, 01:27
I was catching up on the first chapters and then saw chapter 4 was posted. Yay!!!! I love it and I can't believe we get an update every day! Thank you Zannie, you're the best! :hug: I love how they're working together at the community center and they are so funny, both acting like they don't like each other. Poor Chloe, she's trying to not trust him that way she should after everything he's done but she can't help herself. Who could? It's Lex! :drool2: This was so funny!


Lex was the only one who wasn’t laughing. Instead he was glaring.

Straight at Chloe. As if she were at fault. As if she had done something other than sit here innocently with Matt, while the little kid had drawn on his head.

As if he were blaming her for the desecration of the famous Luthor scalp.

:rofl: I laughed so hard! Thank you thank you thank you! I can't wait for tomorrow!

lexchloe
4th December 2005, 03:03
Just read part 4 and loved it!!!


She turned back to Matt, smiling appealingly. She noticed a thick lock of hair falling into his eyes, so she gently brushed it back from his forehead.
Matt looked pleased and surprised by the intimate gesture. “Was my hair annoying you?” he asked teasingly, covering her hand with his.
Grinning, she replied, “No. I love your hair. But I thought it might be annoying you.”

They stared at each other, and Chloe was almost positive that she wasn’t misreading the interest in his eyes.

For once, maybe a nice, normal guy was actually, genuinely interested in her. Just the idea of that possibility made Chloe feel whole in a way she hadn’t in so, so long.

Then Matt pulled his hand away. Looked back down to the page in front of him.

Chloe tried not to be disappointed, but she couldn’t help but feel a little let down.


Not sure I like Chloe and Matt together (and it's not just because
I'm Chlex biased). She just seems so..........for lack of another word, girly around him whereas with Lex she's Chloe.


Chloe felt kind of embarrassed, and she wasn’t sure if it was because of Matt or because Lex had seen her with Matt.

Either way, she had nothing to be embarrassed about. Obviously, Matt was feeling something for her. And Lex . . . well, it would do him good to see that someone found her attractive. That she had a full, whole life that had nothing to do with him at all.

Hmmm, why is that Chloe? I mean if you don't have any feelings for him it doesn't matter what he thinks right??? Hee, she is so falling for him.


“He was still holding a red marker. And the marker was uncapped.

And the boy was now drawing on Lex’s head.

Delighted laughter started gurgling up in Chloe’s throat, and it burst out when she heard an outraged exclamation from Lex.
His hand had flown up to his smooth scalp, and he was rubbing at the red markings there.

Chloe chortled with laughter, and Matt unsuccessfully tried to stifle his amusement beside her. Then the boy who’d drawn lines on Lex’s head started to giggle too. And the other children, looking up, burst into matching hilarity.
Lex was the only one who wasn’t laughing. Instead he was glaring.
Straight at Chloe. As if she were at fault. As if she had done something other than sit here innocently with Matt, while the little kid had drawn on his head.

:rofl: :rofl: I'm picturing it and it's just hilarious. Great update.

Kit Merlot
4th December 2005, 05:01
This story is killing me--Chloe is trying so hard to act uninterested in Lex, that she is just showing how much she is into him.

And now Lex has to deal with Matt, the Clark-esque would-be suitor:grin3:
And he has little kids drawing on his head.

Zannie, this story is wonderful--excellent work!

hfce
5th December 2005, 03:40
Great update but Chloe needs to get a grip. She thinks to highly of herself. She is so damn paranoid around him that she is being very irrational. The more she stays angry at him. The more likely she will let Clark her hero secret out. I am glad Lex is ignoring her she doesnt deserve his time. :rolleyes:


Hope ;)

JosiCuervo
5th December 2005, 17:33
Chapter One

All of those were good reasons. And real reasons. And weren’t insignificant. But they weren’t the deepest reason.

The deepest reason was this: Matt Larson.
*snort* I didn’t believe any of the rationalization so when the main reason for Chloe’s getting all volunteerish was revealed I had to snort. Then again, it would probably take a nice piece of eye candy to get me to take the time to do volunteer work. *sigh* I'm lazy and I have far too much to do otherwise.

He was clever, and fun, and sweet, and committed to helping other people, and as adorable as any guy she’d ever known—even rivaling Clark Kent.
Aww…so he’s gay! Wow. I’m surprised Chloe missed the tell-tale signs.

Arriving at around five o’clock meant that much of what she did was help to clean up and prepare for the next day’s programs. Thus, she often wasn’t working hands-on with the kids or members of the community, the way most of the other volunteers wanted to do.
Smart move. I’d definitely prefer to work behind-the-scenes as opposed to working with children. I wouldn’t be able to handle the pressure. I’d crack.


Chloe almost choked. Felt waves of confusion, dismay, fear, and something else wash over her in a crippling progression.
Given Chloe’s history with Lex thus far, I’d say these are perfectly reasonable emotions to be feeling after being told of his impending arrival. Of course, I’d rather have her feel overwhelming warmth, lust and an insatiable urge to get naked, but we can’t have it all, now can we?

“Please don’t tell me you two were an item.”
This is the response I heard; “Yes, but only in the secret world of Chlex. TBTB are far too stupid to see a great thing when it’s directly in front of them, but lucky for us, we get to have lots and lots of mad sex in the fantasy world of N-S. Long live the Chlex smutters.”


“Yes, but why should he care about volunteer work all of a sudden? He could have pretended to care about people months ago.” Reflecting for a moment, Chloe’s mind closed around an answer. Knew it with a kind of instinctive assurance. Said with bitter humor, “It’s not just for publicity, is it? Is he on probation or something and this is his enforced community service?”

Matt didn’t say anything, but his expressive face held the answer.
Hmph. I have a difficult time believing that a Senate candidate would be given probation and the entire world would not know about it even before he did. I doubt even a billionaire could keep that kind of thing quiet. This smells icky to me and it reeks of assumptions and Chloe’s embittered gay volunteer love interest. Ew.

Suddenly, Lex turned his head and met her eyes directly across the distance. His initial expression was unreadable—and it made Chloe decidedly nervous—but then he must have noticed her disdainful sneer.

Because he smirked at her intentionally: smug, satisfied, and amused.
I heart that look. It’s quite yummy and the sooner Chloe accepts it as such the happier I’ll be. Of course, then I’ll just be muttering about PG-13 ratings. I’m just impossible to please.

Zannie, this is a great start. Now I’m going to save the rest of thoughts for when I get caught up because I’m even more behind than I originally thought. *sigh* Time flies when you’re being tortured by accounting crises. Blah. I should be back with more soon.
;)
Erica

JosiCuervo
5th December 2005, 20:17
Chapter Two

She’d dressed with unusual care—wearing jeans, but pairing them with a stretchy green top and brown leather shoes with chunky heels—not because she wanted to impress Lex, but because she’d feel more confident around him if she knew she looked good.
I always thought it funny that I take greater care in dressing for those I can’t stand than those I happen to love. Actually, the more I love them, the less I care about how I look. Heh. Of course, the negligee I know Chloe’s wearing under her outfit states how much she truly lusts after Lex. She’s just still in the first stages of denial.

Sighing, Chloe turned around and prepared to wait for Lex, wondering if he would be in the habit of being late. She assumed he had to drive in from Smallville most days, unless he happened to be in Metropolis during the afternoon.
Chloe is definitely suffering from delusions because there’s no way Lex would still be living in Smallville. Heh. Chloe spends most of her time in Metropolis now therefore Lex has no reason to stay in Smallville. Duh.

Chloe snorted, but managed to bite her lip over the sharp retort she’d been about to make. She had to remember that she wasn’t supposed to know that Lex’s “volunteering” was enforced by the Metropolis court system.
I’m standing by my belief that there’s more to the whole community service shit than that dildo Matt is letting on. Poor Lex, once again accused, tried and convicted unjustly.

She whirled on him and said, in a low, tense voice, “We’re both stuck here for the next month. And there’s nothing either one of us can do about it. But I’m not going to let you take advantage of our proximity to grill me about things you want to know or to pursue your own agenda. That better be clear right from the beginning because I’m not going to stand for it.”
I get great pleasure in Chloe overreacting and making an ass out of herself. Lucky for me she does it quite often and quite well.


But she still felt a little embarrassed by her impassioned speech—especially since Lex now seemed to be silently laughing at her behind his pompous expression.
Heh. I think I had the same expression on my face as I read her overreaction. How can you not laugh when someone makes a fool out of themselves?

Then, evidently to offset his insincere words, he casually brushed a strand of hair off of Chloe’s cheek, tucking it behind her ear. “Thanks for doing this,” he murmured, the words obviously just for her.
My first thought is to punch him and shriek for him to keep his grimy hands off Chloe, but then I realize that punching him may be going overboard. A light slam would probably be efficient.


But he raised his eyebrows and murmured before she could speak, “Hmm. I’d say that reeks of hypocrisy. Considering your own reasons for volunteering here.”
Touché. Heh.



He was loathsome. And horribly arrogant and spoiled. And always involved in dark, underhanded schemes of one kind or another. And he was so completely heartless that he was willing to forsake his old friends.
All quite true, but let’s not forget, sexy, handsome, desirable and delicious. Those by far supersede anything negative ever said about Lex, IMVHO.

She hated him. And she hated him more now than she had yesterday. And probably would hate him even more tomorrow.

It was only going to get worse. Each day she’d hate him even more.

And it was only the second day of December.
I firmly believe that all this hostility would be put to better use funneled into animal lust. Hatred is such a waste in terms of Chlex. *sigh*

*scampers to Chapter 3*

;)

jez3_uk
6th December 2005, 00:56
Lex was the only one who wasn’t laughing. Instead he was glaring.

Straight at Chloe. As if she were at fault. As if she had done something other than sit here innocently with Matt, while the little kid had drawn on his head.

As if he were blaming her for the desecration of the famous Luthor scalp.


:rofl: that was fantastic. Gimme a marker, i wanna try.......hes blaming Chloe for his humiliation? numbnuts.

lovin this story Zannie. When i read the first chapter involving the pantry, for a moment i thought you were going to lock them in. No such luck......yet (perhaps).

This is better then my 'Celebrations' calender! And choosing a story over chocolate is a big deal. Cant wait for more!

hfce
6th December 2005, 02:23
Part 6 was :rofl: Chloe please you so want him. Isn't it funny how her little mark can't seemed to be bothered with the kids. But Lex manages to fit right in despite people like Chloe thinking he wouldn't. I loved that littel girl thinking there were in love. Out of the mouths of babes. She sees it while they keep denying it. Funny. LOL! Chloe you tried going after the safe man called Clark. How did that work out again? Yeah I remember it didn't. ;)


Hope :D

Nadia_
6th December 2005, 03:13
Having different time zones is such a good thing some times! It's not even 11 pm here yet, but I can already read the chapter.



Chloe wondered if Lex had ever had a gaggle of kids screaming his name before.

Probably not.


Lines like that got me giggling like mad.

Oh, If I could play hide and seek with Lex...




Chloe wandered around idly, not intent on searching very hard. But as she strolled past the front hall, she saw a pair of shiny shoes and crisp gray pants sticking out from behind the coats in the coat rack.

With a chuckle, she pushed the coats aside to find Lex’s rather sheepish face. At his almost embarrassed expression, Chloe nearly doubled over, trying to smother her laughter so the kids wouldn’t hear. “Great hiding place,” she forced out, when she’d finally controlled herself.


Lex does need some help about playing this game




Soon, everyone was hiding but little Jenny. Who still couldn’t find them.
Chloe could hear her calling out, and it sounded like the little girl was about to cry. Chloe was about to make a sound, when Lex coughed loudly.


That's so sweet! *wants to hug Lex*




They swarmed on Lex’s hiding place and launched the tickle-attack that Chloe had suggested.

By the time Chloe came over, they were all over him. Lex was sprawled out on his back on the floor, wheezing and squirming for all he was worth. Only two of the kids appeared to be actually tickling him. The others were screaming, laughing, and running around, and Jenny was sitting on Lex’s feet.

Lex probably wasn’t getting tickled very much, but he was shouting out threats and dramatic accusations—which both Chloe and the children knew were good-natured—and his violent protests made the children scream and laugh even louder.

After a minute, Chloe decided the torture should cease, so she started pulling the children off of him.

They all ended up sprawled out on the floor, gasping and smiling in satisfaction. Chloe sank down to sit on the floor too. When Lex sat up—flushed and adorable—he pinned her with an evil glare.


Simply can't take the stupid grin out of my face.This scene is priceless.




And then she was smiling at Lex. Really smiling at him. And he was really smiling back at her.
The shared gaze lasted far longer than it should have, and it warmed something deep and heavy in her heart.
Soon, she was deeply flushed, but she still couldn’t seem to look away. Her only comfort was that Lex couldn’t seem to break off the gaze either.


Ha! Gotcha'ya



“Are you going two going to get married?”
Chloe grunted in surprise, and she saw Lex’s mouth drop open. “Me and Lex?” she said, an embarrassing squeak in her voice.
Jenny’s little forehead wrinkled. “Don’t you love him?”
Chloe felt like she was choking and would have given anything for Lex to be in another room, in another city, on another planet right now. “Not like that,” she explained, trying not to hurt the girl’s feelings. “You don’t marry someone unless you love them special.”
“You don’t love him special?”
Chloe shook her head quietly.
“Oh,” Jenny said, sounding a little disappointed. “I thought you
did.”

GO JENNY! That's why I love kids, they're so wise, the little things..




But then she was stopped. Actually, physically stopped. By the strangest thing.
Lex had hooked two fingers into the waistband at the back of her jeans, jerking her motion to a halt.
Looking at him questioningly over her shoulder, Chloe blushed again. But she was so flushed by now that no one would be able to tell the difference.
“Just so you know,” Lex murmured, his voice textured and thick. “I will eventually get vengeance.”
The words and tone made her shiver, but she managed to hide it. Quirked her lips and quipped, “I can hardly wait.”


Me neither! Me neither!




The longer she hung out with him, the more this would become clear. So the less she would like being around him. Like the feel of his hand. Like the warmth of his smile.
Pretty soon, she wouldn’t be able to stand the sight of him. It wouldn’t take long. She had the whole month.


You keep saying that hon. But is not really gonna work, you know.


GREAT CHAPTER! And I just got a I little mad with the quote thing..

Julie
6th December 2005, 03:24
Having different time zones is such a good thing some times! It's not even 11 pm here yet, but I can already read the chapter.


Hehe, yeah... But you did still wait 24 hours ;)

Blackberry
6th December 2005, 03:28
oh bugger that's so sweet. I'm grinning like an idiot~

Kit Merlot
6th December 2005, 03:45
Zannie, Jenny is a awesome--can she be a flower girl at Lex and Chloe's wedding?:grin3:

And I wonder, how exactly will Lex get his vengence on Chloe?

This fic is truly adorable!

Nadia_
6th December 2005, 05:12
Hehe, yeah... But you did still wait 24 hours ;)

I know, but at leat I can read the chapters when I'm still wake enough to actually understand it...;)

Addie
6th December 2005, 18:13
The kids were so cute, espically little Jenny. Great chapter.

lexchloe
6th December 2005, 18:23
Loved today's update. Having Chloe and Lex deal with the kids was great. Loved how Chloe discovered that Lex was ticklish, the kids tickling Lex and the growing UST between Chloe and Lex.


And then she was smiling at Lex. Really smiling at him. And he was really smiling back at her.

The shared gaze lasted far longer than it should have, and it warmed something deep and heavy in her heart.

Soon, she was deeply flushed, but she still couldn’t seem to look away. Her only comfort was that Lex couldn’t seem to break off the gaze either.

“That was fun,” Mikey pronounced. “You guys aren’t bad, for grown-ups.”

“High praise, indeed,” Lex drawled.

“Thank you,” Chloe told Mikey seriously.

Jenny scooted over and curled up at Chloe’s side. “You’ve got pretty hair,” she whispered.

Chloe chuckled fondly. “Thank you.”

“And I like him even without hair,” Jenny continued, staring at Lex, who was wiping a hand across his damp, flushed face.

Lex must have heard the girl’s words, because he gave her a twinkling glance.

“Are you going two going to get married?”

Chloe grunted in surprise, and she saw Lex’s mouth drop open. “Me and Lex?” she said, an embarrassing squeak in her voice.

Jenny’s little forehead wrinkled. “Don’t you love him?”
Chloe felt like she was choking and would have given anything for Lex to be in another room, in another city, on another planet right now. “Not like that,” she explained, trying not to hurt the girl’s feelings. “You don’t marry someone unless you love them special.”

“You don’t love him special?”

Chloe shook her head quietly.

“Oh,” Jenny said, sounding a little disappointed. “I thought you did.”

Chloe couldn’t even begin to look in Lex’s direction. She had no idea what she’d see on Lex’s face, but she wouldn’t be able to stand whatever it was.


hee definite moment shared there. Also how much do I love children and their ability to just say whatever's on their mind? Jenny of course, being a child and wonderfully perceptive, can see clearly that the two of them love each other special, they just don't know it yet. :wub:



But then she was stopped. Actually, physically stopped. By the strangest thing.
Lex had hooked two fingers into the waistband at the back of her jeans, jerking her motion to a halt.
Looking at him questioningly over her shoulder, Chloe blushed again. But she was so flushed by now that no one would be able to tell the difference.
“Just so you know,” Lex murmured, his voice textured and thick. “I will eventually get vengeance.”
The words and tone made her shiver, but she managed to hide it. Quirked her lips and quipped, “I can hardly wait.”
Then finally she was allowed to get away.


I do believe Mr Luthor was getting his flirt on and Chloe was flirting right back :yeahbaby:



At the first sight of Matt’s crooked grin, she felt better. It didn’t matter how confused and disoriented Lex made her. He was still dark, dangerous, and manipulative.

The longer she hung out with him, the more this would become clear. So the less she would like being around him. Like the feel of his hand. Like the warmth of his smile.

Pretty soon, she wouldn’t be able to stand the sight of him. It wouldn’t take long. She had the whole month.
And it was only the sixth day of December.


Keep telling yourself that Chloe. Love how she's gradually falling for him even if she continues to be in denial about it. Wonderful update and can't wait for the next one.

Kit Merlot
7th December 2005, 03:11
Just the thought of Lex having genuine felings for Lana makes me sick, but I like how you had Clark mentioning that Lana isn't resisting Lex enough.

Chloe is such a good person that even when she lashes out in anger at Lex's hurting her and her dad and Clark, she still feels guilt for it. (I don't actually care if Lana's hurt or not. In fact, I think she could really use a world of pain, but maybe that's just me:D )

And I knew that Lex would help the Center--good for him for getting a dishwasher put in, but I hope he wasn't too hurt by Chloe's words. He just has to hold on to that good spirit inside of him.

Okay, I think I'm getting a little ridiculously sappy--I'm going to stop talking now:grin3:

hfce
7th December 2005, 03:46
Wow meet the two biggest jerks ever Clark and Chloe take a bow. I am not surprised by Clark but Chloe is a disappointment. Instead of making up your own mind. You rather let yourself be influenced by dumb and dumbmer Clark and Matt.

You wonder why Lex is the way he is because he was never given the chance to be someone who was nice and didn't have an agenda. Now you have made sure he will always choose the dark side because you just showed him why it doesn't pay to be nice. Yeah but that is ok since we know he contaminates everything he touches. :rolleyes:



Hope ;)

GivenToFly
7th December 2005, 05:12
Wow meet the two biggest jerks ever Clark and Chloe take a bow. I am not surprised by Clark but Chloe is a disappointment. Instead of making up your own mind. You rather let yourself be influenced by dumb and dumbmer Clark and Matt.You took the words out of my mouth, Hope. I wanted to slap her silly for listening to Clark (wanted to smack him as well), and for what she said at the grocery store. I'm glad she felt guilty.

Anyway, love this story. And an update everyday? Yay, I'm in heaven :)

slayer44
7th December 2005, 05:20
I hope they start getting on good terms soon. It hurts to see Chloe so negative towards him. Such a nice thing for Lex to do, trying to help the center, maybe Chloe will realize that he's not such a monster after all :)

star del mar
7th December 2005, 06:44
Ok, I'm getting aggravated...I've been leaving feedback at the advent calendar but for some reason it's not letting me tonight. Go figure. So this is what I had to say for part 7 :

I want to jump Lex...it's official. I understand that Chle is trying to protect herself but she instead of just doing that she's lashing out and Lex is getting the brunt of it even though he hasn't really done anything...lately anyway.

He just broke my heart. Asking why Chloe hated him and donating the money...it's just enough to love him. Now if only Chloe would catch on!! Matt's nice and all but definitely not her man. Great work so far Zannie!

Steph*

P.S. - I am LOVING this story!!

Louise
7th December 2005, 08:37
Don't worry Zannie, if I'm angry with Chloe it's only because I love her - just like how she feels about Lex! You're right though, no rational person would trust Lex again so easily, because she thought they were friends before and was abandoned, who would open themselves up to get hurt again by that very same person. By the same token I don't really understand why she trusts Clark or considers him a good friend to her, but whatever. That's just the show.

But it's just so sad because Lex is so hurt and it's Christmas and he so wants her to like him. Your author's note over on the calendar has toughened me up though, I would like him to explain/acknowledge why Chloe might be angry with him, and that he actually treated her quite badly, because as much as I love Lex, I don't believe that all his evil deeds are a giant misunderstanding and he's just a poor woobie!Lex at heart...

Loved Chloe studying the beef jerky to extricate herself from an awkward situation! V funny and made me giggle amidst the angst!

ETA a little Matt-hate, after my second reading: I understand why Chloe is confused and angry and scared, but I think Matt is being a little inappropriate about Lex. Shouldn't someone in charge of a homeless shelter be open minded and compassionate about the people who walk through its doors, volunteers and guests alike, and the mistakes they might have made. And it's incredibly rude to keep talking about 'babysitting' a grown man who has blatantly proved himself more than capable of completing, well and without complaint, every task that is set for him.

Is it tomorrow yet? I'm totally wishing away my December thanks to this story!

lexchloe
8th December 2005, 00:01
Feeling sorry for both Chloe and Lex after this one (but especially for Lex) If anything was going to bring the pain/anger for Chloe it was going to be the Lex/Lana thing *thanks a lot BDA* Her reaction and her attitude to Lex while harsh was pretty much what you'd expect given the confusing nature of her feelings towards him. Lex's shutting down and Chloe's guilt about what she said was totally in keeping with both their characters. Really hope that they can work through this. Excellent update, looking forward to the next one.

hfce
8th December 2005, 03:12
Chapter 8 Feedback:

Wow that was really heart breaking to read. Chloe tried to say she was sorry. But Lex being Lex instead would rather hurt her like she hurt him than admit that she did indeed hurt him. Chloe shouldn't be surprised that he did that. That is Lex's way as well as Chloe's. They are a lot alike then they think.


Hope :(

lexchloe
8th December 2005, 03:13
When Lex finally responded, it wasn’t at all what she expected. It wasn’t intense. Wasn’t cold. Wasn’t hurt or angry. Wasn’t the emptiness he was trying to put on before.

He sounded slightly bitter, but more amused than anything else. He snorted. Said, “Don’t overestimate your own importance, Chloe. You don’t mean enough to me to have hurt me.”

Chloe gasped with shock and bit her lip hard.
Stared down at the clothes in front of her, but her vision soon started to blur. It took her a minute to process what Lex had said. Her first reaction was disbelief—since she’d been so certain that she had wounded him—but that initial reaction was quickly overwhelmed as their shared history flooded into her mind.

She’d always misinterpreted Lex. Every single time. Any time she had thought she really knew and understood him, he had proved her wrong.

She’d thought he liked her. But he didn’t.

She’d thought he trusted her. But he didn’t.

She’d thought that his friendship with Clark would be strong enough to be preserved. But it wasn’t.

She’d thought the connection she’d forged with him would be real and strong and lasting.

But it wasn’t.

It wasn’t a connection at all.

And so it shouldn’t be a surprise to her to realize that she’d been wrong about Lex once again. She’d thought he was hurt because of what she had said. Because of her. Because something about her mattered.
It didn’t. She didn’t matter to Lex at all. Never had.

Should really know that by now.

The knowledge shouldn’t be so traumatic. Shouldn’t be so earth-shattering. He’d simply shaped with words what she’d known about herself all along.

As far as Lex was concerned, Chloe Sullivan was meaningless.


You really had to pick the worst possible thing to say didn't you Lex, the one thing that would hurt her as much as she obviously hurt you?? :nono: These two really know how to go for the jugular don't they?


Only now, she was actually choking. And her eyes weren’t just blurred; they were burning with tears. Her chest felt like it would explode, and she heard an embarrassing gurgling sound coming from her throat.

She would not—not!—cry in front of Lex. That was a humiliation she refused to allow.

So she scrambled up to her feet, keeping her head ducked down for safety. Then whirled around and fled from the room.

She didn’t have to be here. She was here voluntarily and could leave at any time.

Lex couldn’t.

So she could escape from him. Cry in peace. And then try to come to terms with what all of this meant.

She was stifling sobs as she hurried through the hallway. Heard Lex calling out, “Chloe!” behind her.

Didn’t stop. Left the center.

Wasn’t sure she would ever come back.

Eight days of this was long enough. She didn’t have to suffer through any more.

She could spend the rest of the month trying to recover what she’d lost of her pride.

It was only the eighth day of December.


I hate it when Chloe cries. :( After this update I'm feeling as sorry for her as I felt for Lex after part 7. At the rate they're going working things out is not going to be an easy task. Loving this story and can't wait for the next part.

Nadia_
8th December 2005, 03:17
This fic has got me me dizzy! I mean Chloe was kinda cruel, but given his past behaviour she has all the right to be suspicious and guarded cuz he was just brutal and rude and mean in their past interactions.
Lex seems to be hurt though he didn't have quite the right, but he is human so is doesn't really matter if he should or shouldn't.

He was a jerk for making Chloe cry, but then she was pretty harsh with him, and and...

Argg, Lex just catch her! And start to sort the big mess out!

*Realizes is only teh eighth day of December*

Oh, it's going to take a little while, isn't ?

squeezumstang
8th December 2005, 03:38
love the story! the last chappie was a bit like a tennis match. it felt like my head was whipping from side to side. more please!

Blackberry
8th December 2005, 03:50
Day 8:

WAH!!!!! Noooooo I'm so sad i'm so sad!!! this is the most horrible (emotional-wise) update ever!!! WAHHH!! It makes me feel so bad!!! I want to slap both of them! LEX you damn IDIOT!! I want to kick you! Grrrrr~~ *dies*

Oh how will I last till tomorrow? is there a possibility that you could email me a copy of tomorrow's chapter for the story??? o_O

yeah i know... you can't... but it was worth a shot... *grumbles*

I hate cliff-hangers... I love this story though...*sighhhhh*

star del mar
8th December 2005, 07:35
8:

Grrr! Every time I think I have everything all figured out and it's all cut and dry you post a chapter like this. I wasn't all that happy with Chloe in part 7 and now I have to say that I'm not happy with Lex in this one. I know he's just lashing out because he is hurt but he always takes it to a whole new level. They hurt each other with words so easily.

I hope Chloe comes back to the center there's still...16 days left? I hope they work things out. Great update!

Steph*

lj715
8th December 2005, 07:38
Loved the update for Ch.8. Wow, Lex was harsh but, Chloe got what she gave. I was just trying to imagine Lex holding onto that bra. Hopefully, they can work though this. Can't wait for the next update.

georgee5
8th December 2005, 08:19
I am crying! I hate it when, stupid tears make everything blurry (Chloe's not the only one). I will forever remember the eighth (sp?) of December.

meg20
8th December 2005, 17:24
For part seven and eight!
Damn Clark, he ruined everything and now they are really fighting!!!:(

LaLa
8th December 2005, 17:35
this story got me totally hooked! even when i'm at work, i have to read my daily dose of 'serving christmas'! this last day (the 8th) made me tremble ! Chloé going away like this argh! there's so much tension in this fic that i'm ready to explode!
thank you zannie! u're amazing!

slayer44
8th December 2005, 17:49
Lex not caring about Chloe at all......... :eek:
But it was still a great chapter.

campbti
8th December 2005, 22:04
Damn, I just saw this Advent thing, ok so I don't make it to the main site often enough. But now I can't read the story, my company has the website blocked due to "sex". Clearly they don't see what I read here. Thank God, queries run way to slow to not have something to do while I wait. =)) Can't wait to go home and read this story, now I have lots to catch up on. woo hoo!!!!

Blackberry
9th December 2005, 03:21
Part 9: Ouch.... I really don't like misunderstandings... but I like how you explained all the lack of ChLex interaction since the trials in Season 3. *sniff*

I feel so bad for those two...

This has a happy ending right? I mean... it's a Christmas story... yes. I've decided it's happy because it's Zannie and she'll do all she can to enhance the Christmas spirit... in the nick of time~ :)

Great update. Damn, I should've been working on my paper... >_< This is what happens when a story gets too addicting.

welshy
9th December 2005, 03:30
I've just noticed this story, and I'm really enjoying it. I can't wait for more :)

hfce
9th December 2005, 04:27
Part 9:

Oh that was intense but this time good intense. I am glad he was able to explain himself. I am also glad to read this after that Lexmas mess. I can't wait to read part 10. :D


Hope :)

Zannie
9th December 2005, 05:20
This has a happy ending right? I mean... it's a Christmas story... yes. I've decided it's happy because it's Zannie and she'll do all she can to enhance the Christmas spirit... in the nick of time~ :)

Yep. Definitely has a happy ending. I wouldn't play a mean trick on you all. This particular tension actually eases up a bit in the next chapter or two. It won't be intense and angsty in every single chapter. I tried to mingle it with plenty of lighter chapters.

Of course, sometimes my view of light and other people's views of light aren't entirely the same thing.

Thanks for the feedback. And the comments on the calendar site are working again.

JosiCuervo
9th December 2005, 16:39
Chapter Three

Chloe scowled as she studied the immaculate pantry.

It was pristine—the shelves, walls, and floors cleaned, and the contents lined up in an organized fashion that made them easy to see and easy to access. She’d never seen the pantry looking so spotless before.

She’d never seen any pantry looking so spotless before.

It made her decidedly grumpy.
And this just proves that sometimes the best revenge is a job well done. Poor Chloe, once again one-upped by the arrogant, spoiled billionaire.

Lex curled up his lip as he looked around the cluttered counters and dirty floors. “Hasn’t anyone ever heard of cleaning up after themselves?”

Snorting, Chloe picked up a frying pan and moved it over to the sink. “Don’t be snotty,” she retorted. “The kitchen is always a mess on Saturdays. You don’t know what it’s like, trying to cook for so many people that you barely have time to think straight.”

He didn’t look impressed, but he started to roll up his sleeves.
I’m with Lex on this one. Everyone should be required to clean up their own frigging mess, volunteer or otherwise. This would be like the old ladies at my grandmother’s church leaving the kitchen a mess for the next group of do-gooders. Poor grandma would have a cow. I don’t think her poor heart could take it, or my delicate sensibilities for that matter because she tends to curse quite bawdily when pissed off. It’s frightening.

He didn’t matter to her. And she certainly didn’t want to give him the impression that he did. So she shouldn’t care if he was pompous, infuriating, selfish, inconsiderate and obnoxious. She should just pretend like he didn’t exist.
Chloe keeps trying to rationalize things, but she continuously does the exact opposite of what she intends. Perhaps she should just kill him with kindness. That gets them every time.

He came over to join her at the sink, carrying a pile of plates and utensils. “Why isn’t there a dishwasher in this place? Why the hell must all these dishes be done by hand?”
Actually, dishwashers are a pain in the ass. I’m getting one (because he likes the idea of a machine washing the dishes), but I don’t want one (because I know I’ll just end up having to do them twice. Psh.

His eyebrows elevated. “So I see.” Moving around her, he positioned himself at the other side of the sink, and he took over rinsing off the dishes she scrubbed. “Is there anything you’d like to get off your chest?”
Well, since you asked – yes there is something I’d like to get off my chest. I want you. I need you. Now do me. Plsthx.

Chloe sputtered at him, coming very close to smacking the wet plate she was holding against his chest. “Not take it personally? Damn it, Lex. It is personal. All of it is. And only a heartless monster like you would think it wasn’t.”
*gasp* I think Chloe’s overreacting here, warranted or otherwise. And I would know because I’m the queen of overreacting. Hysterical is another one of my middle names.

And she would absolutely not feel guilty for speaking her mind. It hadn’t been the best strategy in regards to their working arrangement. But she had been justified.

Lex had deserved it.

He was the ass. Not her.
*snort* You know what they say – one ass deserves another.

“So what do we do about the floor?”

She sighed. “Get on our hands and knees and scrub it.”
Heh. How about trotting right down to the corner market and buying a new mop? That would’ve been my first thought.

Chloe fell back into him, knocking them both over. She landed on top of him.
It’s truly pathetic how excited I get about such innocent things.

She felt very strange. Breathless—but only from the scare. And flushed—but only from the hard work. And trembling—but only from a lingering fear of the spider.
Liar. I know why she’s flushed and trembling and I’m quite sad the moment is going to be wasted. *sigh*

Zannie ~ Holy shit, I’m even more behind than I thought. I was certainly aware that this story would have a chapter a day, but I guess the days got away from me. I’ll catch up as quickly as possible. Thanks for the “Lexmas” distraction though. It’s greatly appreciated.
;)
Erica

*scampers to Chapter 4*

lexchloe
9th December 2005, 23:04
Part 9 = excellent. Loved Lex apologising and trying to explain himself to her. So many misunderstandings between them and so many feelings. Wonderful!!

hfce
10th December 2005, 02:16
Part 10:


That was such a nice part. I am glad they are willing to try again in their friendship. I find it funny how even on her dream date Lex was on her mind. Interesting... :D


Hope :)

lexchloe
10th December 2005, 02:35
Awww the friendship is rebuilding. Yay!!!!

lj715
10th December 2005, 03:28
Loved Ch10. It seems like Lex & Chloe have gotten to some sort of truce. Don't know how long it will last, they both can blow up pretty quickly. Can't wait for Ch11.

Norah
10th December 2005, 04:40
I just caught up again!!! I love this story! The tension is really good between them and I love how Lex explained himself and that Chloe is beginning to trust him again. Thanks for not making it too quick since they have so many problems!!! Now I'm dying for tomorrow! I want to see how thye act as friends! :grin3:

Thanks for writing this story and giving us a new chapter every day!! It's the best gift ever!:nshug:

Zannie
10th December 2005, 17:31
Thanks to those of you who are still leaving feedback on the chapters. It was quite a challenge to get the story written in time to post a chapter every day, so I'm still irrationally needy about it. Thus your responses mean even more to mean than normal. I think the feedback is my Christmas present.

lj715
10th December 2005, 18:23
Zannie- A chapter everyday of this story makes me so happy ( am I that pathetic?). I don't know what I'm gonna do after Christmas is over & this story has ended. Talk about post holiday blues.

Kit Merlot
10th December 2005, 18:38
Oh wow, Zannie, I'm so glad that Lex told Chloe that their friendship had been genuine, and that she believes him--YEAH!!

Now, he's mentioned having to protect her and that she isn't meaningless to him. Could this have something to do with Lionel's trying to hurt Chloe in some way, and that's why he backed off from the friendship?

And, I'm starting to dislike Matt a little bit--in a lot of ways, he is using her the way Clark did. Chloe keeps going out of her way to help him out at the community center, and he's taking her for granted.

But maybe I don't like him, because I want Chloe with Lex.:D

This is an excellent story.

deia
10th December 2005, 19:54
Wow, I'm loving this story each day more! It's warm enough to be Christmas-sy but not to sappy that it doesn't appeal to the hardcore Chlexers inside of us. You're grand for giving us this and I wake up every morning and jump to the PC to check for another update. Only complaint is Chloe's Xmas what with two hotties sorta showering her with attention is making mine seem lame :(! Hehhehhe see ya tomorrow!

Reese
10th December 2005, 22:10
You know the one drawback of a story updated every single day?

You fall behind real fast.

So here I am trying to catch up on the first 10 chapters of this lovely story and we have a problem. Apparently, I am quote-challeneged today. Everytime I tried to copy and paste a quote, it copied the whole update above the quote as well. Now, let's keep in mind that I do know how to copy and paste quotes (*gestures to examples of past FB*) so there must be something about this story's layout over on the AC that hates me.

Plain and simple.

*grumbles about what a week it's been*

So Matt. Yeah. Not gonna happen. You can have a lovely first date and be charming and all that but I think it's clear that all of Chloe's emotions (positive and negative) are wrapped up in someone else at the moment. So thank you, Matt, for taking notice of Chloe and showing her some long-deserved attention but I think Lex has got it from here. *gestures for Matt to step aside*

The closet scene...OHHH, the closet scene! I just...I mean...*sigh* I really wanted to be there and just felt a whole onslaught of emotions. You really managed to write that scene in such a way that I felt like I was there, that I was involved.

And wow, this is one emotional roller coaster Chloe's on. Going back and forth between hating him and (being in denial that she actually is) loving him. The Clark conversation, the Lana issue, yet watching him interact with the kids and the things he says to her...it would be confusing.

But you know my favorite part so far? The study of Lex. All of the observations that Chloe makes about his reactions. How she can tell when he's shutting down, his interaction with the kids (His "it all fell out" response to the kids about his lack of hair) and the varying emotions he's been experiencing throughout all of this. Rarely do we get to see Chloe and Lex isolated in close quarters so often (and for an entire month!) and so I'm really enjoying just seeing the two of them interact with such little interference from other people (sometimes Matt, sometimes the kids...but mostly it's just the two of them). And it seems necessary so that the two of them can work out all of their issues (and there are quite a few!).

So I'm looking forward to see how this progresses. I'm guessing that, since the story goes until Christmas, that we're not even half-way there yet (in them realizing their TRUE feelings) so the roller-coaster will continue despite my frustration at times with Chloe. Hopefully Lex will be able to prove to her whatever it that she needs from him and that she'll eventually dig beneath all her issues on the surface to get to what matters...

That this is going to be a Chlexmas Christmas :)

Reese

jez3_uk
10th December 2005, 23:30
Lovin it! Lovin it! Lovin it!

When we gonna get some 'oh so innocent' (NOT) moments?

Cant wait till tomorrow.

hannagreen20
11th December 2005, 00:24
Can I tell you how much I love this story? When I found out about the story and the daily updates I was

:nsparty: . Party on!


Now, every day I have something to look forward too! When I read the updates I

:respect: to the Queen Chlex writer Zannie!

It's great to know that even if the updates end on a sad note I can

:sleep: because I know the next day there will be an update to move things along.

Now, I like that Matt is givng the :blinkkiss that she both needs and deserves, like reese said, he needs to move aside. It's obvious that Chloe and Lex have a deeper connection than anyone realized.

Now if only Chloe will :kill:Lana then I will be sooo happy.

And then the :hankpank: starts. Woo Hoo!

Great job as usual Zannie. Can't wait until the next update. Damn Norway time! :rofl:

Jo

SabaSun
11th December 2005, 01:11
Ooh, I think chapter eleven is my favorite chapter so far. All the Chlex interaction! :wub: It also helped that there was no Matt.

I'm loving this story, by the way. You're really talented!

lj715
11th December 2005, 01:36
Ch11 is perfect. Loved the way Lex & Chloe got along . You can really tell they have feelings for each other. Funny how everyone else seems to pick up on them being a couple except for them. It ended on a very optimistic note too. Can't wait for Ch12.

hfce
11th December 2005, 03:05
Chap 11:
That was just wonderful. I love how they are rebuilding their friendship. And I have a feeling Lex will be helping everyone of those people he met today. :D


Hope ;)

Julie
11th December 2005, 03:46
Can't wait until the next update. Damn Norway time! :rofl:

Jo

Lol! :P Hey, don't mock Norway-time! It's rather good if you ask me! :P

Norah
11th December 2005, 05:27
Loved the update!!! I glad they're getting closer and working on being friends. Now they just need to realize that they both want even more!!! :wub: :wub:

hannagreen20
11th December 2005, 17:22
Lol! :P Hey, don't mock Norway-time! It's rather good if you ask me! :P

I wasn't mocking....I was er-bemoaning the fact that USA is...uh, behind or is it that Norway's forward? I don't know. Either way.

I loved chapter 11! I cannot wait for chapter 12. I have to wait until around 3ish (my time). Assuming no one is camped out on our computer.

lexchloe
11th December 2005, 20:46
Aww, great update. There's plenty of nice friendly feelings, teasing banter and the right amount of tension. That plus the mutual soft looks they're exchanging means things are progressing quite nicely between these two. Can't wait for the next one. :)

meeaz
12th December 2005, 02:00
question: where is the question for the contest? i've been looking for it, but i can't find it. i checked the advent calendar sight, but no contest question.

amazing job guys for the calendar!!!

SabaSun
12th December 2005, 04:44
:clapclap:
Oooh, chapter twelve! :-) I love bickering!Chlex. :wub:

Whenever I read your story, I get this big dorky grin on my face. :D

You've also made my supremely terrible day a little bit better. Thank you!

lj715
12th December 2005, 05:00
Ch12:

OH...MY....GOD!!! Lex in a t-shirt & jeans. Hot little strip tease for Chloe there. Loved this chapter, loved it. I was hoping that they would kiss but, soooo close. It's gonna happen, I just know it. Very soon. So, funny that Lex's octopus only had 7 tentacles. No way Chloe could let that slide by. Matt who???????

hfce
12th December 2005, 05:21
Ch12:

That was a fun chapter. I love Chloe's them and thought it was cute how stubborn she was being. It fortells the future when they will decorate the baby nursery. :D


Hope ;)

Louie
12th December 2005, 06:55
Lex was right under the sea is really pradictable but the day was great; oh akwardness it's what gives us hope

Blackberry
12th December 2005, 07:18
*grumbles* I wish i wasn't so addicted to this darn story... then I wouldn't have to be disappointed by the fact that it's just one update and it's only the 12th day.... 25th come sooner! ack.. no wait... well, yes! :)

I felt so melty when it got to the scene with him rubbing her cheek. Bugger, if only she KNEW!!! he didn't give a crap about Lana!! Chloe see what's in front of you already! He's obviously enamoured with you! *siiiighhh*

Damn... now I want a guy of my own to hug and cuddle because it's making me feel so damn sappy...

*siiiiighhhhh~*

BB

starmoon
12th December 2005, 18:20
I am so sorry I didn't realize this story or section was here. I am so focused on the regular fics I didn't know this existed. Heee..
I loved both chapters and I think Chloe is just protesting to much. You only hate someone when you really care about them. I see it will be a fight to the end. I can't wait to see who comes out on top.


Hope :)

your right you only hate someone to keep them away because you really care for them and are afraid to get hurt. can't wait to see who wins.

hfce
13th December 2005, 03:39
Hey what happened to day 13? :(



Hope ;)

LaLa
13th December 2005, 13:50
yeah, like she said, i need my fix lol

Julie
13th December 2005, 14:17
Sorry about that you guys, I was just so tired yesterday after work. Site and chapter 13 uploaded now.

welshy
13th December 2005, 15:27
This is a really great story and I'm enjoying whats happening so far. And I think there's only one way for Chloe to sort out her feelings for both Matt and Lex ... Threesome, dirty hot threesome LOL :blinkkiss

Excellent story :)

hfce
13th December 2005, 15:42
Day 13: That was great. I love his reasons why he thinks it won't be easy. I knew he would have a good one. I love Lex just happened to be available to help out with the paperwork. It was obvious he wanted to be near Chlo and away from Matt. :rofl: I can't wait for day 14.


Hope :)

Kit Merlot
13th December 2005, 16:36
Zannie, Ch 13 was awesome!

I love that Chloe's getting all of this male attention, and I like that she is stunned that Matt thinks of Lex as competition. And Lex is purposely putting himself in the way of Matt's being alone with Chloe--Good for him!

At least Matt is fully aware that Lex is interested in Chloe--now Chloe just needs to figure it out:D

And it does do my heart good to have two men fighting over Chloe--I know that I shouldn't encourage such behavior, but I like to see men appreciating how fabulous our girl is!

Excellent story.

lj715
13th December 2005, 17:15
Ch13:

Happy, happy, joy, joy! I love this chapter. I loved the way Lex asked if he could help with the filing. Don't let Matt & Chloe be alone. Chloe is feeling more & more for Lex( woohoo). Can't wait for the next update.

AlabamaWorley
13th December 2005, 20:47
I'm late commenting, new theme for me here...

Chapter 1:

He was supposed to have finished that summer but had failed the class the first time he took it.

He was clever
Nice... I love how we rationalize things for the men we puppy love!

Narrowing her eyes, Chloe considered his words. “You mean some celebrity is going to pretend to read to kids and pass out sandwiches with us?”
I wonder if she's hoping for Josh like I was...

“I’ll help,” Chloe agreed. As if she could say anything else when Matt was looking like he wanted to kiss her. “I won’t like it. But I’ll help.”
Suddenly, I don't like this guy. I hope he doesn't hurt Chloe's feelings.

“Watching Lex shovel that kind of shit would be enough to make me sick.”Heh. Reminds me of Lois gettng mad when he was posing in the Talon. Family intelligence, I guess.

I like the setup - can't wait to find out what naughtiness he perpetrated to get into trouble!

Julie
13th December 2005, 22:28
As a little makeup for yesterday, I'm uploading the new chapter (chapter 15th) two hours earlier today :) That is, it'll be uploaded around 10pm my time! :)

lj715
13th December 2005, 22:51
Ch14:

I'm loving this story more with every chapter. I was scared that teen was gonna hurt Chloe but, I know Lex would've never let that happen. I'm glad they got some of the cave issues out in the open. Chloe was checking out Lex's butt too & he held her when she was scared. So close yet so far. Can't wait for Ch15.

hfce
14th December 2005, 03:02
Day 14:

Wow that was intense and it seems Chloe and Lex have finally made a break through. They can finally move past the weirdness and move on fresh from there. I can't wait to see day 15. :D


Hope :)

hannagreen20
14th December 2005, 04:36
Goodie, not only one but TWO updates. Very exciting. Great job, Zannie. I was feeling very mushy and happy. Ahhh.

Um, does anyone know the time difference between here (USA) and Norway. Like if it's 6:30pm my time, what is it in Norway?

Chapter fifteen. Yippee! 10 more chapters to go!

Reese
14th December 2005, 06:16
Chapter 13:

Loved the Matt/Chloe/Lex interaction, especially since you aren't making Matt out to be an ass. I think we often paint any man in a Chlex fic who isn't Lex as one to make it *clear* who we should be rooting for. So this is a refreshing change of pace.

And I like how much you learn about both of them, and in relation to Chloe as well, through their conversation in Matt's office. There's so much that's obviously different about them but seeing their different perspective on the world was particularly interesting and telling.

And Lex's comment about things he truly wanted never coming easily. And then Matt's sincere apology for jumping to conclusions. And then Chloe's following Lex out and having that *almost* moment with him (that even he seemed to be waiting/looking for).

Just an uplifting chapter, IMO :)

Reese
14th December 2005, 06:33
Chapter 14:

Oh, this was so perfect right up until the end. Okay, not the *very* end but the part just before that.

*takes a breath*

Okay, let me try this again...

I loved the gender roles debate early on and I even got a sense something was going to happen when she took the trash out. Now I'm happy it wasn't an actual attack or something but I was so happy she ran right into Lex on her way back in. And his response to it? Oh, I melted.

No, really. I just now pulled myself together so I could write this FB.

The description of him as concerned about her and then almost animalistic as he went outside to see what had happened was just downright HOT. Granted, this probably costs me some "strong, independent woman" points but hey, it was worth it.

I also liked that when she tried to brush it off, he seemed to know better and insisted on comforting her.

But then what does she do? Damnit, Chloe! I know this is supposed to be a realistic portrayal of her emotions when it comes to Lex but sometimes it's downright frustrating. And then Lex's reaction? Seeming almost broken and defeated in having to defend himself again? Poor guy. I hate to break it to you, Lex, but you have at least 10 more days of this, I'm sure.

Now luckily it ended on a positive note with Chloe believing him and, it seems, maybe turning a corner when it comes to her faith in Lex. But, like I said, we've still got many days to go so I don't think this will be the last of it.

Good stuff...looking forward to more :)

Reese

Queen Of Tact
14th December 2005, 20:14
Hwy hon, I just want to let you know I love the fic... I'm sorry i'm just leaving fb now but with my crazy work schedule I was just now able to read the fic....
Great job..... I can't wait to read more... I'm glad Chloe and Lex are at least friends again.....



CC

hfce
15th December 2005, 02:00
I guess you got tired again Jules . I can wait for part 15.


Hope ;)

Julie
15th December 2005, 02:05
Lol, no! I was at a cafe :) Some design work ;) Hehe... Chapter 15 uploaded now :) (PS: Just an hour late :P)

hannagreen20, um, I know it's a difference of 6 hours from New York to Oslo.... And then it depends on states and so... I think California is about 9 hours away from Oslo....

hfce
15th December 2005, 03:11
Day 15: Oh my goodness he saw them kiss. :eek: I so know how Lex feels awkward and jealous. And I have a feeling that was Lex's bag of expensive stuff and he brought the dress for Chloe. :D I can't wait to see day 16 when Chloe still denies her feelings for Lex.


Hope :)

Reese
15th December 2005, 03:31
AH HA! Look at me! Posting FB on the actual day it was posted! Amazing!

*pulls it together*

Sorry about that ;)

So first of all, I'm glad Chloe didn't take the dress. I agree with Hope about those clothes coming from Lex and I'm almost believing he got the dress just for Chloe. Her color? Her size? And he just seemed so intent on her having it. Downright suspicious, IMO. But I'm glad she didn't take it because, quite frankly, I would have been disappointed in her. She was right to point out that the dress was donated to the center, not to her. I was so scared at one point that Lex was going to talk her into it. Thanks for keeping Chloe strong on that one :)

And yeah, Lex...why did you stop reading? For the life of me, I can't see what would have been going on at that very moment that would have distracted you. *thinks it over* Yep. Nothing. Nada. Can't think of a thing.

But wasn't it nice Chloe just got some attention from that nice Matt guy? I mean, I know this probably doesn't matter to you or anything but wasn't it sweet? Considering she's your friend and all, I bet you're real happy for her, right? Wish her the best and all that, right?

Yeah, I thought that was it. :grin2:

So now that we've established that Lex is perfectly happy for Chloe to have found a wonderful guy like Matt, I'm really looking forward to see how he further encourages their relationship in the coming chapters.

*looks at Zannie who is rolling her eyes in the background*

What? You're saying I didn't read it right? Huh.

Reese

lj715
15th December 2005, 06:42
Ch15:

Noooo, Lex saw Matt & Chloe kissing. My heart is breaking for him. You know all those clothes donations were from him & that dress was meant for Chloe. The only thing I can do is hope that Chloe & Matt's date goes horribly wrong. Can't wait for tomorrow.

Nadia_
15th December 2005, 15:07
Ch13: That was intense. And it showed taht Matt, altough sweet, is not the right guy for Chloe. Hun, you will get bored in a second! Snap out of it! Cute that Lex thought exactly like her

Ch14: Protective!Lex and (kinda) Animalistic!Lex. Are you trying to kill me? Glad the cave affair was sorted out. But, dammit Chloes is the poster child for stubborn.

Ch15: Who else thinks those chlotes are Lex's doing? *raises hand*
It wasn't really that subtle. Especially with the dress thing. I'm glad Chloe didn't take it.
Does anyone care to tell why did Lex stop reading? I have absolutely no clue! :grin3:
No, Chloe!!! NO LANA! Lex prefere the blondes! He preferes spit-fire, witty, blond reporters! *shakes Chloe by the shoulders* HE LIKES YOU!


Ahem

*Back to what's left of ones composure*

Chloe doens't really like Matt, IMO. Even though there's a level of fisical attraction, she's drawn by what he represents. Matt is a sweet, nice, fair, loyal ,good looking guy, just like Clark without all the problems. He is the kind of guy who always falls for girls like Lana. And he is the kind of guy of is perfect for girls like Lana.
But for the first time, a guy like that is falling for her. It's falttering and it's the perfect chance for the simple, cute, romantic relationship she craves.
She deserves that relationship, but she's everything but simple! And she needs someone that challenges her, that keeps her sharp. Matt doesn't.
Lex, on the other hand, is all that and more. The fact that he is, well.. Lex, is just this big (really big, I've got to admit), happy bonus.

So Chloe, the faster you realize that is the best for you, and for US!

JosiCuervo
15th December 2005, 17:46
Chapter Four <- Holy shit this month is going by fast…I promise I'll get caught up before Christmas Eve. ;)

She couldn’t stop thinking about Lex.

And they weren’t good thoughts.
Hmph. Of course they were good thoughts. Of the naked variety.

Matt was like Clark in a lot of ways, minus the superhero talents. Matt was good-hearted and moral, and he cared about her in a way that asked for nothing in return.
Gay. Gay. Gay. And stupid. Poor guy.

“But we have some kids here for a couple of hours, while their parents are at a workshop down the street. Maybe you could help the other volunteers keep them occupied.”

Lex looked a little trapped, as he eyed the children scattered around the room. And Chloe decided that this might be even better than watching Lex doing manual labor.
I would definitely have a look of intense fear on my face if someone asked me to entertain a horde of young children. Poor Lex.

“What’s wrong?” Matt asked, noticing her expression.

With an annoyed face, Chloe nodded in Lex’s direction. “And they say children are good judges of character.”
Psh. Someone please slap her already. Her haughty shit is getting annoying.

Chloe felt kind of embarrassed, and she wasn’t sure if it was because of Matt or because Lex had seen her with Matt.
That’s not embarrassment – it’s guilt. Ha! *grumbles*

For a moment, Chloe couldn’t look away. The scene was just so surreal. How could that be Lex Luthor on the floor, surrounded by children, who were all absorbed by the sound of his voice?
Heh. If Lex Luthor read to me, I would be even more enraptured than the children. I’d be sitting at his feet with my mouth hanging open (and undoubtedly drooling most unattractively).

He was still holding a red marker. And the marker was uncapped.

And the boy was now drawing on Lex’s head.

Delighted laughter started gurgling up in Chloe’s throat, and it burst out when she heard an outraged exclamation from Lex.

His hand had flown up to his smooth scalp, and he was rubbing at the red markings there.
Poor Lex. *sighs*

I’m starting to have a lot of sympathy for Lex. Chloe’s being stupid and annoying and poor Lex just can’t get a break. I hope the tables turn soon and Chloe gets as humiliated as Lex has been. She needs a serious dose of reality.

*scampers to Chapter 5*

JosiCuervo
15th December 2005, 19:02
Chapter Five

“You’re looking as good-natured as always,” Lex quipped dryly, walking over to her and lowering himself into a child-sized chair beside her. “I can’t tell you what a joy it is to always arrive and see your smiling face.”
*snort* Lex…my heart… *sighs*

“Is there something about my wardrobe choice that annoys you?” Lex inquired lightly, his eyes alight with a glimmer of amusement.
Well, since you asked, yes there is something about your attire which annoys me – you’re not naked. That, to me, is a serious problem and should be remedied immediately. Thank you.

Chloe quirked her lips in a superior way. “Those aren’t the only good, male colors. You can also wear black and gray and green and orange and . . .”

“But not purple?” Lex said unpleasantly.

She nodded. “Exactly.” She gave him a slanting glance. Then said quite purposefully. “Makes you look like a wuss.”
Bwahahahaha! Chloe’s obviously smoking dope again. There’s no way Lex would look like a wuss in anything other than a pink tutu. And I’d kinda like to see that.

“It would be a shame to miss out on your daily grope with your white-bread do-gooder.”
*snort* White-bread do-gooder… *snort* Insert stupid and gay and I’d go with that.

“It was not,” Chloe countered, breathing deeply and forcing herself not to explode. This was a dangerous situation—and if she messed up Clark might have to suffer the consequences—so she had to be very, very careful with Lex. “Nothing you ever do is random.”
*braces for Chloe overreaction*

“You were just now,” she replied harshly, relieved when she thought of an appropriate response. “I don’t care what’s going on between you and Clark. You can be best friends, or bitter enemies, or you can be his secret love slave.” She said that last thing on an impulse and was relieved to see the brief disgust flash across Lex’s face. “Just leave me out of it.”

Lex stood there and blinked at her.
Secret love slave? Ew. *whimpers*

Chloe’s still annoying and I still feel bad for Lex having to deal with the shrew. I’ll let you know when the urge to choke her begins to fade.

*Strolls to Chapter 6*

JosiCuervo
15th December 2005, 19:04
Chapter Six

These particular kids were nice and good-natured. But very, very rowdy.
Take away the ‘kids’ part and you just described me – on a good day. *snort*

“Sardines!” Johnny yelled. “This would be a cool place for it.”

The rest of the children agreed—loudly—and Chloe smiled as she decided this would be a good way to keep them occupied for the rest of the hour.

Lex looked confused. “Sardines?”
I’m with Lex on this one. Never heard of the game before. I led a very sheltered life in the middle of no where with on measly sibling. Totally bogus.

“Ha!” she chortled, trying to keep her voice low. “You’re ticklish.”

“I am not,” he insisted, sounding outrageously offended. “You just startled me.”

Chloe tried it again, this time tickling him up closer to his armpits.

He twitched and clamped his arms down on his sides.

She would have doubled over again, but they were supposed to be in hiding. So she clung to his shirt, hiding her face in between his shoulder blades as she gasped and shook with her hilarity.
Now this is the Chloe I like. And the image of her pressed against his back, trying to suppress her laughter is just delicious. Thank you.

They all ended up sprawled out on the floor, gasping and smiling in satisfaction. Chloe sank down to sit on the floor too. When Lex sat up—flushed and adorable—he pinned her with an evil glare.

She giggled. Shrugged. “Couldn’t resist.”

“Uh huh.”

And then she was smiling at Lex. Really smiling at him. And he was really smiling back at her.
Heh. There are far too many children around for what I have in mind at this point. Damn.

“Are you going two going to get married?”

Chloe grunted in surprise, and she saw Lex’s mouth drop open. “Me and Lex?” she said, an embarrassing squeak in her voice.

Jenny’s little forehead wrinkled. “Don’t you love him?”

Chloe felt like she was choking and would have given anything for Lex to be in another room, in another city, on another planet right now. “Not like that,” she explained, trying not to hurt the girl’s feelings. “You don’t marry someone unless you love them special.”

“You don’t love him special?”

Chloe shook her head quietly.

“Oh,” Jenny said, sounding a little disappointed. “I thought you did.”

Chloe couldn’t even begin to look in Lex’s direction. She had no idea what she’d see on Lex’s face, but she wouldn’t be able to stand whatever it was.
And kids are excellent judges of practically anything, grown ups just tend to ignore them most of the time. Heh. I’m glad Jenny called Chloe out on her true feelings for Lex. It’s about time someone mentioned it.

She smiled at him briefly and turned around. Started walking to say goodbye to the kids.

But then she was stopped. Actually, physically stopped. By the strangest thing.

Lex had hooked two fingers into the waistband at the back of her jeans, jerking her motion to a halt.

Looking at him questioningly over her shoulder, Chloe blushed again. But she was so flushed by now that no one would be able to tell the difference.

“Just so you know,” Lex murmured, his voice textured and thick. “I will eventually get vengeance.”

The words and tone made her shiver, but she managed to hide it. Quirked her lips and quipped, “I can hardly wait.”

Then finally she was allowed to get away.
I love this part. The image of Lex stopping her by her pants is hilarious. *giggles* I can’t wait to see what Lex does to get even with her.


The longer she hung out with him, the more this would become clear. So the less she would like being around him. Like the feel of his hand. Like the warmth of his smile.

Pretty soon, she wouldn’t be able to stand the sight of him. It wouldn’t take long. She had the whole month.
Chloe and her delusional ramblings. Just when I was beginning to like her a little bit.

*saunters to Chapter 7*

JosiCuervo
15th December 2005, 19:05
Chapter Seven

Clark had immediately been on guard, asking how and why Chloe thought that. And, when Chloe tried to explain her confusion over Lex’s shifting behavior, Clark had furrowed his brow in sober intensity.

“Chloe,” he had said, “Be careful. Don’t make the same mistake I did. I thought I could trust Lex because I saw something in him that was worth saving. But he’s dangerous, Chloe. And he’s never done anything except betray my trust in him.”
Grr. Clark and his fucking pedestal again. God, I can’t stand that dumbass. As if he’s never betrayed anyone because he felt he had no other choice. As if he hadn’t spent the majority of his life lying to those closest to him. And the stupid bastard would still be lying to Chloe if she hadn’t told him she knew his secret, so he can just suck it already. Idiot.

Clark was so earnest that he leaned over toward her. “He’s not all bad. There is some good in him. But the good is never going to win out. Chloe, you know that he’s tried to manipulate both of us in order to discover my secret. You know he’s spied on me, betrayed me, worked against me. You know about how he’s so set on his own selfish agenda that he doesn’t care about who he hurts in the process.” Clark had laid a hand on Chloe’s. “We can be civil and try to keep the remainders of our friendship with him. But, Chloe, we just can’t trust him.”
Wow. On some levels Clark just gave a stellar description of – himself. Asshole.

Rolling his eyes in disgust and disappointment, Clark replied, “I thought for a while that he was just trying to use her. And he probably still has an agenda—using her to learn my secret or something. But now I’m starting to think he’s developed real feelings for her. Which makes him even more dangerous.”

Now Chloe felt like she was choking.
*whimpers* Ew. *covers eyes with hands* I don’t wanna read anymore of the Lexana shit. Ew. Ew. Ew. I can’t take the pressure.

“Is something wrong?” he asked, peering at her face.

Chloe tightened her lips and glanced over at him briefly. Her eyes were directed at his face, but she didn’t really see him.

Didn’t really want to see him. All of his sins and betrayals flashed consecutively through her mind. All of the selfish and dubious things she’d ever known him to do.
Heh. And welcome back annoying, unreasonable Chloe. And I missed you so much. Psh. Thanks a lot, Clark. You suck.


Clearing her throat, Chloe shook her head. Mumbled, “Nothing. I’m just being stupid.”
That’s the understatement of the year.

Chloe overreacted.
Huh? Chloe? No way…I just don’t believe it… Psh

“Chloe!” Lex exclaimed in frustration, reaching out for her again. “What the hell is going on? I’m not a pariah, you know. You act like I’m going to contaminate you.”

“You will,” she burst out, all the suppressed feelings of rage, pain, and humiliation finally set free. “You do. You contaminate everything you touch.”
And once again, Chloe is a royal bitch. I have a serious urge to defend Lex’s honor, but I have no way of choking her from here. Damn.

“Oh,” Matt replied, his face taking on an adorably excited expression. “Come look.”

He led her into the kitchen. The room was crowded and loud with activity. Apparently, the men were workers, because they seemed to have torn up one of the cabinets.

“What is all this?” Chloe asked, staring.

“We had an anonymous donation this morning. Very generous. But it was for work in the kitchen. Specifically, new pipes—we’re getting all new plumbing, if you can believe it—and a professional-quality dishwasher.” Matt was grinning. “And it just happened out of the blue.”

“Oh,” Chloe said. Felt her heart drop into her stomach for the zillionth time that day.

The world made absolutely no sense. With every day, it was getting more and more confusing.
Ha! How’s that shoe taste you insolent fool!? Bwahahahaha!

*ehem* Onward….

JosiCuervo
15th December 2005, 19:57
Chapter Eight

She had lashed out at him so cruelly. And it made her feel incredibly guilty.

It shouldn’t. Lex deserved it. And he’d acted far more heartlessly to other people himself.

But still . . . at the thought that she’d really wounded him—actually penetrated his defenses and pierced, not just his pride, but also his psyche—her belly roiled sickeningly and she got a horrible ache in her throat.
I’m glad Chloe feels guilty. I hope she was kept up all night from the guilt. Hmph.

Her life was safer, simpler, and happier without Lex in it. She should use this opportunity to rid herself of him completely.

She had just decided on this wise, reasonable course of action when she heard herself saying, “Lex, I’m sorry about yesterday.”
I hate it when that happens. I’m thinking one thing and something completely different just falls from my lips, completely unheeded until the response I get isn’t what it should’ve been. I’ve definitely embarrassed myself on more than one occasion.

She released a sigh. “To shut down. I understand why you were annoyed yesterday—I was mean, and I apologize for that—but I didn’t think you’d still be sulking today.”
And I’ve most certainly fucked up more than one apology. Sincere apologies are very difficult to get right. Of course, that’s because most of the time I didn’t really mean, someone else was making me apologize. Psh.

Something in Lex’s hard gaze changed, but it didn’t soften in any way. Instead, it took on a strangely intense and searching resonance. “Because you didn’t mean it or because you didn’t mean to say it?”
And that question is the worst. *grumbles*

He sounded slightly bitter, but more amused than anything else. He snorted. Said, “Don’t overestimate your own importance, Chloe. You don’t mean enough to me to have hurt me.”
Well, at least they’re trading off on being stupid. *sighs*

She was stifling sobs as she hurried through the hallway. Heard Lex calling out, “Chloe!” behind her.

Didn’t stop. Left the center.

Wasn’t sure she would ever come back.

Eight days of this was long enough. She didn’t have to suffer through any more.

She could spend the rest of the month trying to recover what she’d lost of her pride.
I don’t blame Chloe fore being upset. Lex’s words were quite harsh (though not any harsher than hers have been in the past), and given her true feelings for Lex it’s not surprising she was hurt so deeply by them. Of course, this also proves how much she really does care for him because only those you care about can hurt you that much. So there. Now she just needs to accept it and move forward – with Lex.

*meanders to Chapter 9*

JosiCuervo
15th December 2005, 21:08
Chapter Nine

Her feelings had transformed over those months from the mild schoolgirl crush she’d had at the beginning. At the end of that summer, she’d felt connected to Lex. Close to him. Like they had a real bond, one that meant something.

And so, as she lay in bed the night before, she’d finally had to admit to herself that she wasn’t just angry at him for using her in the past, for proving that everything they’d experienced had been nothing. She was hurt. Very hurt. Crushed by that kind of betrayal.
Having had my heart crushed a time or two (Yes, I’m cynical from experience) I can understand how Chloe would feel betrayed by Lex ditching her. Personally, I feel confronting the issue would be more productive than stewing over it, but that’s easier said than done. Poor Chloe. *drops head in hands* (I can’t believe I just thought that.)

So she wasn’t planning to talk to Lex at all this evening. Not because she was pouting, but because she was still too emotionally unsteady to confront him quite yet.
Shit. Whenever Chloe makes plans she always does the opposite of what she planned. Which works out well for the Chlexers. Good.

She’d gotten halfway across the room when someone grabbed her firmly by the arm.

Before she could react, she’d been propelled into the back hallway. And then into the room that functioned as the clothes closet.

Lex had pulled her in there. Both of his hands were now grasping her upper arms, the way he’d done more than once to her in the past—it felt like ages ago now.
*dance* I heart it when Lex gets all grabby. He can grab me anytime, anywhere…I wouldn’t struggle more than necessary.

“I want to set you straight on a few things,” he said in a rough murmur.

She blinked three times. Asked stupidly, “What?”

“You ran out yesterday before I could say anything else.” His fingers were tight on her biceps, intent without being painful.

Pulling herself together, she managed to narrow her eyes and say, “You didn’t seem to have much of anything to say to me yesterday.”

He gave a little, frustrated toss of his head. “That was yesterday. Chloe, listen to me today.”
Yes, now shut the frig up and listen to him! Heh. My heart for Lex really is a tad unhealthy. I think I may need some therapy. *swoons*

Lex twisted his lips. “Let’s not forget that you were happy to forget me too. Did you ever try to sustain our friendship after that summer?”
He has a valid point. Whether Chloe wants to accept it or not.


Suddenly, she was so infuriated that she had to clench her hands to keep from slapping him. She jerked out of his touch, taking a few steps back to get some distance between his body and hers. “That’s crap! You were so obsessed that day that everything else was meaningless. My life was meaningless to you.”

He took a step toward her. Cupped her cheek with one hand. “Your life has never been meaningless to me.”
Guh. I have to revel in this moment because I know it’s not going to last long. *relishes moment* Okay…I’m ready for Chloe to muck it up…

There was a long moment of silence. Then Lex said, his voice holding a different resonance. “If I’m not mistaken, then it is my life that has now become meaningless to you.”

“What?” she sputtered, twirling back to him in her shock.

His face was tight and controlled now, and his eyes were narrowed. “Are you going to pretend that you haven’t been working against me for the last few months?”

She had been. With Lionel, of all people. She had been that furious, betrayed, and wounded by Lex. Had lashed out in the only way she could. Had protected herself—and Clark—by the only means she had available. Biting her lip, she mumbled, “Only after you started to work against me first.”
These two are worse than five year olds. I hate it when people miss out on friendships because it was just easier to walk away. It’s such a waste.

He shook his head and turned away from her, his face exhausted and burdened and sad. “I don’t know what else to say. You’re determined to see me in only one way.” He swallowed so hard that she could see the motion in his throat. “I’ve always expected that kind of prejudice from the rest of the world.”

Chloe was choking. Suffocating. Washed by waves of heat and dizziness.

Lex concluded, “I never expected it from you.”

It was just like the day before. Her eyes were burning. Her throat was suffocated with a painful lump of emotion. She was so close to tears that the slightest motion would let them loose.

She felt so much like she’d betrayed him. But it had always been the other way around.
She did betray him. By acting like Clark and believing the worst of him all the time. By never giving him the benefit of the doubt and assuming rather than asking him for the truth. By pretending to despise him instead of confronting her own feelings of hurt and betrayal. Hypocrites totally suck.

This is my favorite chapter so far because it’s the first moment of real progress for Chloe and Lex. And I hope her recent realizations will totally ruin her date with that dildo, Matt. *cackles*

*ambles to Chapter 10*

lexchloe
15th December 2005, 22:02
Loved the last few updates of the story and the continuing growth of the feelings between Chloe and Lex.


And into that strange, pregnant silence a little, childish voice broke through, “Lex, why did you stop reading?”

And Chloe’s breathless surprise changed in a flash to agonized self-consciousness. Both she and Matt turned to look in Lex’s direction, but when her eyes fell on him—seated on the floor with Wesley—he was focused on the book and had once again begun to read.

Nothing in his voice or posture evidenced anything being wrong. But Chloe knew he was tense. Knew he had seen Matt kiss her.

And she felt horrible. And embarrassed. And guilty for no reason at all.
Everything was so strange and confused with Lex that even her relationship with Matt was getting messed up.


Hmm, interesting. I wonder why Lex was so distracted by Chloe and Matt kissing? It's starting to look like Lex's feelings for out blonde reporter are a lot more than meets the eye. Can't wait to see them come out in the open.


She and Lex were friends now, which should have made things better. But Chloe realized that things had been so intense and conflicted between them that a casual friendship would take some time to work into.
But they would get there. She admitted to being attracted to him, but she didn’t want anything more. He was too hard a man to deal with.

Everything would always be complicated and dubious with him.
Things would be so much easier and simpler with Matt. And that’s what she would choose.

As if any of that mattered anyway.

Lex had feelings for Lana. Chloe knew that. Everyone knew that. He was probably just working through the conflicted feelings between him and Chloe the same way she was. That was probably why he’d gotten tense when he’d seen her kissing Matt.

He didn’t look jealous or angry right now. Not swept with powerful feelings. Just . . . awkward.

Chloe wished Lex hadn’t seen the kiss.

She gave Matt a flustered smile and said she had to go the bathroom.

She was able to escape then and pull herself together.
This was normal. Things would be weird with Lex for a little while, but then they’d settle down.

Hopefully, they’d settle down within the month.

I love Chloe but she really is trying too hard to convince herself to not to have feelings for Lex and that a normal realtionship with Matt is what she really wants. She's fighting a losing battle though and it's only a matter of time *8 days to be exact :D * before she gives into the Lex love. can't wait for the next one.

JosiCuervo
15th December 2005, 23:57
Chapter Ten

But she had kept thinking about Lex.
VO: And in her thoughts, he was naked…gloriously and impressively naked…and quite ready to indulge in some naughty, naughty behavior… :yeahbaby: *ehem* Oh, wait. That’s what I’m thinking. Heh. Sorry. Carry on.

“I think we have to be careful,” Matt had replied, reflectively. “He’s good at pretense and manipulation, and he knows how to turn on the charm. But, still, he’s done very well in his work at the center.”
All this ‘we’ shit is starting to piss me off. First Clark and now dildo Matt. Psh, whatever.

“Yeah,” Chloe had repeated. After thinking a while, she had added, “What do you think he did to get probation?”

Shaking his head, Matt had responded, “I don’t know. But it couldn’t have been too bad or he wouldn’t have gotten such a good deal.”
Ha! I still don’t believe he’s there on probation. There’s no way it wouldn’t be in the papers – no even money can stop the feed of those rabid dogs.

Before she left her dorm room, she glanced over at Lana’s bed. Lana was asleep, her mouth hanging open a little.

It made Chloe’s throat ache a little bit—to know that Lex probably had feelings for her friend. Something about the idea seemed so . . . wrong. And it wasn’t just because Lana seemed to belong so clearly to Clark. Lana was just all wrong for Lex—in almost every way.
Ick. I hate Lana. She just sucks. And Chloe shoulda put a dildo in her mouth or something. I would’ve done it…

“Then believe me.” Lex turned to face her, reached out to put a hand on her shoulder, then pulled it away as if he’d decided he shouldn’t touch her. “I’ve told more than my share of lies in my life, and I’m not going to pretend I never have an underlying agenda for certain things that I do. But I never pretended to be your friend as a way to use you to get what I wanted.” His blue-gray eyes were compelling, mesmerizing. “Everything that happened between us during the months of preparation for my father’s trial was genuine.”
Um. Off-topic comment: I think you should write a smutlet about the months of preparation for Lionel’s trial. Plsthx.

But she felt more settled than she had all month. Not happy, really. But more at peace. And aware of a little flare of something she recognized as hope.

It wasn’t much. But it was something.

And maybe it would grow.
Into lust. Stellar idea. Glad I thought of it.
;)
*dashes to Chapter 11*

JosiCuervo
15th December 2005, 23:57
Chapter Eleven

His mouth twisted. “Well, who knows? Maybe you’ll get to have a heart-to-heart with someone at the next home. Estelle Larson,” he read off the directions in his hand. “Just two blocks down this street.”
Hey, is she any relation to Matt Larson? Er. Or am I just confused again…or still? That dildo had better not be pawning his elderly grandmother off on strangers. *grumbles*

“Don’t be snide,” Chloe chided. Darting a glance up at his cool face, she teased, “Don’t you want to touch someone’s life?”
No. He wants to touch your boobies. Heh.

Before she could look away or control her expression, Lex’s eyes shifted over to her face. He must have caught the strange softness in her eyes, because his brow furrowed and he peered at her questioningly.

Feeling suddenly shy again, Chloe looked quickly away from him. Took a deep breath and shifted in her chair, careful not to slop the remains of her tea.
I’m please Lex caught her gazing at him with such warmth. It’s very sweet.


Stella grinned at them maternally. “You make such a lovely couple.”

Chloe’s eyes widened, and she felt a strange tension in her chest, even as her cheeks flushed with more embarrassment than the situation warranted.
She overreacts because she wants to be a couple. She wants to be that close with Lex, she just hasn’t accepted it yet.

“You okay?” Lex asked after a minute. “You looked a little . . . hot in there.”

Chloe jerked her head to the side and glared at him. “What is that supposed to mean?”
That translates to, he wants to rip your clothes off and fuck the daylights out of you because you just smokin’ hot. Heh. Just beggin’ for some lovin’…

Chloe opened her mouth but couldn’t seem to speak. She felt sick all of a sudden, and the noise, stench, and cramped quarters made her a little dizzy.
I would totally lose it if I ever walked in on that kind of scene. The entire thing gives me the creeps and I’m appalled that people actually live like that. My anal retentiveness would just go crazy and they’d have an OCD psycho on their hands. Ick.

She shouldn’t expect miracles. After all, this was only the first day they had really tried to be friends. They were doing pretty good. And tomorrow would probably be easier.

They had the whole rest of the month to work on it.
Yes, they have the rest of the month to keep torturing me with the lack of smut. *sighs* I’m not sure how much more of this I can take. I’m suffering from withdrawals.

*staggers to Chapter 12*

JosiCuervo
15th December 2005, 23:58
Chapter Twelve

Chloe sniffed. “Well, I didn’t know until a half-hour ago myself. Stop whining. I’m sure you can afford a new suit if you get paint on that one.”

Lex loosened his silk tie and pulled it off. Then started to take off his suit jacket. “That’s very comforting. Thank you very much.”
*snicker* I love Lex’s humor in this. He’s the berriest.

For some reason, Chloe found herself staring as she watched him remove his jacket. Then she stared even more as he began to unbutton his shirt.

Lex appeared to be disrobing in front of her.
*cheers* Woohoo!! Take it off baby! *checks rating again* Damn. Now you’re just teasing me again. *sighs* It just doesn’t seem right.

He was now wearing black socks, a worn pair of faded blue jeans that fit remarkably well, and the white T-shirt.

Chloe blinked at him speechlessly. The T-shirt emphasized his chest and shoulders, and the jeans emphasized his trim hips and butt. And the socks . . . she’d never seen him not wearing shoes before.
*gulps* I’m not really sure how I feel about Lex in jeans, but MR in jeans is enough to make me sweat, so I’m in Rosenheaven with this image. I want one.

“I see. But why does it have to be an under-the-sea theme? Isn’t that rather clichéd? Surely we can do better than that.”

“Clichéd?” Chloe exclaimed in indignation. “It is not! It’s a perfect theme. I’d like to hear you make a better suggestion.”
I’m with Lex, an under-the-sea theme is clichéd and tired. Personally, I think they should just strip down naked and do body painting. That’d be fun. *nods emphatically*

“Ha!” Chloe objected, starting to enjoy this argument more than she should. “That’s a horrible idea. And just like a boy to make it. A lot of girls don’t like cars.”
Hmph. I like cars…

Scowling at him resentfully, she gritted out, “It will do, I suppose.” To avoid his self-satisfied smile, she scooted over closer to the octopus. Studied it carefully for a minute.

Then felt a wave of malicious delight wash through her. “Ha!” she exclaimed exultantly. “And you call yourself a genius.”

“Uh,” Lex began mildly. “I’ve never called myself a genius.”

Chloe ignored this irrelevancy. “I can’t believe it,” she gloated. “Lex Luthor painted an octopus with only seven tentacles!”
Bwahahaha! Even the glorified genius forgets how to count sometimes! Now I don’t feel nearly as bad about my own miscalculations.

And she kept gazing in an intensifying warm daze when he raised his hand and rubbed at the spot of paint on her cheek with his thumb.

He must have gotten the paint off with the first stroke of his thumb, but he kept stroking her cheek afterwards, his eyes suddenly so soft that Chloe became flushed and breathless.
Wow. I’m feeling slightly breathless myself. Heheh. See, I’m so desperate for some smut, even the tiniest of provocation has me salivating for more.

Which was all irrelevant anyway, since she knew that he would never be seriously interested in her.

He had feelings for Lana, after all. She knew that. Everyone knew that.
Goddamn it. Quit with the Blana shit! As if Chloe would really truly believe that Lex would want that vapid, selfish creature. As if. Someone please give Chloe a clue.


All in all, it wasn’t a bad evening—despite that one strange, awkward moment with Lex.

In fact, it was one of the best days Chloe had spent at the center yet.
It would’ve been better if they’d done the naked body painting…IMO…

*creeps to Chapter 13*

Zannie
16th December 2005, 00:43
Hey, is she any relation to Matt Larson? Er. Or am I just confused again…or still? That dildo had better not be pawning his elderly grandmother off on strangers. *grumbles*

*cackles* That's hilarious. I just randomly picked a last name for Stella and went with the first one that came to mind, stupidly not realizing I'd already used it in the story. But I almost like your theory better. Heheh.

GivenToFly
16th December 2005, 00:58
Lex nodded thoughtfully. “It’s black-tie, yes.” He reflected for a moment. “You could wear that dress we were admiring yesterday. It’s still in the clothes closet.”Whoo! I knew that dress would be put to good use :)

Hmmm, now I'm wondering if Lex donated those fancy clothes...

chril1
16th December 2005, 01:19
i love this story, dont i always though, i never knew about this thing though '02 is before my time

lea
xxx

hfce
16th December 2005, 04:09
Day 16:

Chloe when will you learn the more you try to talk yourself into something the more you know its not right. Matt is a cluess idiot. If seeing Lex react the way he did when you guys kissed doesnt give you a clue that he is interested. Than I have no hope for you. :rolleyes: Chloe dear he is interested in you why can't you see that..... :wth:


Hope ;)

lj715
16th December 2005, 04:17
Ch16:

Clever Lex, very clever. If Matt askes Chloe out for one day, Lex askes her out for another day. Her "date" with Lex is gonna be so much better than her date with Matt. This story is starting to kill me. I almost want to bop Chloe on the head & scream " You like him! He likes you! Make with the romance!" Can't wait for ch17.

Norah
16th December 2005, 04:30
I caught up on the last few chapters and I love them!!! I love how they're getting closer and getting over their problems and that it's not happening overnight since that wouldn't be believable at all! Lex is tricky with the dress and then the date! He's going to get her however he can! I can't wait for the party tomorrow!!! :grin3: :grin3:

Reese
16th December 2005, 07:42
Well, now. Isn't that interesting? Lex just happens to need a date to a black tie event right around the same time that lovely just dress just happens to show up at the center.

And it just happens to be her size and color?

*shrugs* Okay, so the world is full of coincidences. Really, weird time-and-apparel appropriate coincidences that happen to revolve around a man who has the scheming ability to make "coincidences" happen if he so desires.

Hmmm. :wth:

So now I'm just waiting for Chloe to clue in on what her body is already telling her: Matt isn't the one. You get butterflies and the like when you're about to see Lex but not the guy you're going on a date with? This, my dear friend, is not a good sign.

At least, not as far as Matt is concerned ;)

And so now we're going to get Lex and Chloe at a formal event? No Matt, no kids, no work in sight? Will their be drinks? Dancing? Compliments on her appearance?

Oh my, this has potential :yeahbaby:

Reese

AnonymousMouse
16th December 2005, 17:05
I really love the fic, every morning it's the first thing I read, seriously, I eat my breakfast to it, but I want the chapters to be longer, have been blessed with your longer chapters in your other stories that I feel these are too short, but that's okay cuz I love it anyway!!

can't wait for their date, as "friends", yeah right!!

hfce
17th December 2005, 02:31
So no part 17 today huh? ;)


Hope ;)

Julie
17th December 2005, 04:26
Lol, don't poke me Hope :P Blame my friend Rikke for introducing me to japanese dramas! They're addicting!

Chapter 17 and icon uploaded :)

lj715
17th December 2005, 04:59
Ch17:

Oh....My....God!!!!!!! Holy cow that was the best chapter yet. I think still have a smile plastered on my face.
I could just picture those two @ the party & the kiss under the misltoe. Sigh. I think Chloe is starting to believe that something, beside friendship, could be happening between her & Lex. I can't wait until tomorrow's chapter.

hfce
17th December 2005, 05:17
Yes you updated thanks Jules. Don't worry I will continue to poke you when you are late. :rofl:

Part 17:

I so loved this chapter. It is the beginning of the Chlex romance. The fact that she at the end of this has a glimmmer of things changing between them. Tells me the romance has begun. Chloe and Matt won't know what hits once Lex sweeps her off her feat and he will do it with style. :D


Hope :blinkkiss

Reese
17th December 2005, 07:24
Chapter Seventeen:

*sigh* Lovely...just lovely.

I agree with Hope that this seems to signify a change between them. Chloe seems more open to the idea that maybe...just maybe...they're not only friends but something possibly more and I just don't think Lex's actions could be read any other way.

*shivers* Whoa. Still getting chills from not only the kiss at the party but the near-kiss by her car.

Sooo looking forward to tomorrow. I just hope Chloe keeps on this path and doesn't decide to throw it in reverse.

Reese

Madison_Writer
17th December 2005, 07:26
I seriously love this story. Well done Zannie!

hfce
18th December 2005, 02:12
Looks under the bed, looks under the cover, looks under the pillow. Nope part 18 is not up yet. Oh well I will go sit in the corner and eat my popcorn :popcorn: while its getting ready. :grin3:


Hope :P

Sandi
18th December 2005, 05:04
{Lana:} “Yes. Not directly. But he’s basically told me. And he’s made it clear in so many ways. And when he kissed me . . .”

Chloe started to gag.
Perfectly understandable and normal reaction to that image in my opinion....for every person :D


I just love this story and reading the new chapter every day is something I've grown to really look forward to...so thanks for this great fic, Zannie and also thanks to Julie for creating the advent calendar and to Charminjen for the icons and the wallpapers. All the hard work you've put into it is greatly appreciated :)

lj715
18th December 2005, 05:19
Ch18:

My heart almost jumped @ the thought that Chloe might be realizing there was something more than friendship between her & Lex & then Lana shows up. I can't stand the fact that Lana can make Chloe feel so insecure. Why is she listening to her @ all? I hope Lex can help Chloe get over those insecurities. Can't wait for Ch19. Love this story.

hfce
18th December 2005, 05:39
Part 18:

Yeah I should have stopped at chapter 17. That was a painful chapter. I f'ing hate Blana. And Chloe God why can't you actually get Lex's side? Why can't you ever hear his side? Why must you let other people poison you against him. God!!!! :rolleyes:


Hope :wth:

Blaire023
18th December 2005, 06:50
1.

Matt laughed and squeezed her shoulder, and Chloe tried not to giggle hysterically out of pure giddiness.


Oh, yeah...we've all been there, done that. I like seeing Chloe giggly and giddy though, even if it isn't for Lex...yet...

2.


Lex quirked his mouth. “Very well done. You’ve made it quite clear that this duty is involuntary and unpleasant to you. I’ve been very properly put in my place.”

Well, no one has ever dubbed Lex a slow person. it's a good sign that he knows how to read her, right? i mean, that means he's paying attention, right? and he like...knows her and stuff, right? RIGHT?!


“Make sure you don’t. Because I’m not a helpless victim you can push around. You’ll find I’m a very different person than Lana.” Lana was Chloe’s roommate now and kept her informed on some things Chloe otherwise wouldn’t have know. Some things that her stomach rumble with dread. Sniffing disdainfully, she turned her back on Lex.

Heard him murmur, “Oh, believe me, I know that.”

things like that that make me wanna just reach into a fic and hug chloe. could you just imagine, though? always being compared to the epitome of perfect. stupid men! although i've come to learn in fics when lex says that he's actually putting down lana, cuz she's shallow and vapid and stupid and he wants to smash her brains in with a blunt weapon...perhaps even a shoe...ow...how hard do you think he'd have to hit her with a show before her head was mashed to bits? that'd be hard. *nods* yep. *looks around* what? i'm just saying....nevermind...



She hated him. And she hated him more now than she had yesterday. And probably would hate him even more tomorrow.

It was only going to get worse. Each day she’d hate him even more.

yep, keep telling yourself that. the only time someone spends that much time hating someone is when they're secretly in love with that someone. unless we're talking about lana...then it's just genuine hatred...

loved this chapter, loved the sputtering and the starting the sentence and not finishing and how he got her all tongue tied and his little come backs about matt. yep, that's right, get her where it hurts...hee, my mind just went in the gutter... *waves buh bye to mind and watches it float away*

Blaire023
18th December 2005, 07:12
3.


She’d never seen any pantry looking so spotless before.

It made her decidedly grumpy.

for some reason this was my favorite *lines* of this chapter. notice i didn't say fave part because well...that come later on. but i love how she was "decidedly grumpy" because lex proved to be good at household chores.


Good. He should be on guard. She wasn’t someone he could take advantage of or play around with. “Not toward the wealthy,” she snapped. “Just toward you.”

^that^ followed by


She choked. “You hadn’t thought? You hadn’t thought?” Her words were growing a little shrill, so she swallowed over them. Took a deep breath. Continued stoically. “You hadn’t thought I might resent you? After you drag me by force down to the cave during the meteor shower, at the risk of my life? After you bully me for information that I don’t have, and threaten me if I don’t tell you? After you treat me like nothing . . . like I’m absolutely meaningless? After you ignore my existence for a year—after I risked my life to help you? After you refuse to give my father back his job—despite all we’ve done for you—leaving us scraping to make ends meet? After the way you’ve treated Clark and Lana? You really don’t think I’d resent you?”

that part was just incredible. it was about damn time she got it all out in the open. if she hadn't done it...i would have found a way to do it. not that that's at all possible, but i woulda...uh huh...would to!


“I mean it. It was like a monster-spider.”

excellent cover story, chloe. *rubs hands together evilly* excellent.

Reese
18th December 2005, 07:14
Ugh.

I do my best not to hate Lana most of the time but it took a lot out of me not take a swing at her when she was saying those things to Chloe. I mean, seriously, who talks like that? Who can be such a mixture of "innocence" and arrogance all rolled into one?

Granted, I know these people exist and I can't even stand them in real life so there's no way I can tolerate it in fic...no way. And especially when it absolutely rains all over Chloe's lovely little Chlex Parade she was having in her head that morning.

So now I really am ready to have this whole Lex/Lana thing cleared up once and for all. And by that I mean I'm ready for Lex and Chloe to actually talk about it rather than Chloe always taking a third party's perspective as fact on the matter.

And, considering today's date, I don't think we're too terribly far off from that happening...

*starts to do a little happy dance at the idea*

Reese

Blaire023
18th December 2005, 07:14
4.

haha! the little boy! and the marker!

lmfao!:rofl:

oh man, that was just great.

and oh, OH! how lame is dude? "oh, chloe, i can't be all suave cuz mr baldie is watching."

jeez, what a lame-o.

GivenToFly
18th December 2005, 10:10
Oh, I just adored chapter 17. Chapter 18, on the other hand...yeah, maybe I shouldn't have read it... :P I kid, I kid. I actually loved it, but my reaction was as follows:


“I’m pretty sure he has feelings for me. I think he has for a long time.”Oh Lana, you didn't just say that.


“Yes. Not directly. But he’s basically told me. And he’s made it clear in so many ways. And when he kissed me . . .”He what!? Oh Lana, please stop talking.


"...He’s so intense it’s like he hypnotizes you. There was this one time, he took my face in his hands . . .”Seriously, shut up.


“I’ve suspected it for a long time. He’s always been particularly sweet with me. And he confides in me about things he never tells anyone else. I haven’t known what to do about it. I don’t want to break his heart.”Oh, would you PLEASE just shut it...

...and so on.

At the end, I had the desire to: (1) Give Chloe a giant hug, (2) throttle Lana, (3) and swat Lex repeatedly (Why, Lex, WHY!?). Hopefully he has a good explanation.

LaLa
18th December 2005, 12:22
wow! I feel so bad for Chloe (and that biotch Lana that strolls in her room to crash everything argh! die Lana die!) and Lex, we can see that is hoping so much , I don't know...it's just...heartbreaking!
yeah, that story is for now, heartbreaking but, a good kind of heartbreaking!
You made me a sap lol
God after I read a chapter I turn cold turkey till the next one lol
can't wait for the 19th lol
xoxo LaLa

Kit Merlot
18th December 2005, 15:53
Zannie, Chapter 18 killed me!

You have captured Lana's self-absorption perfectly. She doesn't actually mean to hurt Chloe, but she is so self-involved that she can only see how things relate to her.

And you've again captured how we all feel about the very idea of Lex having genuine, romantic feelings for Lana--the need to puke.

Excellent work, my friend:grin3:

lexchloe
18th December 2005, 19:12
Part 17: Wonderful, wonderful!!! Yay kissage *mmmhhh mistletoe* and Lex being all charming and Chloe feeling the hope.

Part 18: Thanks a bunch Lana for killing Chloe's hope. I know it wasn't intentional but that girl has her head stuck so far up her own butt that unless it's about her she's oblivious to other people's emotions. Poor Chloe, hate that she lost the hope *Chloe you're awesome (much x infinity, better than Blahna) and Lex would be lucky to have you so stop being so down on yourself :nono: *especially since it seems so clear to us that Lex is feeling what she is.

Loved that he could tell she'd been crying, cos little details like that show that he feels way more for her than Matt does. Heartbreaking/excellent update and can't wait for the next part.

PMD
18th December 2005, 19:55
Part 18:

Yes, Chloe, you aren't like the women that Lex has dated before but remember how badly that turned out. He needs a change---the Hazel Fury is just what he needs, girlfriend. :)

Thanks for a wonderful chapter, sweetie. And might I add---at least Lana doesn't feel that way about Lex---and I have this funny feeling he doesn't either. As far as I'm concerned---he's a jerk if he does. And blind as a bat not to see what's in front of him---although he probably figures he can manipulate Lana better than Chloe.

Can't wait for more. :)

Reese
19th December 2005, 01:58
Chapter 19:

OH! This might be my favorite chapter yet! Granted, I've probably said that before but this time trumps that time!

Lex and Wesley. Lovely. I'm glad you've continued that interaction throughout the fic. When Lex snuck him the extra cookie...and then gently moved him out of the way of the bigger kids? Precious. Downright precious. And your description of Wesley as Lex's pint-sized shadow and how he adores him and follows him around...and how Lex doesn't mind? Just too cute.

And I also just want to mention how much I enjoyed Lex asking about the bio exam. Not a big thing for most but for some reason that line really struck me. I might have even let an "Ahhh" escape me in response. I love any fic where Lex really *notices* Chloe. Not just wants her or can tell when she's scared or any of that but when he seems to be the only one who is paying enough attention to her to actually know her, if that makes any sense.

And the kiss? *melts* Not only did I get wrapped up in the heat of the moment (it was just written so well I could *feel* it!) but I also got a little choked up at Chloe's reaction afterwards, still thinking it was all fake and that she'd done the worst thing possible: fallen in love with Lex. Instead of my usual frustration I feel with Chloe when she pulls away from him like that, this time I felt sympathetic and a little bummed on her behalf. I could imagine what a letdown it would be after a kiss like that to "realize" you were deluding yourself all along.

So now? Now I'm dying to see what happens next!

Man, you'd think one update a day would be enough...but apparently not!

Reese

lj715
19th December 2005, 02:58
Ch19:

Wow, great chapter! Loved so much; the relationship between Lex & Wesley, Chloe finally realizing that Matt=Clark, & the kiss. Holy cow! But, then I really was angry @ Chloe for not talking with Lex & leaving on him . Can't wait for tomorrow's chapter.

Blackberry
19th December 2005, 03:54
Ch19:

God, I wanted to cry at the end. Her panic, her fear and everything..... gah!

The kiss.... My heart is palpitating.

How I don't think I'll last.... >_< wahh and I won't be here on the last two days!!!! damn....late birthday present i guess... *sniff sniff*

I can't want for tomorrow already.... haha...

hfce
19th December 2005, 04:33
Chap 19:

Man all I can do is :puppydog: he needs to go after her.


Hope :(

Kit Merlot
19th December 2005, 05:00
Zannie, chapter 19 ROCKED!!

Good for Lex for being so wonderfully attentive: he remembered Chloe's bio exam, he could tell she was upset (he even recognized that she had been crying in the last chapter), and he stopped her from running away and got her to tell him what was wrong.

And he kissed her--Good man:D

Now, he just needs to convince her to give them a chance;)

And I did like that Chloe realized how Clark-esque Matt is. She is so smart:grin3:

Excellent work.

slayer44
19th December 2005, 06:45
That chapter was one of the most sad and happeist so far! I was in 'awwwww' with Lex and Wesley :D:D.
And that kiss! OMG, that was incredible! Now I'm all excited for tomorrow.

Krysia
19th December 2005, 07:00
My heart breakes for Chloe. It almost made me cry when I was reading about the kiss. Poor thing seeing all those floozies and not being able to enjoy the special moment. She has so much emotional baggage and now she's all confused, about her feelings about his feelings. She just realized she could never be happy with Matt and she is almost convinced that Lex could never love her. I wonder what Lex is thinking. How he's explaining to himself her reactions. Everything would be so simple if they just talked to eachother.

lexchloe
19th December 2005, 14:44
Today's update was just awesome. Really good build up with Chloe's feelings and her realisations about her relationships with Matt and Lex. The image of Lex with Wesley following him around is just so adorable.



Lex looked guarded but still a little confused. “Why does it have to be fake?”

Chloe actually sputtered. Couldn’t believe he was being so dense. “Why? Lex, you were there too! Do you think that kind of thing happens normally? I don’t spend my evening dancing with . . .” She almost slipped up and said “the man of my dreams,” but managed to catch herself in time. “ . . . billionaires. I don’t go to glittering holiday parties and wear pretty ball gowns. There’s no way we’d ever date for real. I mean, look at you. And look at me. We’re as different as possible, not to mention all the issues we’ve had between us. It’s a miracle we’re even friends. And then kissing under the mistletoe . . . I mean, God, what could be faker or more hackneyed than that? It wasn’t a real kiss, and I’ve just been confused because . . . I mean . . . It’s just that . . . the edges are blurring between the real and the fake.”

His eyes had narrowed a little as she’d rambled on in that embarrassing fashion. “You mean you can’t tell the different between what’s real and what’s not?”

“Yes,” she cried in relief. “That’s it exactly. That’s why I’ve been acting so weird. But things will settle down soon and we’ll be back to normal. It was just that fake kiss . . . and everything . . . and the kiss was confusing and . . . fake . . .”

At this point I was reading with bated breath hoping for the best and then....



Her voice had faded into nonsense. But it didn’t matter. Because Lex had suddenly taken her face between his hands.


Her lip dropped open and she stared up at him. Watched as his face lowered toward hers.

And then he was kissing her. Really kissing her.

Like last time, his lips pressed into hers gently. Lightly brushed across them. And then pushed a little harder.

Chloe was so shocked she froze. Then clutched at his shirt for support. Had no idea what was happening, but felt overwhelmed and ecstatic all at once.

And then Lex was using his tongue. Slipping it across the line between her lips. Delicately back and forth. Until she was opening for him.
Before she knew it, his tongue was in her mouth. Stroking the inside of her lips. Then playing along the length of her tongue. And Chloe wasn’t frozen anymore. She was leaning into him, moving her mouth with his, starting to use her own tongue.

He was hard and hot and sweet all at once, and she felt tingles of pleasure saturate her body. One of her arms twined up around his neck; then her fingers started caressing the back of his smooth scalp. It was the most delicious feeling on her fingertips, and it mingled with all of the other sensations.

His mouth became more urgent, his lips and tongue a little more demanding. And Chloe felt a matching hunger in herself that she had no way to suppress. She was pressing against him everywhere. Fisting her hand in his soft shirt. And, as she sucked in air through her nose, she heard the most ridiculous whimper come from her own throat.
Lex replied with a husky moan into her mouth, and the sound sent shivers up and down her spine. She wanted to swallow him. Wanted to pull him inside of her so she would never have to let him go. Wanted to somehow make him an inescapable part of herself—in the most concrete and
visceral of ways.

Chloe felt like she was blazing, flaming, shivering with emotion and sensation. But finally Lex relaxed his mouth on hers. Pulled back just a little. Still had his hands on her face and was holding it as if it were precious. Murmured against her mouth, “Chloe.”

Afraid she was actually melting away, Chloe clung to him. Didn’t want to talk. Didn’t want to give up his mouth, so she tried to capture it back, making a noise that sounded like, “Hmm.”

He pressed his lips softly against hers a few times in response to the clinging of her lips. Then leaned his forehead against hers. “Chloe,” he repeated, his voice thicker than normal. “We should talk about this.”


:eek: :eek: + :wub: :wub: That was one hell of a kiss. If I wasn't sure about Lex's feelings for her before I'm sure now. Can understand Chloe's moment of panic since she thinks this is a one sided thing and that Lex is in love with Blahna but I also believe that she's thinking way too much about why they wouldn't work and all the negative stuff and that she should stop listening to what Clark, Lana.....etc are saying and start listening to what Lex is saying (or trying to say). Really great update and can't wait for the next one.

Julie
19th December 2005, 18:47
Lol... I feel sorry for you guys when this fanfiction ends. You're getting spoiled by this "part-a-day" thing :P Lol...

AlabamaWorley
19th December 2005, 19:21
Chapter 2:

Lex curled up his lip in distaste. “I’m hardly going to rethink my entire wardrobe simply because I’m doing a little volunteering here.”
Well of course, because God forbid you actually put some, you know, thought and effort into it.

Lex quirked his mouth. “Very well done. You’ve made it quite clear that this duty is involuntary and unpleasant to you. I’ve been very properly put in my place.”
Considering the previous quote, obviously a mutual feeling.

“Hmm. I’d say that reeks of hypocrisy. Considering your own reasons for volunteering here.”
Personally, I don't think it's quite even. He's using his punishment for publicity in an underhanded way. She's qiuetly crushing and working hard in the meantime.

Chloe choked on her outrage. Couldn’t think of a good answer.
Probably best to walk away anyway. Foot and mouth and all...

AlabamaWorley
19th December 2005, 21:11
Chapter 3:

Hopefully, he was lying to her. Hopefully, it had taken him until midnight to sort through the mess in the pantry.
Or maybe he called Rumplehousekeeperskin.

Finally, he cleared his throat. “There are some things you don’t know about a few of those situations. But I had no idea you’d take any of that personally.”
*snort* Someone's obviously not spent luch time around real people...

“I understand that you wouldn’t appreciate my taking you to the cave or not giving your father his job back. But why would it matter that I ‘ignored your existence’ and treated you like you were ‘meaningless’?”
Assuming he doesn't know about the reasons behind Chloe's hurt feelings (and considering he's just proved himself clueless in the realm of human emotion in the previous quote, we'll go with that), you'd think he might've started with "I'm sorry." But sure, turning it back on her works too. Jerk.

Lex hadn’t complained at all, which was too bad—because Chloe had been looking forward to chiding him for whining about the labor.
I suspect he might have complained more if she hadn't been messing up her pretty shirt too.

What a complete idiot! Acting like a silly, little girl and burrowing into Lex for safety.
Completely understandable. Big spider. It was time-out.

“Don’t you dare laugh at me,” she raged. “I mean it. It was like a monster-spider."
That should finish massaging his hurt feelings. Monster is just a word for her.

JosiCuervo
19th December 2005, 21:13
Chapter Thirteen

The whole setting generate a festive Christmas atmosphere that gave Chloe a childish little thrill.
I love the random holiday events that still give me childish little thrills. It’s such a nice feeling one can never get tired of it.

Maybe they were both just admiring her, she decided in a hot rush of recognition. It was a totally new feeling, but one Chloe could definitely get used to.
And the small thrill of being admired is something else one can never get tired of.

Lex’s eyes shot up, and his mouth fell open briefly. “I never said she wasn’t capable of succeeding,” he said, his voice a little rougher than usual. “Of course, she’s going to succeed. Only an idiot would think otherwise. I’m just saying that it might not be easy.”

Chloe let out the breath she hadn’t known she was holding and started to feel a little better. She still felt rather with Lex, but she realized now that his argument was not based on a lack of faith in her abilities.

It was simply based on his perspective on the world.

A perspective entirely different than Matt’s.
And since Matt’s perspective is that of a dildo, I’m with Lex on this one. Nothing crucial ever comes easily and one has to hope for the best and prepare for the worst every step of the way. Otherwise they’ll just be wounded by the first negative word.

He was still briskly sorting through his pile of paperwork as he said, “Things come easy for some people. Others have to fight tooth and nail for anything they achieve.”

And Chloe was flustered speechless again, as Lex articulated her own thoughts so perfectly that he might have just read her mind.

Matt furrowed his brow. “You certainly have a pessimistic attitude for one of the people for whom things always come easy.”

Chloe gasped, something clenching in her chest at his words. “Matt,” she began softly.

Then she fell silent when Lex raised his eyes again. He met Matt’s gaze steadily and said in a low, hoarse voice, “Not once in all my life has anything I’ve really wanted come easily.”
I love this interaction. Matt makes a false assumption based on Lex’ tax bracket and Lex quite smoothly takes him down a notch, introducing him to the taste his foot in the process. Very nice.

Chloe gulped and felt her eyes burn, for no reason that she could understand. But Matt had hit a nerve in Lex, and something about it made her want to cry. Made her want to hug Lex. Or hold him.

She wanted to soothe and protect him—even though he was cold and distant, nothing vulnerable at all revealed in his eyes.
And I’m with Chloe on this one. I’d like to hug Lex, and hold him and soothe him and protect him and…Heh… <insert lewdness here>

She finally concluded that of naturally Matt wouldn’t see Lex as a threat. Because Lex would never be interested in Chloe. This much must be obvious to everyone.

Thus Lex wasn’t a threat to Matt at all.
I think it’s the other way around. Matt is not a threat to Lex because Matt is gay. And Matt would sooner consider Chloe a threat because they both like to ogle Lex’s goodies – as do I – on a regular basis.

“But sometimes I do get what I want,” he added, his voice edged with that warmth that was so rare and so appealing. “For instance, we’re friends again, aren’t we?”

Chloe nodded in a ridiculous stupor.

“So there you go,” he said, as if that proved his point. “It can happen. It just isn’t easy.”

It took a while for her befuddled mind to process what it was he was saying. But then she figured it out.

Being her friend was one of the things he’d really wanted. One of the things he’d had to struggle for but had ultimately achieved.

The idea made her really . . .happy.
*sighs* Of course it makes her ridiculously happy. What woman, in her right mind, wouldn’t be ecstatic to be on any form of Lex’s want list?

His brows pulled together again. “Was there something you wanted, Chloe?” The question seemed to have unusual significance.
Since you asked, yes there’s something I want. You. Naked. Now. Please. Thanks.


She hadn’t realized before just how big of a gap Lex had left in her life when he’d dropped out of it a year and a half ago. Now that he was a part of it again, her life felt fuller, richer, more complete.
I know something else that would make something else feel fuller, richer and more complete. Heh. Damn PG-13 rating… *mutters*

*dances to Chapter 14*

AlabamaWorley
19th December 2005, 21:38
Chapter 4:

But she hadn’t seen Matt yesterday. And she really could use his friendly smile and comforting presence.
Uh-oh. Using one boy to make you feel better about another is never a good plan.

A spider—no matter how horrible—was no excuse for completely losing her mind and clinging to someone as unpleasant as Lex.
I'm sorry, I'm going to have to disagree. I'd cling to Lionel himself if a big hairy spider was involved.

Either way, she had nothing to be embarrassed about. Obviously, Matt was feeling something for her. And Lex . . . well, it would do him good to see that someone found her attractive. That she had a full, whole life that had nothing to do with him at all.
Hmmm... I think it would do someone good to have Lex see that someone found her attractive, but I'm not sure it's Lex. Somehow, I doubt he's really surprised, even if he's not crushing on her.

Then Chloe was distracted—thankfully—by something she noticed in the hand of the boy who was standing behind Lex.

He was still holding a red marker. And the marker was uncapped.

And the boy was now drawing on Lex’s head.
Oh Zannie, you make me so happy sometimes...

Chapter 5:

Not that he ever really felt on her level. But, when Lex was dressed like this, she felt like a sloppy, little girl in her cargo pants and trendy top.

“Is there something about my wardrobe choice that annoys you?” Lex inquired lightly, his eyes alight with a glimmer of amusement.

Sometimes she kind of liked the amusement in his eyes, but this time it felt like he was laughing at her. “Why would I even care what you wear?”
Yes Chloe, why do you?

“It would be a shame to miss out on your daily grope with your white-bread do-gooder.”
Oooh... as it turns out, Lex is wearing green today...

JosiCuervo
19th December 2005, 22:26
Chapter Fourteen

The next day was Wednesday, and Chloe arrived to find the kitchen at the community center an absolute mess. Matt explained to her that the kids in the after-school program had made Christmas cookies to take home to their families.
I still don’t understand why they don’t make everyone clean up after themselves. It would make things a lot easier in the long run. Kids suck. Ew.

When she didn’t reply, Lex finally glanced over at her. At the sight of her intense, speaking gaze, he tensed up a little as if he were uncomfortable. “What’s that look for?” he demanded coolly, adjusting the crisp cuff of his blue dress shirt.

“Nothing,” she said, smiling broadly. “I was just saying how generous the anonymous person was.”

Lex nodded stiffly. “Very generous.”

“And,” she continued, peering at him through her eyelashes. “I hope whoever it is knows how much it is appreciated.”

“I’m sure whoever it is knows,” Lex murmured, moving past her to put another tray in the sink.

Chloe patted the dishwasher fondly. “It really means a lot to me.”

Finally, Lex started to chuckle. “Clearly. You seem quite attached to the appliance.”
If she gets that excited about a dishwasher I can only imagine how she feels about her vibrator. *snort* She must kiss that thing goodnight. (Ew.)

*ehem* Anyways, I love how Lex gets a little uncomfortable as Chloe keeps trying to get him to admit he’s the anonymous donor, and I’m glad he doesn’t crack under the pressure. Even though he’s a billionaire he still doesn’t try to openly buy her affections.

Deciding she better not keep staring, she turned around and pulled the full trash bag out of the big garbage can. “When you’re done,” she informed him, “You can take the garbage out to the dumpster.”

More grumbling. Then Lex said clearly, “And you call yourself a modern woman. Yet you rely on hackneyed gender roles about who should take the trash out.”
Well, I consider myself a modern woman, but I refuse to take the trash out. There’s nothing wrong with that. I also refuse to do laundry, so that makes up for it.

She turned back toward the door to go back into the center, and as she did the teenager called something out at her back.

His words were so vulgar and offensive that Chloe—who had never been a naïve innocent—was actually stunned when she heard them. She jerked to a stop for a brief moment, with the surreal shock at actually being in this situation.
I wanna know what he said that was so vulgar and offensive. Sadly, I’m the type of person who would get pissed off and turn around and probably end up in serious trouble. I tend to overreact. I can’t help it.

But none of that helped to fight back the panic. So she barreled toward the door, yanked it open, and threw herself inside.

Threw herself right into Lex’s arms.
Thank you vulgar, offensive teenager dude for putting Chloe into Lex’s arms. I feel better already.

Lex let her go and pushed his way out the backdoor, looking rather like a tiger on the prowl.
Yum. I heart prowly Lex. He can prowl me anyday…I can take it.

She gave up, gave into the embarrassment, and let herself lean into him. He was warm, and strong, and big. His voice was soothing, and he smelled delicious and familiar.

For a minute, she let herself indulge in the infinitely girly feeling of being comforted this way. Was a little disgusted with herself for the feeling, but not enough to pull away yet.
Every girl should indulge in being comforted by the likes of Lex Luthor. I would quite happily succumb to the girlyness of such a feat.

She pulled away a little. Bit out, “So says the man who dragged me by force to the caves in the middle of a meteor shower.”

Lex tensed up visible, and he frowned down at her impatiently. “Damn it, Chloe. Are you ever going to stop throwing that one day back in my face? I explained . . .”
Heh. It’s a woman’s job to never let a man forget his stupidity. And this is no exception.

Seeing her in his library. Seeing her. Had broken Lex’s lifetime of control.

There was something here that was important, but she still couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
*dance* G-E-T N-A-K-E-D -- Get naked! *dance*

Swallowing hard, she countered, “That’s what you told me before. Is it supposed to make me feel any better about your risking my life?”

He shook his head. Looked resigned. Defeated. “No. It’s just the truth.”

The words didn’t sound like Lex at all. No persuasive charisma, intense urgency, or slick manipulation. He’d mumbled the words out. Looked sad and embarrassed and so incredibly tired.

And for the first time in so long—in almost a year and a half—Chloe believed him.
*sighs* I love moments of clarity and this one is most stellar. Very well done.

*totters to Chapter 15*

AlabamaWorley
20th December 2005, 00:26
Bet I beat you Josi!

Just kidding, I'm a chapter behind you and I only have another half hour...

Chapter 6:

But that didn’t make it better. Because now she could smell Lex as much as she could feel him. She couldn’t identify the smell—but it was clean, and masculine, and costly.
At least it's not sardines.

Chloe could hear her calling out, and it sounded like the little girl was about to cry. Chloe was about to make a sound, when Lex coughed loudly.
Aw. I don't know if it was out of pity from his own damaged childhood or because he couldn't stand to be near the other kids any longer, but that was awfully nice of him.

“Are you going two going to get married?”

Chloe grunted in surprise, and she saw Lex’s mouth drop open. “Me and Lex?” she said, an embarrassing squeak in her voice.
Kids are so good at that stuff...

Chapter 7:
I really like the conversation between Clark and Chloe.


Matt asked her to do some grocery shopping for the center and to take Lex with her—mostly, though, because Lex’s presence annoyed Matt and he wanted him out of his hair.
So he sends Chloe away too? Jerk. It doesn't seem to me like Lex has been near Matt much at all.


“I’m fine,” she told him, feeling a little better now that she had this evidence that someone really knew and cared for her. “But maybe it doesn’t always have to be me.”
Um. Not that I'm saying Lex isn't a priah, but I'm pretty sure he was just trying to find out what was wrong with her before Matt even paid any attention.


“We had an anonymous donation this morning. Very generous. But it was for work in the kitchen. Specifically, new pipes—we’re getting all new plumbing, if you can believe it—and a professional-quality dishwasher.” Matt was grinning. “And it just happened out of the blue.”

“Oh,” Chloe said. Felt her heart drop into her stomach for the zillionth time that day.
Oops. But, throwing money at something doesn't make a you a good person. EVen if you do it anonymously.

Chloe seems to be spending a lot of time with her foot in her mouth this fic...

Chapter 8:

So, as she processed Lex’s presence, she had the uncomfortable realization that her butt was in the air, presenting an embarrassingly obvious target. And probably not a flattering one.
Well, that probably all depends on the preferences of the person looking, but that's neither here nor there...

Chloe let out a frustrated breath and tossed the shirt into the women’s pile with unnecessary force. Why was he being so stubborn? Couldn’t he tell she was trying to ease things between them? The least he could do was reciprocate.
I'm mostly on Chloe's side in this situation, but I can't back her here. She basically flew off the handle and said some really shitty things to him the day before with no provocation that he is aware of, and now she expects him to be fine and dandy with it? Keeping him at a distance is probably a good idea, but jerking him around and expecting him to follow, especially after causing a minor scene in the grocery store, is really asking a little much.

Damn it. She wasn’t supposed to be apologizing. Yes, she regretted what she’d said, but she wasn’t the only one in the wrong in this unbearable situation. Lex had a few things to apologize for too.
Yes he does. Apologizing for her behavior was definitely the high road there.

He sounded slightly bitter, but more amused than anything else. He snorted. Said, “Don’t overestimate your own importance, Chloe. You don’t mean enough to me to have hurt me.”
Oh good, I'm glad we're all being grown up about this. These two are a wreck.

She was stifling sobs as she hurried through the hallway. Heard Lex calling out, “Chloe!” behind her.
I hope he chokes on his apology.

Chapter 9:
I like Chloe's heart-to-heart with herself.

Pulling herself together, she managed to narrow her eyes and say, “You didn’t seem to have much of anything to say to me yesterday.”

He gave a little, frustrated toss of his head. “That was yesterday. Chloe, listen to me today.”
Oh Lord. I am itching to slap one of them. I don't even care which one.


Lex lowered his eyes. Muttered, “I was . . . out of control that day. But I never thought your life was actually in danger.”
I could almost believe that. He obviously thought putting Lana on a helicopter was a good plan, too.


He shook his head and turned away from her, his face exhausted and burdened and sad. “I don’t know what else to say. You’re determined to see me in only one way.” He swallowed so hard that she could see the motion in his throat. “I’ve always expected that kind of prejudice from the rest of the world.”

Chloe was choking. Suffocating. Washed by waves of heat and dizziness.

Lex concluded, “I never expected it from you.”
He sounds a whole lot like Clark now... "Lana, I can't tell you everything, but you just have to believe me..."

So, Chloe's in tears, and Matt doesn't even notice as he takes her hand? Really not digging this boy.

Chapter 10:


Before she left her dorm room, she glanced over at Lana’s bed. Lana was asleep, her mouth hanging open a little.
Is it wrong that this made me giggle?

After their very nice, calm, non-loony conversation about being friends, I feel like there was a hug missing, but that would have been cheesy. Glad it wasn't there.

Chapter 11:

She didn’t expect anything else at this point. As far as the center was concerned, she and Lex were joined at the hip
The center? Or Matt? He's a selfish boy, even if she never talks to Lex again, she should ditch that guy.


Chloe realized after just a couple of minutes that the woman must be lonely. She probably had very few people to talk to, so Chloe agreed when she was offered a cup of tea.
Since I have this new vendetta about Matt, I choose to believe Mrs. Larson is his grandmother that he's not even bothered to tell that he's in Metropolis and he leaves her there alone and lonley like the jerkface he is.

I htink it's funny when people feel the need to justify to complete strangers that they aren't a couple. Just let it go, Chloe... nice moment, though.


Shaking her head roughly, Chloe muttered, “I just don’t know why people have to live like that. We should have helped, or something.”

Placing his hand once more on the small of her back, Lex countered, “They wouldn’t have thanked you for coming in and trying to fix them, as if you were better than them.”

Chloe sneered, “That’s not what I meant. I just mean . . .” Her voice trailed off. “I wish I could do something.”
I don't know why this kind of offended me that she said that, but I definitely agree with Lex. She doesn't know those people, and granted, she's probably right about them, but still.

Chapter 12:


Lex aimed a questioning look in her direction. “Taking off my shirt so I don’t get paint on it. But I have a T-shirt on under it. No need to panic.”
Damn. I was just getting into that visual, too.

It just randomly occurred to me that she should have called Lana to help her with the art. Does Lana still draw, or are we past that evolution in her character?


She felt Lex moving behind her, and when he spoke, his warm, dry voice was right next to her ear. “Why are his eyes so big? He looks terrified. Are you going to paint a shark coming to attack him?”
That made me laugh. Poor Chloe. I'm sure it was much better than I could have done, anyway.

Then felt a wave of malicious delight wash through her. “Ha!” she exclaimed exultantly. “And you call yourself a genius.”

“Uh,” Lex began mildly. “I’ve never called myself a genius.”

Chloe ignored this irrelevancy.
More laughing. Excellent.

Chapter 13:

And then was startled to discover that both Matt and Lex were staring at her.

She dropped her eyes self-consciously and discreetly checked to make sure her clothes were in place and there was nothing embarrassing on her person for them to have seen.
Probably a covert bathroom break entering her mind, just to check her nostrils... I hate that feeling.


It figured Lex would mess things up for her—even if it were unintentionally.
Unintentional. Uh-hunh. And good for him, still don't like that new boy.


Chloe shrugged. “I know. But I’m at the bottom of the totem pole. I don’t mind. It’s great experience.”

“I’m not sure that answering phones and handing off stories to reporters is really relevant experience for you,” Matt remarked, his voice hesitant, as if he weren’t sure how she would react.
Oooooohhh.... I just figured out who I want to smack.


There were Lanas in the world. And there were Chloes.

And Chloes would never be Lanas.
Ugh. Thank God.


Chloe couldn’t decide if she was happy that Matt didn’t seem to view Lex as a romantic threat or if she wished he’d be a little jealous. She knew, of course, by now that Matt was interested in her, but sometimes a little bit of jealousy around other men was a nice proof of a man’s interest. He's not paying attention, Chloe. Sorry, but it's the truth.

Very nice interlude between them in the coat closet.

AlabamaWorley
20th December 2005, 00:52
Chapter 14:

Things between her and Lex shouldn’t be intense, shouldn’t be urgent, shouldn’t make her chest clench or her belly flutter.

They were friends . . . and so all they should be was friendly.
Yadda, yadda, yadda...


Chloe had talked Lex into getting on his hands and knees and scrubbing at the icky space between the refrigerator and the cupboards, where the monster spider had been lurking last week.
Good call. It's probably grown since then.


But she did it by herself. And felt a silly swell of pride at her little accomplishment.

Then a noise behind her startled her, and she whirled around to see what it was.
I was totally expecting a giant rat.


The only time she’d truly felt fear with Lex was when he’d found her in the Yukon. He’d seemed different. Foreign. Potentially dangerous. But eventually even that wary, predatory connection between them had faded, and he’d forgotten her again.

He always seemed to forget her eventually.
Incidentally, I'm still pissed that little thread of the plot went nowhere. It had potential.

I'm not sure about this bit with Chloe asserting her strength as a woman and immediately getting knocked back down into helplessish girliness, but it worked for the story, which I'm sure was the point. And really, who can complain about some good Lex chest snuggleage? I'm glad theyhad their little moment.

Chapter 15:

Chloe was still staring at the dress in awe. She wanted it. Viscerally. Potently. She could feel a bizarre sort of hungry need for the dress that she’d never felt for a piece of clothing before
I have a prom dress in my closet that I bought at the age of 22 and have worn once, for Halloween. I know exactly how she feels.

I'm a little suspcious of all the upscale clothes coming in.


As soon as Wesley saw Lex, he came over and timidly asked Lex to read to him. With a lift of his eyebrows, Lex agreed, and Wesley dragged him back over to the bookshelves.
Awww!


Matt looked a little sheepish, which was quite appealing on a guy, Chloe thought. “I thought maybe we could go over to the Plaza. They’re doing all the lights and Christmas music tomorrow evening. If you wanted to.”
I, for a moment, forgot they weren't in Kansas City. I spend too much time in the world of Smallville, I think...


And into that strange, pregnant silence a little, childish voice broke through, “Lex, why did you stop reading?”

And Chloe’s breathless surprise changed in a flash to agonized self-consciousness. Both she and Matt turned to look in Lex’s direction, but when her eyes fell on him—seated on the floor with Wesley—he was focused on the book and had once again begun to read.
Number one, poor Lex, and number two, not in front of the kids!!

Okay, I think I made good progress today, thanks to Bosshole being gone. I really like the way you're writing this. The day-to-day is nice, I kept thinking there were scenes we didn't see, and then realized it was all there. I also like the way you work the last sentence into the end of each chapter. It's all flowing very naturally to that ender, and it's cute.

hfce
20th December 2005, 02:16
Chapter 20:

That was so sad even after Lex explained she still won't let herself be happy. :(

SabaSun
20th December 2005, 02:44
:wub: :clapclap: I loved chapters nineteen and twenty. I was grinning like a maniac! It was SOOO wonderfully written. I'm totally jealous of your writing skills!

Grr. I'm not going to be able to get onto a computer until the 29th. :puppydog: I don't think I can go that long without Serving Christmas!

lj715
20th December 2005, 06:46
Ch20:

This chapter started out so right. Chloe told Matt that she didn't want to go out with him, Lex told Chloe he wasn't interested in Lana but still, Chloe isn't gonna let it happen yet. Lighten up Chloe, why are you so upset with what Lex was doing to Lana? She's never been a real friend to you. I'm gonna explode if she keeps this up. Can't wait for Ch21.

AlabamaWorley
20th December 2005, 23:04
Chapter 16:

Chloe decided she was going to take the weekend off from working at the center.

Her perspective was getting a little skewed from spending so much time there over the last few weeks, and she thought it would be a good idea to focus on some of the other things in her life.
That sounds like a very good plan.

“But,” Chloe gasped, “But we don’t go out. I’m going out with Matt.”
She needs to have a chat with her roomie about stringing along multiple men.

“Certainly not. I suppose you just want Larson to see you in your dress.”
And really, it won't hurt Lex any to have Matt see him pick fancy Chloe up in his fancy limo...

He smiled. “I would mind if he was trying to make a move on you. But he’s not. Right?”

Chloe sighed. Obviously, that was clear to everyone. Lex would never want to make a move on her. “Right.”

Shrugging, Matt concluded, “So it’s no problem. Nothing wrong with you helping out a friend. It’s probably one of those high-falutin’ parties, so it probably won’t be much fun for you. Those cocktail party things always seem boring to me.”
*sigh*

Chapter 17:

As soon as Matt saw her, his mouth dropped open and his eyes grew wide with admiration. “Wow,” he breathed, scanning her from head to toe in wonder. “You look spectacular. Like a movie star or something.”
Well color me speechless, he said the right thing for once.

“I might give you call,” he remarked, smiling warmly. “You look amazing.”
hello, shallow...

Chloe sucked in an outraged breath, jerking her hand out of his grasp. “Yes, I’m nervous, you idiot,” she gritted out. “There are a bunch of rich, stuck-up strangers in there, and I’m just a normal freshman in college. And you’re acting like a pompous jerk and not even being nice to me, so for all I know you’re going to abandon me in a corner and go hit on some sexy brunette. I’m doing you a favor, you asshole, so don’t treat me like some little kid who’s bugging you.”
How can she possibly have this many outbursts around the man and not realize he evokes a passionate response in her Dense, dense, dense...

Chloe snickered and didn’t even object to his choice of word. “I can’t believe you, Lex. Sulking because I wasn’t trembling with anticipation about my big night on the town with a billionaire.”
Wasn't she just grumping because he was being mean to her and not telling her she was pretty? What a pair.

They mingled for a while and Chloe discreetly scarfed down as many hors d’oeuvres as she could without people noticing. Lex did notice, but he seemed to find it amusing, since she kept catching him silently laughing with his eyes whenever she filled up her plate again.
Now I feel less bad about being excited about hors d'oeuvres for her. Food rocks, moreso when it's free.

By the third dance, she’d fallen into a kind of giddy haze. This felt like a daydream. Like she was Cinderella at the ball. She had this rich, charming man who was devoting his entire attention to her, and she was in a sparkling world of fairy lights and lush music. Wearing the most beautiful dress in the world.
And having consumed a lot of eggnog...

But she closed her eyes, and suddenly a series of images flashed before her. Clark—who could come between them. Lana—who already was between them. Matt, and Chloe’s choices, and her future, and her ideals. And every dark, dubious thing Lex had ever done.

Smallville, their history, their lives.

Everything was in between them.
Okay, I can get on board with most of that and understand why she's still wary, and commend her her strength, because Lord knows I'd have hauled him into the back of the limo and had my merry way with him. But Lana? And Matt? *grumbles*

pipersmum
21st December 2005, 01:49
No update yet Julie what am I to do??? I know go and make coffee in the hope that when I return part 21 will be up ;)

lj715
21st December 2005, 04:23
Ch21:

HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!! A light @ the end of the tunnel, a pot of gold @ the end of the rainbow! Their feelings are out in the open. How can Chloe resist Lex? She's just trying to make the best decision & I'm really glad Lex is gonna give her some time to do that. What a kiss! I was hoping that Matt would walk in on them though. Cannot wait for Ch22.

hfce
21st December 2005, 04:56
Chap 21: That was a great update!!!! Finally we got some progress. Yes Virginia there is a Santa Clause. :rofl: I am glad Chloe is finally going to try to give them a chance. I loved the kiss in the closet nice.... :D

I won 't be able to see the end until I get back but at least I can read it all at once when I get back. No more waiting once a night.


Hope :)

Blackberry
21st December 2005, 05:33
Squee!!!! kiss!!! yeyy!!! making up!!! i love those two... Love'm!!!! teeheeeeeeee

JosiCuervo
21st December 2005, 19:57
Chapter Fifteen

As soon as Wesley saw Lex, he came over and timidly asked Lex to read to him. With a lift of his eyebrows, Lex agreed, and Wesley dragged him back over to the bookshelves.
Is it strange that the thought of Lex reading to me took my breath away? And he wasn’t even reading smut. Wow.

She was so surprised that her bottom lip fell open, and so her lips were parted when Matt pressed a soft kiss onto her mouth.

She was breathless more from the shock than from any sort of resulting sensations. She wasn’t tingly and overwhelmed. But it hadn’t been unpleasant.

It had been . . . nice.
*snorts* Nice…it was…nice. Well, you know what they say “nice” translates into…

Nothing in his voice or posture evidenced anything being wrong. But Chloe knew he was tense. Knew he had seen Matt kiss her.

And she felt horrible. And embarrassed. And guilty for no reason at all.
Guilt is definitely a reasonable feeling under the circumstances. Psh.

Lex had feelings for Lana. Chloe knew that. Everyone knew that. He was probably just working through the conflicted feelings between him and Chloe the same way she was. That was probably why he’d gotten tense when he’d seen her kissing Matt.
Ick. I don’t think I can take anymore of the Lex hearts Lana shit. I’m feeling faint.

This was normal. Things would be weird with Lex for a little while, but then they’d settle down.

Hopefully, they’d settle down within the month.
And poor Chloe is so naïve she doesn’t even realize that if she didn’t have romantic feelings towards Lex (and vice versa), things wouldn’t be weird between them. Idiot.

*saunters to Chapter 16*

lj715
22nd December 2005, 05:34
Ch22:

Well, I have to say Chloe had me a little annoyed in this chapter. I know she's confused about Lex but c'mon. First , she wants space, then she's wondering why he's so cool toward her. Well, which is it? Do you want him all over you or not at all? I did feel bad that she fainted . I also didn't like her jumping to conclusions with Lex' s phone call. He could've been talking about anything. It didn't have to be something bad, might've been something good. Who knows. Can't wait to read ch23.

Willower
22nd December 2005, 08:17
I'm loving this fic so much Zannie. I'm enjoying the slow build up and I like that Chloe has hang ups about Lex's darker side because it is realistic and consistent with her personality as it has been portrayed in this story.

One thing that I would like though, is for Chloe to have a little more confidence / faith in Lex. You've done an excellent job getting the reader to identify with Chloe's insecurities by having the story told in her POV only. It gives Lex an air of dangerousness because we don't know what's really going on with him. But his tender moments with Chloe make the reader want to take that leap of faith and trust that he truly wants what's best for Chloe. Right now, I can't see anything working out with her doubting him constantly. Either way, great work, I'm thoroughly enjoying 'Serving Christmas,' and I just want to give you props for being superwoman and having like 3 or 4 good fic going simultaneously. I've also just caught up with Nameless and I just stand in awe of your superpowers.

Louise
22nd December 2005, 19:11
Chapter 22

Normally I'm a Chloist (as opposed to a Lexist), but Chloe is behaving very bizarrely; she's so flip one minute and angstin' the next I'm finding it hard to take her objections and concerns about the relationship seriously.

Poor Lex must be very confused about how to behave when she wants space to think at the same time as constant assurance of his interest; when he's not allowed to be calm and collected or even remotely reserved, but nor is he allowed to be annoyed or impatient with her; when treating her like a friend is making her insecure about the more-than-friends stuff but she's not sure if she actually wants to be more than friends. Argh! Not to mention, she passed out from exhaustion - I think it's a *sign* of his affection that he isn't hitting on her while she's unwell, not the other way around. There's no way I would put up with being told how I should act all the time, but I think Lex is just a pushover when it comes to Chloe, and as I'm a Chlexer, that's not a bad thing, so maybe I should just be quiet!

As I said over at the advent calendar though, as it's Christmas, and the line "kissing will help to pass the time" is hilarious, Chloe isn't really annoying me all that much. And it's alright, because it'll all be worked out tomorrow, I have faith in Zannie and Christmas!

ETA: Also I didn't think what Lex was saying was remotely worrying, couldn't he have just been talking about an awkward share-holder? And if Chloe irritated me, I can't wait to hear what Josi (my favourite Lexist!) has to say about this chapter when she catches up!

AlabamaWorley
22nd December 2005, 21:20
Chapter 18:


This morning, she still wasn’t sure what she should do with her residual glimmer of hope. It seemed ridiculous to entertain such a thought—given who and what she and Lex were—but still . . . there had been a few signs last night that Lex’s feelings for her could be more than just friendly.

She just didn’t know if she should take them seriously or not.
I don't blame her. While it seems obvious to us as readers, he's put her through the wringer emotionally and not ever given her a real explanation.

What she did know was that she wanted to. Really wanted to. There was no use trying to convince herself otherwise anymore—not after last night.
Good for her for admitting it. And please let it be an end to Matt...

She wasn’t, however, some dreamy little girl who assumed that romantic feelings would always lead to a lifetime of love. And she wasn’t naïve enough to believe she’d never get over them.
I would just like to point out to dear Chloe that there is nothing wrong with Mr. Right-Now, especially if he's really hot and quite wealthy...

At around four o’clock, she was feeling pretty confident that she knew enough biology to make a good grade on the test. She wouldn’t know it for long, but she could remember it at least through tomorrow morning.
Ah, how I miss college and its "I'll memorize it because you're making me" lifestyle...

Lana looked uncomfortable. Shifted on the bed and twisted her hands. Then admitted, “I’m pretty sure he has feelings for me. I think he has for a long time.
Poor, poor Lana. It must be so hard for her to live with the knowledge that she turned herself into a pheromone-enhanced FOTW by wearing her morbid necklace through puberty.

She made herself stare at the picture, like some sort of punishment. What had she been thinking?
Photographs are so much better for self-torture than a simple mirror...

People did it all the time. Realized that one person they wanted would never be available to them. So they moved on. Found somebody else. Fell in love with that person instead.
And someday in the future, Pete Ross and Lana Lang will marry and Chloe will remember this thought...

That was what Chloe was going to do. She had someone available who was interested in her, whom she could love. And though she had to admit that her feelings for Lex had distracted her thus far from the thing with Matt, she was ready now to focus on him exclusively.
Ugh, no! She needs to have Lois meet Matt, maybe that will open her eyes a bit.

“He’s not seriously interested in me, Matt.”

Matt relaxed visibly. “I don’t know why not. He must be an idiot.”
Well golly, he managed to say the right thing. Broken clocks...

“You’ve been crying,” he said softly.

She shook her head, both angry and embarrassed that he’d discovered that. “No. I’ve been studying all day. The red eyes are from something different.”
*giggles* Yeah, from... uh... all the joints she smoked this afternoon. Yeah, that's it...

“Oh, by the way, Lana says hi.”

She hadn’t. But Chloe heard herself saying the words anyway.

Lex’s face changed. Dramatically. He stepped back. Breathed, “Lana?”

Like it was a prayer or something.

Then, damn it, Chloe was about to cry again. “See you tomorrow,” she called out, hurrying toward the door.

She made it outside before she released a choked little sob.

It was normal. This was what happened when you got over your stupid delusions.

You cried.
And you can't seem to stop torturing yourself to make sure you believe that you're doing the right thing. Poor Chloe.

Chapter 19:


It was supposed to be easier each day. Each day, it was supposed to not hurt so much to see him, to know she’d deluded herself into hoping for a fantasy.
Oh, someone told her a dirty lie... You have to have rebound sex at LEAST once before that happens.

Lex didn’t even act like he was conscious of the little boy’s presence, and he never bent down to speak to him. But—while she was supposed to be supervising the pipe cleaners—Chloe noticed that at one point Lex silently handed Wesley an extra cookie and at another point he’d gently moved the boy out of the way when two larger boys were horsing around nearby.
Aw, so sweet. And kind of a nice parallel to Lex looking out for someone he seems to be ignoring.

A boy at the end of the table fell backward in his chair, after leaning back too far
I used to get so annoyed when teachers would get onto everyone for doing that. Now I do it to my son...

One of the older boys had stolen a little girl’s cookies and stuffed them all in his mouth at once.
I guess we know which list he's on...

And, for some reason, that was when Chloe realized it.

Matt was just like Clark.
Right down to the inconsiderateness, yes. For an investigative reporter, she sure takes a while to get a clue...

But right now she wanted Lex so much she could taste it.
Mm, yeah, know that feeling...

She’d done it again. Fallen for an unattainable man. Punished herself by desperately wanting what she would never have.

Another man who would always want Lana.

Chloe started choking again
I can relate, but mine was more of a gag...

“Why does it have to be fake?”

Chloe actually sputtered. Couldn’t believe he was being so dense.
So now Captain Obvious thinks Lex is dense? *snicker*

Wow, nice kiss. I want one.

Chapter 20:

“Hey,” she said softly, looking down on him and washed with a wave of humiliation at the memory of her behavior the previous day.

He jerked his head up as if she’d surprised him. “Hey,” he replied, his face becoming quiet and watchful.
Heh. With the yo-yo behavior she's pulled on him the past three weeks, he's probably scared... I'd be watchful too.

Matt’s . . . not going to be around this evening.”

Lex was still watching her narrowly, but Chloe turned away from him. Pulled some children’s books out of the box and started arranging them on one of the empty shelves.

“Why not?”

Chloe tightened her lips. Might as well tell him now. “He’s . . .upset. And needed some time by himself.”
*giggling* She has to cover his shift so he can go home and be sad. I don't know why that strikes me as so funny, but it does.

Lex put down the toy truck he was holding and crawled over closer to her. Briefly, Chloe wished she were feeling better so she could enjoy the sight of dignified Lex Luthor crawling on his hands and knees across the floor.
I'm making a really concerted effort to get rid of the thoughts in my head at this moment...

And suddenly Chloe’s fatigue left her. And she was angry. Furious.
See? He definitely needed to be watchful, here comes the swing... Seriously though, I don't blame her.

Chloe felt her stomach heave at the thought of Lex using Lana. Using her body. For his own pleasure. “Using her . . . for sex!” she gasped.

Lex actually gasped too. Looked momentarily disgusted.
Laughed. So. Hard.

All it’s ever been is the occasional, simplistic dream of being normal, and even the dreams were lacking and unsatisfying—always took me places I don’t want to go.
From what I've seen, we didn't want to go there either. *shudders*

Lex’s brow furrowed in concern. “Chloe? Don’t you believe me?”

She backed away from him. Started heaving herself up to her feet. “I . . . don’t really know. I don’t know what to think. You’ve just admitted to lying to and manipulating Lana. I’ve always known you were capable of that, but being confronted with it like this is . . . confusing. I’m still trying to sort out what’s real with you and what’s not.”
I really like her reaction. This is definitely not a fairy tale, and I love that she's not diving into happily ever after.

AlabamaWorley
22nd December 2005, 22:02
Chapter 21:

Matt asked if they could handle the rest of this project, and when they agreed, he said he’d be working in his office unless they needed him.
Wuss.

So she wasn’t surprised when he began by asking, “What do you think is going on here?”

Typical. Expecting her to do the hardest part and put things into words first.
If I were him, I'd expect a mood-of-the-moment update before I started talking too...

Chuckling, Lex murmured, “Chloe, don’t you understand yet? It’s always been romantic.”

Chloe’s jaw dropped. “When I was fifteen?”
lol...

Lex appeared to be on a roll, so he kept talking, “I could tell you were warming up to me during the first two weeks. But you still seemed caught up with that obnoxious boy . . .”

Chloe had to think for a few moments before she realized he was talking about Matt
Yes, and he was aptly describing him!

“But you . . . and the dress . . .” She gasped again. “The dress? That was from you too?”

He didn’t need to answer with words. She could see the answer on his face.
Ha! I totally called that one!

“I’m trying to figure it out,” Chloe admitted. “And I honestly don’t think I can figure it out right now. You’re going to have to give me a little time.”

Nodding, Lex agreed, “I can do that. I’m a patient man.”
Watch it, Lex, she told Matt that the day before she dumped him...

We have chemistry between us; we both know that. But I don’t want to get swept up in physical feeling and begin something that just won’t work. There are so many things to consider, Lex.”
Well sure, but you can make out and stuff while you're deciding. Come on, girl, multitask...

Chapter 22:

How was she supposed to put the sides of him together? How was she supposed to decide if this was a man she could ever have a future with?

And how was she supposed to stop loving him if she decided he wasn’t a man she should love?
Ugh. He wants to date, not get married and make a baby by New Year's. Yes, he's a sleaze AND a nice man, and if you get into a relationship with someone and end up breaking up, there's likely going to be a reason, like, say, you realized you don't love him after all/anymore. Keep up, Chloe...

By the time she got to the community center, her entire body was aching. She felt like she wanted to cry, but she found herself too tired and drained to even do so.
Did one of those rugrats give her the flu?

Lex cleared his throat. “I’ll take care of her.”

“Uh!” she choked indignantly. “I can take care of myself. I’m fine.”
Shush, Miss Forgot-to-Sleep-and-Eat.

Once he’d pulled off her shoes, he turned and left the room without another word. Chloe huffed, mentally grumbling that he was being so close-mouthed and unfriendly today.

He was supposed to be wooing her. Wasn’t he?
Chloe! He just carried you a whole bunch AND took your shoes off. The man wooed me, for goodness' sake...

Chloe’s mouth dropped open before she remembered she had a cracker in it.
Oooh, sexy...

By the time dinner was ready, Chloe had eaten all of her crackers. And she realized that she was starving, so she was able to dig into the chicken and rice dish that Lex must have had delivered without any problem.
I choose to believe he could handle chicken and rice all by himself.

It was a little discouraging, in fact. He professed to have romantic intentions for her, yet he’d stopped wooing her as soon as their conversation had ended yesterday.

It hadn’t been much of a woo. In fact, it felt rather like a half-hearted effort.
This made me giggle, but I also want to shake her. She told him she needed a few days, I read it with my own eyes. Plus, hello, passed out...

She was trying to mull through how she could be in a relationship with Lex and still be friends with Clark when she fell asleep.
Now that's a problem.

She sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled Lex’s shirt down over her knees so her thighs wouldn’t be too visible in that unflattering position.
Isn't it funny how we can't let go of that for even a moment, no matter the situation?

Chloe lost it. Once more burst into babbling speech and embarrassed herself.
Here we go...

“Why am I fighting the instinct? Because, despite how much I want to, I know I can’t.”

“You can’t?” Chloe gasped stupidly, feeling quivery all over, the wash of astonished pleasure saturating her body.

Lex smiled a little and dropped his hands. “Not yet,” he replied wryly. “Not until you make your decision.”
*rasies hand* Um, I've decided...

Holy cow, I'm caught up!

JosiCuervo
22nd December 2005, 23:04
Chapter Sixteen

She had a couple of final exams on Friday—most of her classes this semester were easy, so she didn’t need to study too much or spend much time on them to get As. But she did have a Biology exam on Monday that everyone said would be a killer, so she needed to devote a little time to preparing for that over the weekend.
Biology…ew. I had an accident with sulfuric acid in the last science class I took. Heh. It wasn’t pretty…

But she’d told Matt she’d meet him once again at the center on Friday evening before their date, so she went in a few minutes early—mostly so that she could say hi to Lex.
Hmph. If I decided to show up for a date early – just to say hello to another man – I like to think I’d find it kind of ominous. I know my BF wouldn’t be too happy about it, especially if it’s someone of Lex’s status.

All day, she’d been preparing herself for her date with Matt. It felt important somehow. As if tonight she needed to prove to herself that a relationship with Matt was what she really wanted. So she’d given herself a long lecture about recognizing all of his wonderful qualities, focusing on what was happening at the moment, and not letting her chaotic thoughts about Lex get in the way of enjoying herself with Matt.
*sighs* I’m seriously shaking my head in disgust at Chloe’s self rationalization that Matt is the dildo for her. Unfortunately, I’ve tried to talk myself into dating nice, normal people (as opposed to the overly attractive, overly complicated jackasses I typically), so I can definitely relate with what she’s trying to do. It never works though. Never…

Lex smiled and looked down at the pile of bows he still had to hang. “I believe this should be referred to as overkill.”
I’m firmly anti-bows. I have a friend who puts bows on his Christmas tree (or at least he used to until I told him it was the gayest thing I’d ever seen). Poor Lex. I feel for him.

But, as soon as he’d tacked the ribbon to the wall, Lex turned back to her. “I have a favor to ask of you,” he began slowly.
Why, of course I’ll give you a BJ…would you like anything else while I’m at it?

“But,” Chloe gasped, “But we don’t go out. I’m going out with Matt.”

Lex closed his eyes slowly and then opened them again. “I know that. But I thought we were friends. Friends can go to a party together, can’t they?”
Ha! Way to work the friend card, Luthor! Now she has to say yes, otherwise she’ll look like a jackass (again). Brilliant!

It was the perfect date in December: intimate, memorable, and seasonal. Matt was excellent company, and the food and atmosphere were enjoyable. Everything was absolutely perfect—like a date out of a sappy daydream.

And Chloe couldn’t stop worrying about going out with Lex tomorrow.
Being on a date with a guy and not being able to take your mind off another guy is infuriating. Not that I’ve ever had that problem…heh…

Shrugging, Matt concluded, “So it’s no problem. Nothing wrong with you helping out a friend. It’s probably one of those high-falutin’ parties, so it probably won’t be much fun for you. Those cocktail party things always seem boring to me.”

“Yeah,” Chloe agreed weakly. “It will probably be boring.”
Heh. Coat closets. Restrooms. Booze. The possibilities are endless.

He leaned into them, pressing his mouth against hers. And then sliding his tongue gently along the line of her lower lip. Then he smiled against her lips.

Letting out a breath, Chloe smiled back.
I just gagged. Ew.

No flutters. No rush of excitement. It had been nice, but the thing Chloe had noticed the most was the coffee that was still on his breath.

What was wrong with her? Three weeks ago she would have been melting away from delight and mushy feelings.
Two+ weeks comparing a man to the likes of Lex Luthor would definitely diminish the other guy’s appeal. Einstein.

And she knew why. It was Lex. He had come in and messed everything up—just like he always did.
Count on Chloe to try to push the blame on someone else. Heh. Now she remind me of that dickhead, Clark.

I can’t wait for the party. I know good things will happen… *checks rating* -- *sighs* …

*scurries to Chapter 17*

JosiCuervo
22nd December 2005, 23:50
Chapter Seventeen

He shook his head and moved closer to her. “No, seriously. You’re unbelievable.” He skated his fingers down her bare arm. “And it’s making me really wish I were the one taking you out.”
*grumbles* Keep your hands to yourself dildo…hmph.

“Am I early?”

The cool, ironic voice came from the entranceway, and Chloe knew who it was immediately.
No, you’re late, jackass. Psh.

He was dressed in black and white formalwear, his tux elegant and probably outrageously expensive. He was gorgeous—from his sleek, smooth bald head, to his lean, strong body, to his shiny black shoes.
*sighs* Now just remove his coat, remove his bow tie, unbutton the top two buttons of his shirt, take off his shoes and ditch the socks and I’m ready to rock and roll. Yay!

But he couldn’t even be bothered to be nice to her.

And he hadn’t even noticed that she looked pretty.

Some fairytale ball this was turning out to be.
Well, she’s certainly playing the part of the sulky five year old rather well. I’ll be glad when she starts telling Lex how it is and quits with he speculating. She’s not very good at it and it annoys the shit out of me (mostly because it reminds me how stupid I must sound when I do the exact same thing).

Chloe sucked in an outraged breath, jerking her hand out of his grasp. “Yes, I’m nervous, you idiot,” she gritted out. “There are a bunch of rich, stuck-up strangers in there, and I’m just a normal freshman in college. And you’re acting like a pompous jerk and not even being nice to me, so for all I know you’re going to abandon me in a corner and go hit on some sexy brunette. I’m doing you a favor, you asshole, so don’t treat me like some little kid who’s bugging you.”
Awww. There’s the Chloe I know and love. Heheh. About time she made an appearance and quit hiding behind her so-called infatuation for that dildo do-gooder.

Chloe snorted at this piece of idiocy. But then she realized what he’d said. She gave a little gasp and stared up at his amused face. “I didn’t think you even noticed how gorgeous I am tonight.”

His aimed a rather exasperated look at her. “Of course, I noticed how gorgeous you are. Am I blind?”
Good answer.

This was just Lex. And her. And they understood each other.
Cause they’re absolutely perfect for each other…Yay! Chloe’s finally getting a clue.

“Groping is the more appropriate word for what you were doing with Larson.”
Lex is always spending so much time referring to her innocent interaction with dildo as groping. I really believe Chloe should show him exactly what groping is.

They mingled for a while and Chloe discreetly scarfed down as many of the hors d’oeuvres as she could without people noticing. Lex did notice, but he seemed to find it amusing, since she kept seeing him silently laughing with his eyes whenever she filled up her plate again.
Heh. Go Chloe! I totally do the same thing. And scarf is definitely the correct word for it.

“Not if you don’t want to. But it’s not that hard. Most of the couples aren’t really ballroom dancing. They’re just moving around. Here, let me show you.”

And before Chloe could even object, Lex had swung her out on the dance floor. His arm had fallen in place around her waist, and her hand had settled on his shoulder.
Bwahahaha! Lex just pulled one over on her! Awesome.

She was so warm and giddy after four or five songs that she was actually feeling a little dizzy. She clung to Lex and inhaled urgently. Felt the length of her body pressing against him and wondered when that had happened.
Kismet. Now the groping should commence. Heh.

Of course. Mistletoe. She should have expected it. The perfect, clichéd pinnacle of this whole surreal Christmas experience.
Wee! I heart the mistletoe cliché. I would expect nothing less from you. Kudos.

She held her breath and closed her eyes as she felt the press of his mouth on hers. His lips were warm and dry, and they moved gently against hers for a moment.

And that was all. It shouldn’t have been much.

But Chloe felt a delicious shiver start low in her spine and travel up, sending tingling delight all through her body. She leaned into him intuitively and caught one of his lips between both of hers before he could pull away.

She both heard and felt him take a quick breath, and then his hand moved to curve around the back of her head.
Something so short and sweet and I’m all giddy and just unreasonably pleased. I’m very disappointed in myself. *makes note to read dirty smut before sappiness infects her*

She felt beautiful. And fluttery. And giddy. And so, so warm. And she and Lex were practically embracing on the dance floor.

No matter how much she wanted to underplay its significance, Chloe had to admit that this must mean something more than just casual friendship.

To her, at least.
Epiphany thy name is Chloe. Kick ass. Now the real battle begins as Chloe begins to fight with herself instead of just accepting the inevitable. *mutters*

Chloe opened her mouth to speak. Didn’t. Stared at Lex’s supple mouth, which seemed to be coming even closer to her.

His face, his mouth was right there. Nothing in the world between them.
I’m not getting excited because I know firsthand how your evilness works. Definitely a wasted limo smut opportunity though…definitely. *sighs*

Lex’s behavior toward her tonight had been . . . different. Had been exhilarating. Yes, they were friends. But sometimes the feeling between friends started to change.

Maybe that was happening with Lex.
I heart it when Chloe’s assumptions and speculations become closer to the truth than she realizes. Especially when they’re in the right context. G’bye dildo Matt! Ha!

Great party. I love nostalgia, so it was definitely right up my alley. Bad, bad on ruining the potential limo smut though. I’m quite peeved. *snorts*

*creeps to Chapter 18*

meeaz
23rd December 2005, 01:59
no update tonight?

also, i noticed the video link is up, but the link doesn't lead anywhere excpet a fatal error message, or is it just me?

Julie
23rd December 2005, 02:15
meeaz, link working now :) Was having some issues with the download script :P Hehe... Damn you guys are fast! LOL!

MEEERRRYYY CHRIIIISTMAAAS :D

meeaz
23rd December 2005, 03:28
meeaz, link working now Was having some issues with the download script Hehe... Damn you guys are fast! LOL!

MEEERRRYYY CHRIIIISTMAAAS

haha yeah, i usually check in at six because i remember you saying something about the time difference. and yes i saw it and gah, it was so cute. i loved it.

and zannie, i loved the ending to your fic. i was really psyched that both chapters were posted because i think there was going to be burning of the torches and threats coming your way! lol. it was great. are you planning on doing an epilogue for the story, possibly with some really cute wesley and lex moments, or are you putting this to rest? either way, it was FANTASTIC!!!

Happy Holidays everyone!!!

Julie
23rd December 2005, 03:37
haha yeah, i usually check in at six because i remember you saying something about the time difference. and yes i saw it and gah, it was so cute. i loved it.

and zannie, i loved the ending to your fic. i was really psyched that both chapters were posted because i think there was going to be burning of the torches and threats coming your way! lol.[...]

Happy Holidays everyone!!!

Hehe, yeah... 6 hours away from NY. Yeah, I posted both at once, because tomorrow I'm going to be totally dead. Working tomorrow, 6 hour shift, and I heard one guy last year had 50 calls an hour. And most people have around 30ish a normal day! lol! That and the spirit of Christmas, give :D

lj715
23rd December 2005, 03:48
First of all, Becky- the video was outstanding! Absolutely loved it ( only makes me wish that Chlex was really happening on SV). I was a little depressed this evening but, once I saw your video...I had the most stupid grin on my face. Made me feel so great.

Ch23:

I wanted to strangle Chloe. I just couldn't believe she made the decision NOT to be with Lex. Even after seeing him as Santa.

Ch24:

Well, this chapter made up for ch23. Who would've thought that Matt would be the one to make Chloe realize she wanted a relationship with Lex. The way Lex left the center with Chloe's present in hand. Ugh, so sad. But, when she was running after him , omg. I was like so hoping she would catch him. Felt like that scene in The Graduate ( when Dustin Hoffman is screaming "Elaine"). Chloe was screaming "Lex" & I was screaming "Lex".

I'm going to miss getting a new chapter of this story everyday. But, I loved it. Great job Zannie!

Almost forgot- charmingjen, you did a great job on the icons & wallpaper too.

GivenToFly
23rd December 2005, 04:07
Aw, now I have warm fuzzies. What a lovely, heart-warming ending. Thank you, Zannie, for writing such a wonderful holiday story. It's been a Merry Chlexmas indeed...getting spoiled with an update every day. It was fun while it lasted.

slayer44
23rd December 2005, 05:48
This story has been an amazing Christmas gift from you guys. I've loved every single chapter, even though some were heartbreaking. The video was outstanding, makes me love the song even more, and restore's my faith in Chlex. Awesome story, and hopefully it can all be done again next year. :D

PMD
23rd December 2005, 11:15
Hey Zannie:

First off, thank you for a wonderful first christmas present, sweetie. It brought tears of angst and joy to my life. And not to mention a few heartfelt and soulfelt sighs too---you truly know how to write from those two wonderful places, sweetie.

Secondly---I would have quoted chapter 24 but then I would have quoted the whole thing---and been here for hours. :) So, suffice to say, all the words in this chapter and all the other's are quotable and will live in my heart forever.

Thirdly---I hope I'm half the fanfic writer you are someday and think, if those guys over at Smallville could read this piece, maybe they would see the mistake they are making with the show---heck, everybody's pieces, not just yours. :)

Last but not the least of all, you brought to light something I've always believed---we are all human and the greatest love comes from the ability to love the person---not just for the good but for the bad too.

It's sad to see this story end but to all things there is a season. And it was a wonderful ending---happy and full of promise and also tinged with the harsh reality of what might come. Yet strong and vibrant to meet anything head on----including Lionel. <g> For all things worth having are worth fighting for, in real life or reel life.

Honey, thank you for a wonderful story. And Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to us all. Can't wait to read more from you. :)

Kit Merlot
23rd December 2005, 14:50
Zannie, this was a beautiful story!

I like that Chloe was finally able to accept who Lex was and love him for him.

Excellent story, and thank you for writing it:D

JosiCuervo
23rd December 2005, 15:31
Chapter Eighteen

What she did know was that she wanted to. Really wanted to. There was no use trying to convince herself otherwise anymore—not after last night.

She was interested in Lex romantically. More than interested. She had very real, very strong feelings for him.

And they weren’t just the feelings of a friend.
*dance* Chloe’s really getting in the Lexual groove now! Yay!

A photo of her. And Lex. Kissing under the mistletoe at the party yesterday evening.

Chloe gulped. And strangely enough her first reaction was a rush of pride and pleasure—since, in the photo, Lex clearly seemed to be enjoying the kiss.

So did she, but that was beside the point.
Heh. A picture is worth a thousand words. I too would be happily proud if Lex enjoyed kissing me. Hell, I’d be positively ecstatic.

“Chloe,” Lana said, her face crumpling up in concern. “How did this happen? You and Lex aren’t . . .”

“No,” Chloe interrupted, flustered and embarrassed. “I just went to a party with him last night—as a friend. And we got trapped under the mistletoe. It’s no big deal.” She swallowed. “Although I would have rather they hadn’t plastered it in the gossip column.” Reading the caption, she snorted, “They didn’t even get my name right.”

“So,” Lana asked anxiously. “So you don’t have feelings for him or anything, do you?”

Chloe looked her friend in the eye. Considered confiding in her. But decided against it—realizing she’d rather keep her confusion private for the time being. “I told you. We just went as friends.”
Yes, we are fucking like rabbits, you vapid, dim-witted bitch! Like. Rabbits!

Lana exhaled in relief. “Good. Because you know how much Lex sleeps around. He can be very charming when he wants to be. But I wouldn’t want you to take him seriously. Especially since . . .”

Lana’s words had been like a deepening weight in her gut, and on the last word Chloe’s throat started to close up. “Especially since what?” she rasped.

Lana looked uncomfortable. Shifted on the bed and twisted her hands. Then admitted, “I’m pretty sure he has feelings for me. I think he has for a long time.”
Oh, fuck her. I really wish Chloe would tell the princess that it’s not a prerequisite for the entire male populace to fall down in adoration of her loveliness. Spin, Blana, spin.

“Yes. Not directly. But he’s basically told me. And he’s made it clear in so many ways. And when he kissed me . . .”

Chloe started to gag. Had to cough in order to cover it up. “He kissed you?” she gasped.
*snorts* Gagging is definitely the appropriate reaction to this one. Ew. Poor Chloe. I really think she should punch her in her botox looking face. It would make me feel better.

She made herself stare at the picture, like some sort of punishment. What had she been thinking? Even a stranger, looking at this picture, would know that the immature, awkward, dowdy girl in the picture could never truly appeal to Lex Luthor.

He dated elegant, exotic, slender brunettes. He fell in love with lovely, fragile, pure Lana.
I didn’t think it was possible, but my hate for Blana has increased. She’s such a nasty skank. And Chloe needs to be slapped for falling for her holier-than-thou shitfest. Chloe’s way better than stupid ole Blana and it’s about time someone told her that. So there. Hmph.

It had felt a little like Lex had been coming on to her, but Chloe understood now that—even if he were—it wouldn’t lead to anything she really wanted. “He’s not seriously interested in me, Matt.”

Matt relaxed visibly. “I don’t know why not. He must be an idiot.”
I’m glad the dildo thinks Lex is an idiot for not wanting to put the moves on Chloe. Because is Lex really didn’t have the hots for Chloe, he would definitely be an idiot.

Chloe shrugged. Interrupted him. “No big deal. People will forget about it in a couple of weeks. The next time you kiss a strange woman, they’ll print that picture instead.”

Lex winced as if she had struck him. “Chloe . . .”
She has a point. Of course, since Lex is in love with Chloe he won’t be kissing anymore strange women, and if he does someone should definitely kick him in the balls. Heh. I think I’m feeling slightly violent today. Awesome.

She made it outside before she released a choked little sob.

It was normal. This was what happened when you got over your stupid delusions.

You cried.

She was tough. She could deal with it. And pretty soon she wouldn’t have to see Lex every day to remind her.
Poor Chloe. *grumbles* Lex really needs to get his head out of his ass and make a serious move on her already. I’m not sure how much more she can take. *sighs*

*lopes to Chapter 19*

JosiCuervo
23rd December 2005, 15:32
Chapter Nineteen

He’d found her eyes immediately and had given her a nod and a questioning look. She nodded back at him. Tried to smile casually. Then looked away as quickly as she could.

It was supposed to be easier each day. Each day, it was supposed to not hurt so much to see him, to know she’d deluded herself into hoping for a fantasy.
Shit, she really is delusional. If getting over heartbreak was that easy, no one would ever worry about being heartbroken. Pity though.

When one eight-year-old boy went to hang his ornament as high as he could on the tree, he accidentally pulled hard on one of the branches. The tree wobbled.

It probably wouldn’t have fallen, but Matt immediately moved to rescue it. Eased the boy out of the way and patted him on the head.

And, for some reason, that was when Chloe realized it.

Matt was just like Clark.
No shit. *rolls eyes* I already told you, the guy’s a dildo, just like Clark. Of course, Matt is somewhat nicer and not nearly as self righteous.

Last year, she’d finally come to terms with the fact that—even if Clark loved her romantically, even if his powers weren’t an issue—he still wasn’t for her.

He wouldn’t make her happy.

Which meant neither would Matt. Since she was looking for the same things in him.
Yay!! Looks like Matt is on his way out. Thank you, God!

She’d grown up enough to realize that she didn’t want Clark as anything but a good friend. And now she was finally realizing that she didn’t want Matt either.

Didn’t want anyone but Lex.
Halleluiah! We have another epiphany brought to you by Chloe Sullivan. Now we just have to wait for her to work out her issues and come to terms with the fact that loving Lex and letting him love her is not a bad thing. This could take some time. *sighs*

“Yeah,” she said again. When she looked up and saw his expression, she said in a rush, “I don’t mean you. I don’t mean that our friendship is fake or that there’s something superficial about you. I just mean that whole fairytale thing was fake. The kiss and everything.”

“The kiss was fake?” He actually sounded a little surprised.
Heheh. Poor misguided Chloe. Once again she’s making assumptions. At least this time she’s giving Lex an opportunity to correct her. *snickers*

Her voice had faded into nonsense. But it didn’t matter. Because Lex had suddenly taken her face between his hands.

Her lip dropped open and she stared up at him. Watched as his face lowered toward hers.

And then he was kissing her. Really kissing her.
*dance* It’s about freaking time! Of course, I’m trying not to get too excited because I know Chloe will try to rationalize this kiss too and in the process will most definitely piss me off and make me want to choke her. Heh.

His mouth became more urgent, his lips and tongue a little more demanding. And Chloe felt a matching hunger in herself that she had no way to suppress. She was pressing against him everywhere. Fisting her hand in his soft shirt. And, as she sucked in air through her nose, she heard the most ridiculous whimper come from her own throat.

Lex replied with a husky moan into her mouth, and the sound sent shivers up and down her spine. She wanted to swallow him. Wanted to pull him inside of her so she would never have to let him go. Wanted to somehow make him an inescapable part of herself—in the most concrete and visceral of ways.
Guh. I obviously have not been reading enough smut lately because this little bit made me kind of hot. Wow. Kudos. *shivers*

Chloe panicked.

No explanation. No good reason for it. Just pure, irrational panic.
*snorts* Well, that didn’t take long.

Then she imagined him kissing Lana. Taking her face in his hands. Exactly as he’d done with Chloe. Only it wasn’t the same. Lana was the only one he’d ever had true feelings for. Everyone knew it. Everyone believed it.
*gags* Fucking…..ack! Please don’t follow up yummy Chlex kissing with visions of Blana. It makes me throw up a little bit in the back of my throat and I really don’t like it at all. I also do not appreciate having my warm fuzzies messed with. That wasn’t very nice…not very nice at all. *mutters*

And then she ran out of the kitchen. Out of the building. To her car. Drove sobbing back to her dorm.

Clark had warned her. Lana had warned her. Matt had warned. Chloe had warned herself.

But she’d done it anyway. She’d fallen in love with Lex. She wanted to escape him, but she couldn’t escape him yet.
Chloe’s turning into a drama queen. Not that I don’t understand why she’s upset, I just want things to go my way. *sighs* And I’m sick of her always running away, she needs to stand up and fight for what she wants. Better yet, she should go to Lex’s penthouse, strip down and take out her frustrations on his equally nude body. That’d be hot.

*hurries to Chapter 20*

JosiCuervo
23rd December 2005, 20:17
Chapter Twenty

She’d never meant to lead him on. Never wanted to hurt him. She’d always thought that he was she wanted.
I hate it when you seriously peruse someone you think you want, only to realize too late that you want someone else. It’s no fun at all and can end up being really messy if the other person isn’t particularly accepting of the sudden change of heart. One of my college roommates thought she could make me want her romantically, and I can honestly tell you that pushing me against a wall and shoving her tongue into my mouth in front of a horde of people, didn’t really work out that well. Of course, I think this scenario would work wonders for Chlex.

Then Lex asked slowly, “What was he upset about?”

She felt so horrible, so guilty, all of a sudden, that her face crumpled and her shoulders shook a few times.

“Chloe?” Lex’s voice was slow and careful, but edged with a strange sort of urgency.

Swallowing hard, she admitted, “I told him I wasn’t interested in continuing . . . things with him.”

“Why?”

Chloe took a deep breath. “Because he wasn’t the right guy for me.”

“Why else?” Lex persisted, his voice still as calm and controlled as before. It seemed unnatural, almost.
I love Lex’s persistence, and I wish Chloe had taken it for what it really was – guarded hope that she would reveal enough to warrant his own confession. Sadly, Chloe brushed it off per he usual crap.

Lex moved into a sitting position directly in front of her. “Chloe, why was the kiss a mistake?”

She made a face. “Please, Lex, don’t give me that. No good can come from you and me kissing.”

He leaned toward her slightly. Demanded softly, “Why not?”

She could feel again his lips on hers. His body pressed into her own. Felt the delicious rush of sensation, the feelings of safety and exhilaration. But then thought of everything else she needed from Lex—all of the stuff she would never be offered. And all that would always be in the way.

Some people weren’t meant to be together—just couldn’t be together. And, for so many reasons, that was true of Chloe and Lex.

“It’s not what I want,” she said stiffly.
Liar, liar pants on fire. *mutters* I can’t believe she’s being such a hypocrite. Okay, yes I can, but I don’t appreciate her being so cautious and ruining my Chlex fantasy. Grr.

She let out a defeated breath. “If you were really my friend, Lex, then you wouldn’t have played around with my emotions by kissing me when you have feelings for Lana.”
Woohoo! Finally an opportunity for Lex to defend his himself against the vileness of Blana worship!

He silenced her with his fingertip on her lip. “Chloe,” he murmured hoarsely, his face intense and mesmerizing. “Chloe, I don’t have feelings for Lana.”
Thank you very much. *snickers*

“No,” Lex said urgently, cupping her face with his hand so she would have to look at him. “Well, in a way. But it wasn’t kissing her I wanted to do. It was using her.”

Chloe felt her stomach heave at the thought of Lex using Lana. Using her body. For his own pleasure. “Using her . . . for sex!” she gasped.

Lex actually gasped too. Looked momentarily disgusted. “No. Damn it, Chloe. Why do you always blind yourself to the real explanations regarding me? I wanted to use her for information, for certain . . . connections she has.”
*snorts* Very pleased Lex is as disgusted by the thought of fucking Lana as I am having to read about it. The speculation has been particularly painful.

Lex nodded. “Normal,” he breathed. “Tell me why you thought you wanted someone decent, simple, and normal.”

Chloe covered her eyes with one hand. Forced out, “Because . . . my life has been so . . . weird and . . . complicated. I just wanted to be . . . like everyone else.”
Count on Lex to turn the inquisition around just when the questions were getting tough.

She was shaking all over. Bit her lip to keep her teeth from chattering. “What do you want?” she whispered.

Lex turned his head to look at her. His eyes were so deep and rich that she thought she might drown. “The same thing you want. Someone to . . . match me, challenge me, understand me.”
Oh. Wow. I’m flattered. *giggles* I always knew I was the woman for Lex…

“Chloe?” Lex prompted, leaning into her. “Do you understand? All it’s ever been is the occasional, simplistic dream of being normal, and even the dreams were lacking and unsatisfying—always took me places I don’t want to go. I don’t have any real feelings for Lana. You never have to worry about that.”
Well, since I’m sure Chloe will not answer in the way I want her to, let me say how pleased I am to hear this. Very nice.

“Chloe,” he persisted, the renewed hope in his expression fading into guarded confusion again. “I don’t open up very often or very easily. But I told you the truth about Lana. Doesn’t that . . .change anything?”

There were tears in her eyes, but she didn’t have energy enough to cry them. “It changes some things, Lex.” She turned once more to leave the room.

Said, “But Lana wasn’t the only thing keeping us apart.”
True. Now she just needs to tell Lex what those things are instead of constantly running away from it. I can understand her hesitation, and I can definitely rationalize her impulse to put off discussing her concern, but sometimes you just have to take the bull by the horns and follow your heart (or in some cases, the heat in your loins). I can onlt keep my fingers crossed that she’ll come to her senses after getting some sleep, though, I’m certainly not holding my breath.

*wanders to Chapter 21*

JosiCuervo
23rd December 2005, 20:17
Chapter Twenty-One

He nodded coolly. Now that he was meeting her eyes, he seemed to be closed off. As if he was masking his real self somewhere beneath the surface. The idea of that possibility made Chloe’s throat ache with regret. He replied, “I have some flexibility this week with work, and the center needed some extra help. I’m planning to finish up my . . . volunteering here before Christmas, so I thought the least I could do is put in a few extra hours.”
Psh. Since I’m still very skeptical about the veracity behind Lex’s alleged community service, I’m peeved that he’s now lying about it too. The nerve.

She knew why. She knew him by now. She must have hurt him yesterday when she’d failed to react the way he expected. This was how he always acted after he’d been hurt—protecting himself behind his hard defenses in order to prevent himself from getting hurt again.

That made her even sadder, but she didn’t know what she could do about it. She’d been honest with him, and she was legitimately confused. And it seemed a little selfish that he would make her feel guilty about it.
I totally understand Chloe’s confusion is legitimate and I’m glad she didn’t just jump in head first, but I don’t believe Lex is intentionally making her feel guilty about. If she didn’t feel she had something to be guilty about, knowing he had been hurt by her reaction wouldn’t make her feel guilty. It’s obvious to me that Chloe wishes she has reacted differently, even if she doesn’t want to admit it. A person’s subconscious can be a real bitch. That and hindsight. (And my own overactive imagination/wishful thinking.)

Chloe lost her temper.

Picked up a bag of dried stuffing mix and threw it in the direction of Lex’s butt, which was temptingly displayed in his position. The bag hit its target directly, bouncing off of the well-tailored pants stretched over firm muscles with a loud crinkling sound.
When all else fails, hurl something across the room. Brilliant!

“Ha!” Chloe burst out. “You’ve been cold and mean since I got here. I know things are confused between us, but there’s no reason to turn into an iceberg. I’m doing the best I can.”

Lex’s arrogant indignation faded into a resigned smile. He seated himself on the floor, leaning back against a bare wall. “I know you are. I wasn’t trying to make you feel bad. I was trying to give you some space so you could figure things out.”

Chloe snorted. “Liar. You were sulking.”

After a moment, he quirked his lips. “Maybe a little.”
And this is how I prefer my Chlex. Spirited. Thank you. (I also prefer them naked, just for future reference.)


Lex’s expression looked tight and a little reluctant, and Chloe knew he wasn’t comfortable discussing something like this so openly. It made him vulnerable, and that was something Lex rarely allowed himself to be. So she wasn’t surprised when he began by asking, “What do you think is going on here?”

Typical. Expecting her to do the hardest part and put things into words first.
I hate it when someone starts a discussion with me then expects me to explain myself first. If I had wanted to talk about my feelings, I would’ve brought it up in the first place.

But, when she darted her eyes up to Lex’s face, she saw that he was smiling a little. Almost fondly. “Other stuff?” he queried, cocking one eyebrow.

Chloe moaned in humiliation, but managed to shoot him a fairly healthy glare. “Yes. You know what I mean. More than friends.”
And I also hate it when people try to lead the conversation and manipulate me into saying more than I intended. Not that I’m easily manipulated or anything, but sometimes I get…confused. It’s not nice to play with people’s confusion. Hmph.

He chuckled a little at her indignant tone. Then leaned his head back against the wall. “Well, that’s a pretty fair assessment, if full of euphemisms.”

Curling up her lip, Chloe muttered, “I’d like to hear you express it better.”

Lex blinked. Said immediately, “I have romantic intentions toward you, and you aren’t sure yet whether they should be indulged.” Lifting both eyebrows now, he queried, “Isn’t that more clear and on point?”
Bwahahaha! Now that’s more like it! Sadly, I think I’m more the type to play the role of Lex because once I make up my mind I like to spell it out in layman’s terms. I’ve definitely got quite a collection of goats going.

“For your protection,” he affirmed. “And mine. Obviously, it didn’t work. We couldn’t ever truly be strangers. I did my best, but when I saw you in my library that day . . .”

“The meteor shower,” Chloe murmured.

He nodded. “I exploded. I thought that you were there to betray me. And I couldn’t stand that . . . from you. It was a lot of other things as well, but you were always at the heart of the issue.”
Thank you for clarifying his actions. I always assumed he was so overwhelmed with emotion at the thought of her betraying him, that he just freaked out. I do love to be right.

“So when did it become romantic?” she asked, a little shyly, and then embarrassed because she felt so shy.

Chuckling, Lex murmured, “Chloe, don’t you understand yet? It’s always been romantic.”
Oh, what I would give to hear those words… *sighs*

He gave her a guilty little smile. “You were the only date I ever had.”

“But you . . . and the dress . . .” She gasped again. “The dress? That was from you too?”

He didn’t need to answer with words. She could see the answer on his face.

“You lied to me?” she demanded. “And manipulated me? And then arranged events to get me where you wanted?” She gulped, waves of heat washing over her. “God, what a stupid fool I was, to think it all happened coincidently. How you must have laughed.”
*grumbles* Chloe definitely needs to work on her sense of humor and take his actions for what they’re worth instead of overanalyzing everything and twisting it towards the negative. She’s being unfair and if she doesn’t cut it out, I’ll be forced to freak out.

Lex pressed his lips together. “Because I went in a roundabout way to ask you to the Christmas party, you’re saying I’ve made it less likely that you’ll . . . accept this.”

She shook his head. “No. I just mean that this part of your character—in combination with my . . . pride, independence, and stubbornness—is one of the things that would make it harder for something to work out between us.”
*grumbles* Okay, that makes sense. I still don’t like it though.

Her mind was a hot rush of exhilaration, tenderness, and anxiety, but somehow a question forced its way to her lips. “Lex, why did you finally decide to pursue your . . . romantic intentions for me? When you’d spent so long acting against them?”

Lex leaned forward. Pushed the sweetest little kiss against her slightly parted lips. “Because I decided I should fight for what I really want, instead of just admitting defeat.”

Chloe smiled, a wave of delight, and pride, affection cresting over her heart.
Aww. Excellent response to a potentially loaded question. I think I just swooned.

“Wow!” she panted, that one word the only one she could form.

Lex had moved his hand from the skin of her back and was now combing it through her messy hair. “My sentiments exactly.” He leaned forward again, but this time he only pressed little kisses into the side of her mouth, her jaw, just under her chin. “Maybe this will help convince you.”
Uh. Consider me convinced. Now take off your clothes. Plsthx.

She shuddered and leaned against him, resting her cheek on his shoulder. “I know. It’s just that woo seems like a . . . .serious word.”

“It is,” Lex said—so, so softly. He combed his fingers farther into her hair, until he was able to massage her scalp. “I am.”

Chloe sighed. Relaxed all the way. Felt his warm, familiar body against her, his strong arm around her, his agile fingers easing some of her tension.
*sighs* I’m starting to get gooey. It’s moments like these where I start to really appreciate Chloe’s penchant for ruining the mood. I never have to worry about succumbing to the girl lurking inside of me.

She wasn’t nearly as confident as he was. And she hoped it would only take a few days. There weren’t that many days left in the month.

The whole month had seemed to be endless, and yet it had disappeared in a flash.
Isn’t that the way. You think you have all the time in the world and it disappears in a flash. *sighs* How depressing.

*promenades to Chapter 22*

hannagreen20
23rd December 2005, 21:03
Ahhhh, the perfect ending to a perfect story. Thank you so much Zannie! It was an amazing story. Have a great holiday!

JosiCuervo
23rd December 2005, 22:08
Chapter Twenty-Two

Chloe made it through the morning by drinking very strong coffee, one cup after another.
Heh. That’s nothing. The day my grandfather died, I made it through the morning by swilling peppermint schnapps. Now that’s a bad fucking day.

The more Clark spoke, the more Chloe’s gut tightened up into a miserable knot. She’d known that Lex wasn’t a normal, clean-cut guy. She’d known he was involved in a lot of things that she wouldn’t understand and might not fully support. But some of the things Clark said . . . made her wonder if she knew Lex at all.
Why, oh why does Chloe always listen to that idiot, Clark? Now I want to slap her again. And I have the perfect Kryptini for Clarkeypoo. Rotten fucker.

So, by the time she headed for Metropolis in the afternoon, Chloe was feeling exhausted, weak, headachy, and depressed. If she hadn’t kept drinking coffee, she wasn’t sure she would have made it the whole way.
Oh shit. One time, I drank like 24 cups of coffee without eating and almost had a nervous breakdown. I totally freaked out. I hope Chloe doesn’t do that. It wasn’t pretty.

She felt horrible. And was still so confused she wanted to cry.

All the while, Lex looked professional and sophisticated and calm and composed and like he didn’t have a care in the world.

Bastard.
Yes, perfectly normal reaction to others when you feel like shit. Especially towards those looking and feeling better than you. I would’ve called him a bastard too.

Was swept with a mortifying recognition of what had just happened.

“Did I just faint?” she gasped.

Lex’s face was cool and controlled, but there was a tiny muscle fluttering erratically in his left cheek. “I think so,” he murmured, brushing her hair off of her clammy cheek.

“God,” she groaned. “How . . . pathetic.” Realizing she was the center of attention and now more humiliated than ever, she started to sit up.
I would be mortified if I ever fainted in front of a bunch of people. I absolutely hate feeling helpless, so I’d want to just melt into the ground and be done with it. Poor Chloe.

She blinked and breathed deeply. Decided she wasn’t going to vomit on him after all. “Yeah. I’m okay. Just help me stand up.”

He didn’t help her stand up. He picked her up.
Heh. Did he just pick her up off the floor? Like a dead lift? Wow. That’s impressive. *snickers*

Once he’d pulled off her shoes, he turned and left the room without another word. Chloe huffed, mentally grumbling that he was being so close-mouthed and unfriendly today.

He was supposed to be wooing her. Wasn’t he?
Sheesh, Chloe certainly is a plethora of contradictions. It’s a wonder Lex can keep her straight from one moment to the next. I don’t know how he does it.

“I’m not hungry,” she told him, sneering at the crackers. “I’ll just drink the ginger-ale.”

Lex narrowed his eyes. “You need to eat something.”

She transferred her sneer from the crackers to his face. “I said I’m not hungry. Stop ordering me around.”

“I’m going to go call the doctor,” Lex told her, in a voice that brooked no arguments. “Eat the crackers or I’ll feed them to you myself.”
Bwahahahaha!! And Lex officially has his balls back! *dance* Now I hope he doesn’t just take her irrational shit anymore. So there.

“I don’t like to be coddled,” she informed him stubbornly. “I’m fine. And I’m used to taking care of myself.”

Leaning closer to her, Lex said thickly, “Well, you haven’t been taking care of yourself. And you’ve been telling me for days that you’re fine, only to nearly give me a heart attack by fainting dead away in front of my eyes.”
Heh. I heart him. No doubt about it. Now where do I get one?

The doctor rolled his eyes. Stood up. “You need to eat regularly, stop drinking so much coffee, get more sleep, and keep a reasonable schedule. I’m surprised you didn’t pass out long before now, if you’ve been keeping up this routine the whole month. You’ll feel better after some sex, a good lay, and some orgasms.”
Heh. My thoughts exactly. *snickers*

“What do you want for dinner?” Lex asked, sitting on the edge of the bed beside her.
Umm…you…

“No,” he was saying, in a hard murmur, “That is not acceptable. He’s an obstacle. I’m expecting for you to take care of him.”

Chloe paused with her hand hovering over the door. Didn’t knock after all. Took one step further in and was able to see Lex.

He was standing up, with his back to her. And he was rubbing his forehead with his hand as he talked on the phone. “No,” he gritted out. “That’s not what I’m saying. But do whatever you have to do.”
Okay, so at first it sounds like Lex is putting a hit out on someone, but then it seems as if he’s trying some other method other than murder. Perfectly reasonable. *prepares for Chloe’s inevitable overreaction*

She shook her head blankly. “I just . . . wanted a glass of water.” She swallowed painfully. “What was . . . that about?”

Lex’s face changed. He took a step closer to her. “Chloe, I can’t tell you.”
I have work related things I’m not supposed to talk about and people sometimes get mad at me for it. This reaction totally pisses me off too because confidentiality is a major concern in the business world. Someone should’ve copied Chloe on the memo.

“Are you all right?” Lex asked, standing up as well and putting his hands on her shoulders.

Usually, she liked that gesture—as it typically felt both intimate and intense. But this time it felt different. It felt like Lex was looking down on her from above. Like she was childish or insubstantial, and the gesture was a superior or a paternal one.

And all of Chloe’s insecurities came rushing over her.
Okay. I too have a tendency to fall back on years of insecurity. I too have a tendency to overreact and lash out irrationally. But that’s different because it’s me. Chloe needs to get a goddamn clue and quit being a pussy. Psh.

“Chloe,” Lex rasped, his expression becoming hot and almost feral. “I’ve been trying not to pressure you today, since you asked for some space to decide what you wanted. And you terrified me this afternoon when you passed out, so I reacted by taking control—which is the only thing I can do when I get scared.” He paused for a moment. Took a deep breath through his nose. “But how can you think that I see you as a child? When you’re standing there, wearing my shirt and nothing else, looking rumpled and gorgeous and as sexy as any woman I’ve ever seen? Chloe, I’ve had to fight my instincts all day and not drag you into my arms and show you how good we are together. I’m fighting my instincts right now, and struggling against doing what my body is screaming at me to do.”
Guh. Okay, I’ve officially swooned. Uh. Shit. I'm pathetic.

Lex smiled and reached out to cup her cheek. Stroked her cheekbone with his thumb. And somehow that tiny gesture made Chloe feel scorching hot all over. “If I start kissing you tonight,” he said huskily. “I won’t be able to stop.”

“Oh.”
*snort* Good answer, Chloe. How articulate of you. Personally, I think the correct response would’ve been, “Oh baby, oh baby, please do me so good.” Heh.

He could have been saying anything. But there was so much about him that would always be unknown, always be shady, always be in the dark.
As if someone simple and good would ever be enough to satisfy her. Nope. I’ll take unknown and shady and dark any day of the week. With relish.

*meanders to Chapter 23*

petoonya
24th December 2005, 03:07
This was such a great fic. The characters were written in such a way that I could totally relate to them. I could also see every facial expression and every tear. I thought the entire story was so realistic. Chloe was realistic in her doubts about pursuing a relationship with Lex. Lex was stoic as usual with his true emotions showing through when needed. *sigh* to only have my prince charming do nearly as half to get close to me.

AlabamaWorley
24th December 2005, 03:42
I can't copy quotes for some reason, so I hope you can follow my rambling.

I like Chloe's thoughts that it wasn't a friend's house, it felt like Lex, and it was completely uncomfortable. Not because I want her to be uncomfortable with him, but just because it's an interesting thought train.

I also find it interesting that whenever Chloe is given time to think about anything, she always comes up with the most negative reaction possible. Not that it's not realistic, and not that I can't relate, but still... too much thinking never did anyone any good.

She obviously has no clue how to read his emotions, considering she knows how guarded he is. What a silly girl.

I'm almost disappointed no one pottied on Santa's lap. But my, these two get into awkward peer pressured holiday traditions. I love it.

The contrast between understanding that the parts of Lex she couldn't see not going away and her not cluing in that there are probably a lot of things she can't see is really thought-provoking. Not for her, obviously...

Are we going to get Lex in a Santa Suit every year from you by the way? I sure hope so!

Aw, now I'm all melty. I'm sure you don't need a quote to figure out where I am. I can't believe she could turn that down, even with strong convictions. She's either a lot smarter or a lot stupider than I am, that's for sure. Her reasons for hesitating are completely logical, but for someone who's used to being disappointed by the world, I'd hope she'd eventually reach a point where she'd throw caution to the wind and take what comes. Happy for a few days beats happy never.

I knew I should have waited until tomorrow to read both chapters... excellent place for the final break. Thank God for that time difference thing, and Julie being on top of her updating...

AlabamaWorley
24th December 2005, 04:04
Chapter 24:

Ah, I knew Clark would come through somehow, I can't give up hope for the hero. I'm so glad he's holding a mirror in front of her face. I even got a little teary over that last line.

My goodness, she must be acting different if Matt noticed and pressed the issue. Good advice from him, and probably very apt since he's seen a lot of the story unfold, but still... she obviously wasn't worth him fighting for, was she? Didn't even try, sent her right on... Kidding, he knew she belonged elsewhere.

Her thought about Lex realizing her rejection was what he'd earned was so poignant, because it's a complete reflection of how she feels about herself. They so obviously need each other.

I want a container of homemade fudge. Not one person has brought me any this year. Totally unrelated, but I just realized it's December 23 and I've been robbed.

Oh my, he remembered what every kid wanted. I'm all aflutter. The piles of books nearly undid me.

Whoa. She left the laptop unattended? That is serious.

Love the tie. Nice topper for the yummy mush.

Yay, perfect ending! Hell, I'd have been happy with a laptop or true love, lucky Chloe got both. This was a really sweet story, and it was really great of you to put the effort into mapping it out and committing yourself to getting it written when you had your own busy life to deal with to. Thank you very much, Zannie.

Nadia_
24th December 2005, 20:06
I've missed one week of updates!


*Run as fast as one can to read everything*

Nadia_
24th December 2005, 20:32
Chapter 17:

I was smilling so wide that I think people around me were staring
That party was just beatiful and cozy and sweet and ..

I CAN'T BELIVE IT! CHLOE, STUPID GIRL!!

I have to calm down, otherwise they are going to kick me out of here.

Nadia_
24th December 2005, 20:39
Chapter 18

I should't be readsing this in a public space... I mean, I went from giggling, mad, and now at the verge of tears... Chloe needs to work on that self steem of hers! And Lana just needs to die. Simple like that.

Oh...No! No! They need to sort this put rioght now!

I'not going to cry, I'm not going to cry, I'm not going to cry...

Nadia_
24th December 2005, 20:53
Ch 19

YES!!*Does happy dance*

Go Chloe! You deserve a cookie fo realizing about Matt!

No he won't make ypu happy in a million of years!

And YES, Lex will!

Oh!!!!

I so wish I coould be at home! I would be jumping around like a crazy woman that I'm at this moment!

HE KISSED HER! \o/

Oh....

No Chloe, go back to that gorgeous bald man! Lex, go after her! Do something!

Nadia_
24th December 2005, 21:10
Chap 20

Well at least they started to solve the mess...

Reese
26th December 2005, 05:09
And I was doing so well *sigh* Oh, well...it's catch-up time:

Chapter 20:

I'm glad the Lana thing is out in the open. Too bad Chloe feels there are other reasons to keep them apart *shakes frustrated fist at Chloe*

Chapter 21:

AH HA! We were right! The dress, the last minute invite to the gala...HA! We knew he'd planned this all along (or, at least, we hoped he had)! And the moment in his lap? *sigh*

Chapter 22:

I'm sorry but I loved the whole fainting bit with a touch of protective Lex thrown in. Not only did it seem completely realistic that eventually poor Chloe was going to have to break in some form or fashion considering the month she's had but I also love that Lex put everything else aside to focus on just getting her well and then taking care of her.

But then overhearing that phone call? Hmm. However the whole "fighting the instinct" scene made me forget all about the potentially dark foreshadowing of the previously mentioned phone call.

Chapter 23:

Waking up to some Lex-nuzzling. Damn. Must be nice.

Then Chloe does what she does best in this fic, decides against Lex and, in turn, frustrated the hell out of me!

Oh, Chloe in Santa's lap. What a great moment. One of the best in the whole fic, IMO. So touching on his part and on hers. Wasn't even mad/annoyed with her for saying she couldn't have what she wanted. Just felt so bad for her.

Chapter 24:

Yay, CHLARK HUG! Yay, Clark-being-perceptive! Yay for miracles!

Sorry, sorry...this is a Chlex board, I know. But sometimes, you just gotta love some charming Chlark moments :)

And Matt's even getting in on the action! Luckily for Chloe, there are those around her who are willing to tell her what they see going on with her (and with Lex).

OH! And the laptop! With the note! Nice, nice moment.

AH HA! Right again! Community hours, my ass! Oh come on, Chloe...don't get mad at him now! Remember the kissing? In the snow? And the happiness?

Yes, that's right...rant and rave about it later.

What a ride, Zannie...but I'm glad to see it all turned out well :)

Reese

lexchloe
29th December 2005, 23:05
Part 20
Yay Matt is out of the picture!!! Arrrgggghhh , why don't you tell her how you feel about her Lex instead of trying to coax how she feels about you out of her first!!! At least he explained about the Lana thing but it still hasn't fixed things between them :(

Part 21
Hee Lex sulking!!! They like eachother (of course) there's romantic intentions and yet more kissage!!!! Yay!!! :D Glad they talked things out and that Chloe is at least going to think about the two of them getting together. It is complicated between them for a lot of reasons and she shoul take some time to decide.


Part 22

:wub: to this entire chapter especially for Lex and how wonderful he was being all concerned for Chloe and taking care of her. Excellent.

Part 23

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! But he loves you and you love him!!!! Screw the complications and differences. :puppydog:


Part 24

Yay Matt!!! She loves him special!!!! She went after him!!!!!! :wub: That was awesome, so glad that she changed her mind and went after him and that they're going to give it a go, plus you know KISSAGE!!!!!! :wub: :wub:

Wonderful ending Zannie, loved this story (especially the daily updates:blinkkiss ) The whole calander was a gret Chlexy present for all of us. Great job.

hfce
1st January 2006, 02:44
That was beautiful. I had my doubts reading the 24th day but you made up for it at the end. Great story. :)

Becky that was a wonderful video. Oh my Lord that was so cool. :clapclap:


Hope ;)

txalb
2nd January 2006, 23:48
I absolutely loved this fic. It is so beautifully written and the storyline was just great. I was so worried that the reason Lex was there for community service was just going to be some horrible thing that was going to rip them apart. I like your version much better. Less depressing that way.

This is a beautiful story. Thanks for writing it.

txalb

mee
3rd January 2006, 00:17
What a great story, a perfect treat for the holidays.

lkedino
10th December 2006, 17:51
I love this story about how Lex got to spend time with Chloe

herbles05
12th December 2006, 07:32
I read this story last year and I loved it! I was hoping for another story this year! I didn't find one so better luck next year I guess!!

Julie
12th December 2006, 17:15
I read this story last year and I loved it! I was hoping for another story this year! I didn't find one so better luck next year I guess!!

Yeah, I'm afraid I didn't have the time to set this up this year :( Maybe next year yeah :)

JosiCuervo
12th December 2006, 17:36
Yeah, I'm afraid I didn't have the time to set this up this year :( Maybe next year yeah :)
Jules, I'll be posting a Christmas story for Zannie's birthday. That's better than nothing, right?

:blinkkiss

Julie
12th December 2006, 19:35
Wicked! :) I'm sure many will be looking forward to it!

Zannie
14th December 2006, 14:58
Jules, I'll be posting a Christmas story for Zannie's birthday. That's better than nothing, right?

:blinkkiss

Isn't it close enough to my birthday yet?

JosiCuervo
14th December 2006, 15:49
Isn't it close enough to my birthday yet?
No. Christmas Eve is as close as I'm willing to push it.

lj715
14th December 2006, 16:01
I can't wait to read it!

esclaramonde
2nd April 2007, 02:52
Hi -

I wondered if Serving Christmas is still available anywhere? I really enjoyed Zannie's other fics and was very keen to find this one. I know Zannie's recently changed her own website (congratulations, Zannie - I love hearing about fanfic writers who've been able to be published. It gives me hope :-D)
and I get 404 errors for the website http://network.naughty-seduction.net/advent/ where it was once archived.

I'm sorry if this is a terribly 'newbie' question, but if anyone can point me towards it, I'd be ever so grateful. There could well be a cookie in it for you.

Thanks

BETH

Julie
8th April 2007, 19:57
Hi -

I wondered if Serving Christmas is still available anywhere? I really enjoyed Zannie's other fics and was very keen to find this one. I know Zannie's recently changed her own website (congratulations, Zannie - I love hearing about fanfic writers who've been able to be published. It gives me hope :-D)
and I get 404 errors for the website http://network.naughty-seduction.net/advent/ where it was once archived.

I'm sorry if this is a terribly 'newbie' question, but if anyone can point me towards it, I'd be ever so grateful. There could well be a cookie in it for you.

Thanks

BETH

The url is working now, so you can read the story there :)

esclaramonde
9th April 2007, 12:06
Hi Julie -
thanks so much for the heads-up, very much appreciated.

Regards,

Beth

liz_antoinette
1st September 2007, 09:26
I finally finished this story and it was great. though i have never wanted to choke chloe so much in a fic as much as i wanted to in this one

Fouzia
27th October 2010, 13:50
Hello^^ sorry i'm late but i would like to read the story but the link doesnt working??
Help please thank you

SORRY i found it^^

Julie
27th October 2010, 15:03
Hello^^ sorry i'm late but i would like to read the story but the link doesnt working??
Help please thank you

SORRY i found it^^

I took the site down when NS was hacked, but you can find the story here on the forums, as you probably did :)

Fouzia
27th October 2010, 15:10
Yes thak you^^ and thank you for this AMAZING site^^ MERCI