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View Full Version : [Completed] Hope and Happiness-PG13 ( Updated 7/18 )



lexie
20th June 2007, 16:23
Summary: Chloe ran away from Metropolis three years ago with some very special memories but the past comes back to haunt her. Lex finds himself in a quandary. Is he willing to sacrifice everything, including happiness, to close a deal ?

Disclaimer: all Superman and Smallville characters belong to DC Comics and Gough & Millar. The characters from Batman's universe belong to Bob Kane and DC Comics. No Infringement's intended.

Author: lexie

A/N: Here are the first two chapters of my latest Chlex fic. Remember that the single quotation marks are used for internal monologues.

Now, on with the story! Don't forget to review when you're done. I love feedback.

HOPE AND HAPPINESS

CHAPTER I: Choices

The sun was setting in Metropolis and Lex Luthor was standing by the panoramic window of his office, his hands in the pockets of his expensive black trousers, surveying the city landscape with a pensive air.

His private meeting with seventy-five-year-old Rocco Ferrucci to negotiate the acquisition of the exclusive ' Speranza ' department stores had produced an unexpected result and put Lex in a quandary. In fact, the old man's condition for the sale had taken the young billionaire by surprise, and he wasn't a man easily stunned. However, Lex wasn't going to allow a ' small ' detail to stop him from purchasing one of the leading companies in its field. Lexcorp needed to enter a business such as this in order to acquire respectability in the eyes of the consumers. God knew the world tended to identify his young corporation with his father's and the fishy business Lionel had always seemed to be involved in.

Lex made use of all the acting tools he had learnt to master as a Luthor and, with his habitual poker face, lied through his teeth. He had to plan his strategy and his response had helped him buy the time he needed. Lex's mind was working at full speed because he knew the Italian-American couldn't be fooled for long. The blantant lie he had told the old man about the press vultures wasn't far-fetched, but if Ferruci hired a PI to do some digging, the truth would come to the surface and Lex couldn't afford that.

Several courses of action took shape in his mind, but most of them entailed jeopardising Lexcorp and his own personal fortune. Lex weighed the economic variable and thought it could be solved by his team of lawyers and someone willing to sign the papers. However, there was one aspect which he found difficult to come to terms with- was he willing to sacrifice himself and any possibility of ever being happy to close this deal?

GOTHAM CITY-CHLOE'S FLAT

Gotham's skyline was dark and oppressive even in daylight and now that it was almost nightfall, it seemed more so. Chloe had always been a cosmopolitan girl who enjoyed the beat of the city, its rhythm and even its smog. However, she missed the clean and indescribably blue skies of Kansas. Gotham wasn't Smallville, and it was a far cry from Metropolis- the city she loved for what it had given her and from which she had run away a little over three years before.

Funny how things can change overnight, how a seemingly simple undercover assignment for The Daily Planet could put a life upside down. It had taken one night- or, rather, a few hours- to truly know herself. Although it had been a glimpse, she couldn't or wouldn't forget it; it had meant too much and it had made her the woman she was now. She wouldn't have changed a thing about that night. True, she had run away, afraid of the consequences, but she had no regrets. All of her had been there, still he didn't know. He shouldn't know.

Chloe looked out of the window once again, trying to make out the stars and constellations she knew were there, but saw only the light that appeared to illuminate the cloudy skies of Gotham almost every night- the bat signal. She wondered what kind of man would patrol the streets and skies of that city dressed like a flying rat. Somehow, she couldn't picture him as someone like Clark- he had to be a darker character, a hero more appropriate for a gloomy city such as Gotham.

She closed the curtains and walked towards the fireplace on whose mantelpiece lay an invitation with embossed gilded letters. She had got it a month before and had had internal arguments over the wisdom of attending the soirée. She had even drawn up a list of pros and cons which had decided her not to come until she walked by a shop window and saw the perfect dress to wear to the do. After a week of debating with herself, she had caved in and entered the exclusive shop to buy the garment, as well as an expensive pair of shoes and a matching bag.

She had stopped thinking about herself just when she had discovered what it meant to be truly alive. It had been a conscious choice which had brought about a different kind of happiness. But now, it was time to start being a little selfish again.

lexie
20th June 2007, 16:24
Disclaimer: see Chapter 1.

CHAPTER 2: Surrender

Lex Luthor's private helicopter landed on Wayne Enterprises' helipad early in the afternoon, and the young billionaire was welcomed by his friend and former boarding-school classmate Bruce Wayne.

Flying to Gotham had been a spur-of-the-moment decision; Lex was in a tight spot and thought he had nothing to lose. Attending a boring soirée in a city that wasn't Metropolis could present him with a viable alternative to the unsavoury ones he had considered thus far, and he was so high-strung he wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

As it was customary when visiting Gotham, Lex was staying over at Bruce's and ended up entertaining the guests when the lord of the house disappeared into thin air to respond to one of his usual mysterious emergencies. Lex could play the role of host on auto-pilot but would have rather stayed in the background to do what he liked best, observing people from a safe distance and, taking into account the predicament he was in, it was exactly what he had been looking forward to.

“Master Bruce said he'd be back before nine, Mr Luthor,“ murmured Alfred Pennyworth when Lex helped himself to another glass of champagne.

“I'd like to know how he does it, Alfred. I've always pictured in my mind ways to extricate myself from these tedious do's without actually carrying out any of the exits I've envisioned,“ he answered with a smirk.

“Oh, here he is, sir,“ responded Alfred on spotting the tuxedo-clad Bruce entering the room.

“It was high time you turned up at your own party, Wayne,“ voiced Lex when Bruce joined him.

“I can tell you've been doing a great job, Lex. At least, no one has deserted the soirée so far. My, my ... I think I've arrived just in time to witness the entrance of the Belle of the Ball,“ answered Wayne looking towards the blonde young woman wearing a tight-fitting sequined blue dress that attracted the attention of the male guests.

“Chloe Sullivan in Gotham City,“ murmured Lex, letting his eyes run over her figure before focusing them on her face.

“Do you know her, Lex? “

“I met her in Smallville. She's the daughter of my former Fertilizer Plant's manager, Gabe Sullivan. She was barely out of high school the last time I saw her but had a great future ahead. The question's where you know her from. “

“She's a friend of Vicki's and a terrific reporter. “

“Are you sure you want her snooping around, Bruce? “ asked Lex, raising an eyebrow while following Chloe with his gaze.“ There's nothing like a big dark secret to attract Miss Sullivan's attention. You won't be safe if you have anything to hide. “

“And what makes you think I'd be in danger around her? “

“You should know better than to underestimate me, Wayne. I don't appreciate being taken for a fool your magical acts of appearance and disappearance may go unnoticed to the common folk, but we both know I'm not a regular guy. “

“I'd never presume that, my friend. She's stunning, isn't she? “ added Bruce with a glint, watching Lex's interest in the reporter.

“She's grown into a beautiful woman. But most importantly, she's got brains and, if she hasn't changed since her days as the editor of The Torch, a great sense of humour. A hard combination to find in our circle, Wayne, “ responded Lex, leaving his empty glass on a tray. “ Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll greet an old acquaintance while you mingle with your guests. I believe I've done enough for one night, my friend. “

“Good luck with Miss Sullivan, Lex. She's a hard nut to crack. “

“Do you know from personal experience, Wayne? Don't let Vicki hear you or she'll poke your eyes out, “ Lex answered with a lop-sided grin before crossing the room to seek Chloe out.

The minute Chloe made her entrance she scanned the room in search of her friend Vicki Vale, but her eyes got distracted by the presence of America's two most eligible bachelors. She tried to cover up her shock by sweeping her gaze past them and controlling the hammering inside her chest. When she saw the crowd part like the Red Sea to let Smallville's billionaire cross the room to where she was rooted, Chloe realised it was too late to slip away unnoticed.

'Sullivan, you can do this. Pull yourself together. Paste on your best smile and look at him straight in the eye. Don't let his all-seeing eyes deter you. Look him square in the eye and you'll be safe. Safe? Who are you kidding? '

“Miss Sullivan, I never thought I'd ever find you in an event such as this; least of all in Gotham, when our paths haven't ever crossed in Metropolis. It's been a long time. “

“It certainly has, Mr Luthor. What brings you to the city? “

“Call me Lex, Chloe. I'd like to say pleasure but it's business. However my trip's turned out better than I expected. How did you end up in Gotham, Chloe? I was surprised to stop reading your name in The Planet when you were unquestionably the best reporter of the two cousins. “

“I'm flattered, Lex. I left Metropolis because I felt it was time to move on. Sometimes I feel nostalgia but I'm happy here... I've got a great job. “

“I'm glad to see you've done so well. How's Gabe? “

“He's great. It took him some time to get used to an early retirement, but he's doing fine now. “

“Is he living in Gotham, too? “

“Yes. We're living together as a matter of fact. “

“I've always envied you, you know. The relationship you have with him is so close and loving. I remember how he hated leaving you alone in Smallville when I sent him away on business. I could tell it wasn't just worry over what scrape you might get into, “ he responded with a forlorn air. “Do you still look for trouble, Chloe? “ asked Lex with a smile.

“Old habits die hard, Lex, but I try to stay away from dangerous stories. I don't want to die young. I have a lot to live for, “ she answered passionately.

“Almost getting killed for a Luthor proved to be too much, didn't it? I've never thanked you enough for what you did for me, Chloe. I was just a friend of a friend and still...,“ responded an emotional Lex.

“I did what was right to do, Lex. And I would do it again,“ said Chloe with a catch in her voice.

“Have you ever regretted a decision you've made in your life, Chloe? “

“There are things I would have done differently, perhaps. But many a time you've got to take a certain path because it's the only one open and you have to be ready to compromise. “

“Even if it means sacrificing your own happiness? “

“What are we exactly talking about, Lex? I sense this isn't about me,“ she answered with a frown, seeing something unreadable in Lex's eyes.

“I'm sorry. I've got too sober all of a sudden, and I assume you're here to have some fun,“ said Lex apologetically.

“Are you sure everything's all right, Lex? “ she asked, unconsciously grabbing his arm before removing her hand as if she had been scorched.

“The last thing you'd want to do is getting involved in Luthor business again, Chloe. “

“It can't be Lionel again. He's been dead over three years now. “

“No, it isn´t exactly him. Although, it seems everything has to do with my father in a way. Getting away from his shadow and changing the perception people have of me has become my life's mission. I knew it'd be difficult, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to sacrifice it all,“ he said gravely, looking straight into Chloe's eyes. “Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight? “ asked Lex, lowering his voice an octave. “ You should have seen the envy in the eyes of the females in the room when you made your entrance. “

“It must be the dress, Lex, “ whispered an embarrassed Chloe, shifting her gaze nervously. “ Perhaps, it's a little over-the-top, but I couldn't resist the temptation when I saw it in the shop window. “

“I understand the feeling, but let me assure you it's not the dress. You could be wearing a rag and still be the most appealing woman in this room. “

“Lex, what are you trying to do? Are you sure you aren't drunk? “ asked Chloe with a hint of reproach.

“I thought you liked being told the truth, Chloe. And no, I'm not drunk. Believe me, you'd know it if I were. I apologise if I've made you feel uncomfortable. Please... forgive me. “

“Apology accepted, Lex,“ she said with a small smile.

“Seeing that you're unescorted and that Bruce's with Vicki, will you allow me to show you to the table? “

“Sure, Lex. Just promise you'll be on your best behaviour. “

“Whatever it takes to escape from Gotham's fortune-hunters. “

“Ah! So all this had to do with your need for a buffer. Do you always have a hidden agenda, Lex? “

“I'd like to say I don't but I can't lie to you. I've come to Gotham on a mission and, let me tell you... my expectations were rather low. This isn't something I can talk about here surrounded by a hundred people I've just met. Have dinner with me, Chloe. “

“You mean now? “

“No, Chloe. I mean dinner for two tomorrow night. “

“Lex, I don't think... “

“Please, for old times' sake, Chloe. I need to talk to you. It's plain business. “

“What do I know about business, Lex? Corporative stuff is alien to me. What could you possibly want to talk about?”

“Are you still a coffee addict? “

“Sure. The world would stop existing if Chloe Sullivan ever said 'no' to her daily caffeine fix. Are you thinking of opening a chain of coffee houses in Gotham? You know, you should talk to Lana, Lex. She's got more experience in the field than me. “

“I'm not interested in managerial skills, Chloe. I was just trying to tempt you with the promise of drinking the best coffee in Gotham after dinner if you accepted my invitation. “

“You know my Achilles' heel, Lex. However, I... “

“Is there someone in your life that might object? Is this the reason for your reticence? “

“Why is it that whenever a woman says ' no ' to a man, he immediately jumps to the conclusion there has to be another guy? “

“I must be losing my touch, “

“Because you can't believe a woman could turn you down? “

“No, because I can't remember being so gauche with a woman before. It's just dinner, Chloe. No strings attached. “

“OK, Lex, you win. Dinner... no strings attached,“ answered Chloe, chiding herself internally for being so weak.

“You've made my day, Chloe Sullivan,“ he responded with a sincere smile.

'Oh, this is a mistake, a gross mistake, Sullivan! How could you capitulate so soon? There goes your declaration of independence. You don't need anyone, least of all a man, to feel complete. Ha! Liar! You can't say “no“ to him, you never could. You've made your bed and now you must be ready to lie on it! '

Nyx
20th June 2007, 17:02
You just finished one fic and already writing another one!

As alway you leave us hanging around full of curiosity that you purposely build up!!!

So whats the deal with Lex and the Italian-American guy? What are the conditions?


However, there was one aspect which he found difficult to come to terms with- was he willing to sacrifice himself and any possibility of ever being happy to close this deal ?

And here whats the sacrifice?

Now about Chloe


Funny how things can change overnight, how a seemingly simple undercover assignment for The Daily Planet could put a life upside down. It had taken one night- or, rather, a few hours- to truly know herself.

Why she ran? What happened that night?

So here you have some questions, I hope you'll update soon!

Kit Merlot
20th June 2007, 17:09
This is a great beginning!


' Oh, this is a mistake, a gross mistake, Sullivan ! How could you capitulate so soon ? There goes your declaration of independence. You don't need anyone, least of all a man, to feel complete. Ha ! Liar ! You can't say “ no “ to him, you never could. You've made your bed and now you must be ready to lie on it ! '

This passage intrigues me. What exactly happened between Chloe and Lex in Metropolis?

Please let us know soon:D

dagney
21st June 2007, 01:27
hmmmmm she's living with gabe and he's retired I suspect he's helping with her child. Perhaps the undercover assignation( I mean assigment) lol .she ended up with Lex. a girl can dream. Dagney

hfce
24th June 2007, 06:08
I have a very good impression. I want more please. :D

tiger04
25th June 2007, 06:15
Ok, you got my attention. I hope that you will be updating soon.

LexGirl
26th June 2007, 09:02
Ooh another good one!! :) I really like how you've started this one. I wonder what Lex will do on the date. I envy Chloe! loL! :)

lexie
26th June 2007, 17:38
Disclaimer: see Chapter 1.

A/N: Here´s a new two-part instalment to start you thinking. I know it isn´t much but You´ll get some insight into Chloe and Lex´s feeling after their reunion, and an interesting chat between our favourite reporter and her dad Gabe, which will give you some food for thought.:grin3:

I´ve also corrected some typos in the previous chapters.

Enjoy and keep those reviews coming !

CHAPTER 3: Resolutions

LEX´S GUESTROOM AT WAYNE MANSION

Lex was stretched on the bed still wearing his formal outfit minus the jacket, tie and shoes. His mind was in a whirl after the events of the night. Chloe Sullivan. Who would have thought their paths would cross again in Gotham after almost ten years?

He remembered he had taken an instant liking to the teenage reporter. He had admired her tenacity, her commitment, her loyalty and that infinite capacity of giving without asking for anything in return. He couldn´t understand how Clark could have been so blind not to see the amazing girl he had had straight under his nose, a girl who worshipped the ground he walked on. Lex had seen the promise latent in the petite blond but nothing had prepared him for the woman who crossed Wayne´s door. Her beauty wasn´t manufactured or skindeep; it went beyond her looks. And Lex knew by just looking into those green eyes again that she was still beautiful inside. And, for the first time in months, he felt not everything was lost.

CHLOE´S FLAT

Chloe arrived at the flat around three o´clock in the morning, kicked off her shoes and went straight into the kitchen to plug in the coffeemaker. She needed a large cup to control the emotional upheaval she was in. She felt like shouting, crying or smashing things to give vent to her tension, but she couldn´t- she wasn´t alone in the apartment, and giving explanations was the last thing on her mind.

She hated herself for being so weak when it came to Lex. She considered leaving a message for him on Wayne´s answer phone or writing a letter backing out, but she knew he wouldn´t let it rest. He would demand an explanation and she wasn´t ready to lie, least of all to him who could read anyone with those implacable blue-grey eyes of his. More than three years before she had seen those orbs light up with tenderness and so many other emotions. He believed they hadn´t met in ten years and she didn´t have the courage to correct him, not if it meant hurting him like she knew she would, if he ever found out the truth. She had done what she thought was best for everyone involved.

Lex couldn´t know how it hurt to hear him ask her about the willingness to compromise even at the expense of sacrificing one´s happiness. She was aware he wasn´t talking about her because he didn´t know what had happened forty-five months before, but that didn´t make things any easier. By the look in his eyes, Chloe had realised there was something that was eating him, and she craved to help him but didn´t want to make her offer too obvious. She wished she could repay him for everything he had given her- ´repay´, what an awful word for something so precious. Chloe told herself she had accepted his invitation because she owed him, but she knew in her heart that it was because she loved him- even if he´d never love her back.

lexie
26th June 2007, 17:39
Disclaimer: see Chapter 1

CHAPTER 4: Confiding

CHLOE´S FLAT

“Chloe, sweetheart, what´s the matter? ” asked a worried Gabe.

“Nothing´s the matter, dad, “ she responded with one of those smiles she reserved for the times when she felt the world around her was falling to pieces.

“You can´t fool your old man, honey. I´ve known you for twenty-seven years. What´s bugging you? ”

“I saw Lex yesterday night. He´s staying at Wayne Mansion... “

“And? “ said Gabe to encourage her to elaborate.

“He invited me to have dinner with him tonight. “

“Dinner? “ And what did he say? “ he asked stranged at Chloe´s behaviour.

“I said ´yes´, dad. But...“

“But... are you worried because of me, Chloe? He´s no longer my boss and you´re a grown-up woman. I´m still your dad and you´re my little girl. I can´t lie to you; I´d rather you went out with someone whose surname wasn´t Luthor, but I´ve always respected Lex. And besides, it´s just dinner, isn´t it? “ stated Gabe.”Isn´t it? “ he insisted when Chloe didn´t answer and shuffled on her seat.

“You don´t understand, dad. “

“What is it I don´t understand, Chloe? That you´re afraid of going out with somebody after three years? You´re a great girl, Chloe, and I´m proud of you and what you´ve done, but it´s time to start thinking about yourself. I know what I´m talking about, honey. Don´t let life pass you by. “

“Dad, have you ever regretted...? “

“No, never. Not for you, sweetheart. However, I forgot to think about myself for a long time, inventing excuses. Don´t let that happen to you. “

“I don´t know if going out with Lex is the wisest thing to do, dad, “ she responded, her eyes brimming with tears.

“What is it you´re afraid of, Chloe? Is it him? Because if that´s the case, you shouldn´t have accepted his invitation. “

“Oh, dad, this is so uncomfortable! “

“You don´t need to speak about it with me, honey. Maybe Vicki...”

“No, no. I don´t want to involve anyone outside the family circle, dad. “

“It´s your life, sweetie. You don´t have to consult with me or anybody else for that matter. You know that whatever decision you make, I´ll be right by you- even if I don´t agree with you. “

“I don´t know... what...I´d have done without you, dad, “ stuttered a tearful Chloe.

“Come on, honey. That´s the past now, “ he responded, wiping her tears with his thumbs.

“It´s not the past, dad. If only you knew... “

“Lex? “ asked a surprised Gabe when the truth dawned on him. “Oh, my God! “

“Now you see why I´m a nervous wreck. “

“It was bound to happen sooner or later, Chloe. You´ve been playing with fire all this time. Lex isn´t like anyone you know. Are you ready to face the consequences of what you did when you left Metropolis for good? “

“I´m not planning on telling him, dad. You said it yourself, it´s dinner and then, we´ll go our separate ways. “

“Are you sure this is what you want, sweetheart? “

“He said dinner...no strings attached. “

“I´m not asking what he said but how you feel. I could tell when you left Metropolis that you loved the man. Now, tell me how this has changed. “

“It hasn´t changed, but it cannot be. “

“Why not? “

“Because he doesn´t love me, and I know him, dad, just as I knew him then. He´ll feel obligated, and I couldn´t do that to him. “

“You have to see the big picture, Chloe. This isn´t only about you. Think. What will happen in a couple of years? Honey, if you wait more... if you don´t hurt him now... I don´t believe he- or they, for that matter- will ever forgive you. “

flower
26th June 2007, 18:49
Owh! Sound very intreging!
Can't wait for more!

Kit Merlot
26th June 2007, 18:57
Very interesting chapters!

I can't even begin to start guessing what the big secret is.

Please give us some more hints:D

hfce
27th June 2007, 02:40
My theory is Chloe had Lex's baby and she never told him. Am I right? :D

dagney
27th June 2007, 02:41
OMG Twins? Loving this dagney

LexGirl
27th June 2007, 08:39
Wow! I'm very interested now and am waiting patiently to see where this will go! :) Great updates, Lexie! :)

starmoon
29th September 2007, 06:10
wonderful and perfect i just love it so much.

daria_103
24th November 2007, 03:36
That was lovely. I love the idea of Lex and Chloe having a child together. I really like how you brought them back together and Lex being so understanding of why she kept their child from him.

Great ending too.

dira
12th June 2010, 01:19
I wonder what will happen after the wedding. A second part would be great!

dayamiracle
21st June 2010, 12:42
This makes me smile every time...

lexie
22nd June 2010, 04:25
Glad you still find it sweet despite it's being one of my first attempts. ;)

dira
16th July 2010, 20:43
Great story! wish there was a sequel to know what happen at the wedding and the honeymoon.

donhisiewen
25th September 2010, 16:32
Wow, this is one of your first attempts? Wouldn't have guessed it. I love your way with words when you describe the surroundings and how you build up the atmosphere.

I'm a sucker for fics which include a little daughter or son of Lex and Chloe since it's one of the few times when we get to see the softer side of Lex.

jcassy
11th November 2010, 19:26
i love the last line of your story:" i am a family man". it made me remember a movie with nicolas cage and tea leoni where, where an angel showed his character what he coul have had if he had married his sweetheart.
great story.

Ami Rose
6th November 2011, 11:09
Cute!

mama_kat
6th November 2011, 15:52
A sweet, feel-good story. Thanks for sharing, Lexie!

blueeyedbeauty
7th February 2012, 23:18
I love this story... Please is there a sequel

lexie
8th February 2012, 21:12
I love this story... Please is there a sequel

I'm afraid there isn't. This was one of my earliest attempts at writing fiction- I've come a long way since then. LOL. However, if you enjoyed this, you might want to check out my masterlist (http://forums.naughty-seduction.net/showthread.php/7631-Lexie-s-Fanfiction-List-W-PDFs-amp-Podfics-%28August-21-2011%29) for other stories. I have a soft spot for Daddy Lex so I believe you'll find several of them to your liking.

Thanks again for commenting.