PDA

View Full Version : Coffee Hound (PG-13)



PMD
13th September 2007, 03:42
nonky, this ones for you, sweetie. : ) Enjoy, guys.

Title: How We Never Met Series - Part 15 - Part 1 - "Coffee Hound"

Author: PMD

e-mail: mary.davidson@sympatico.ca

Rating: PG-13 (Language)

Category: Friendship, Chlex, Clana, Humor, Chloe's POV, AU

Spoilers: Anything is fair game in Smallville.

Summary: Chloe loves coffee and it gets her into some interesting situations.

Disclaimer: To whomever owns Smallville, its characters, the use of the idea of the type of wedding gown, Madonna, Cher, any sayings, and Turner Classic Movies, I'm just borrowing them, will give them back, not making any money with their use there, so don't sue me.

Archive: At BAFsFF, BT2, Electricchlex, N.S. Forums, and SPP, for the time being. If anybody else wants it, all they have to do is ask.

Feedback: Yes I would love feedback.

Author Notes: Thanks goes to Jay for being a sounding board to this idea of humor. And nonky---here you go, sweetie. Humor with a lasting touch of love for the Chlexer's in all of us. Oh, and yeah, it's a part of the How We Never Met Series too---two birds with one stone. : ) Also Hemp wedding dresses are real---thanks goes to the idea of it from:

http://www.rawganique.com/Womens/organic-hemp-evening-gown-wedding-dress.htm

Enjoy.

How We Never Met Series - Part 15 - Part 1 - "Coffee Hound" - by PMD

Prologue: I love coffee---what can I say? It's the love of my life---even if it can get me into trouble---of the humorous kind.

~

Metropolis Maraposa

I'm at the counter, getting my usual.

I take in the smell of the place--coffee, coffee, and more coffee.

"Hey, Coffee Hound," I hear a male say.

I turn to smile at Clark Kent, an ace reporter at the Daily Planet.

"Hey, stranger---where's the ball and chain?"

He gives me a smirk. "Lana is busy, ordering the new fall line."

"Ahhhh---no rest for the wicked, eh?"

"You should know."

"Wow, was that a quip or what?"

He laughs. "We miss you at the Planet."

"I know but when my father won the lottery and decided to give me my dream come true---I just had to go with the flow. Besides, magazine work is less hazardous on his only child."

He smiles, leaning in, whispering, "Yeah, I'm an alien. I can handle it."

He backs away to a tiny smirk.

"Mr. Kent---your order," stops any further quips.

He turns to look at the person behind the counter. "Thanks."

He gives him the money and then turns to me again. "Dinner Friday?"

"Sure---going to bring the wife this time?"

"Lana was away the last time," he grumbles.

"I was kidding, Clark. I know you only have eyes for the pink princess."

He laughs. "And she, the plaid prince."

I chuckle. "Who's going to be late if he doesn't hustle."

He looks at his watch. "Damn---Perry's going to be ired."

"Ired? Doing crossword puzzles again?"

"Yes--they're fun. Chloe?"

"Yeah, I know---go---wait!" I say.

He stands there waiting.

"Where's dinner---what restaurant?"

"Our house---can I go now?"

I nod and he does---not using super speed but going pretty fast at normal.

"Ms. Sullivan?"

My attention is on the person behind the counter again.

"Your coffee," they state.

I take it and put the money on the table. Then I go over to one of the small tables and sit for a minute, sipping it slowly.

Five minutes later, I get up quickly. "Fuck---I forgot about that meeting."

I dash from the building, not without some bad circumstances, as my coffee splashes onto somebody.

"Damn it!" we both state together.

He backs away first and as I look up, I see its Lex Luthor---boy billionaire and an interview I've been trying to get for what seems forever.

"Shit!" I say under my breath.

"No, I believe its coffee---and thankfully, not overly hot."

I give him a tiny smile. "I'm sorry, Mr. Luthor."

"And you are?"

"Chloe."

"Ahhhh---like Madonna or Cher---you don't sing by chance."

"A little---why?"

He starts to brush off his shirt. "Damn---I'll have to go back to the office and put on another one. Thanks a lot," he grips, his attitude changing quickly.

"You aren't half woman, are you?" I quip, trying to get him out of his mood.

"Excuse me?" he asks, glaring at me now.

"Well, you pretty well changed your mood like some women I know. However, never met a man who did it," I quip.

"That's very stereotypical of you, Ms---what is your last name, Chloe?"

I sigh. "Sullivan---Chloe Sullivan."

"Figures a reporter would spill coffee on me," he grumbles.

"Excuse me---it was an accident---and I'm an interviewer now."

"Anything you reporters or interviewers do is never an accident, young lady."

"Who's being stereotypical now, Mr. Luthor!" I rage.

"Oh, forget it," he grips, pushing past me.

"Hey---it's true what they say," I rage once more.

He turns around. "What?"

"You are the rudest person in the world, you jackass."

"And you, Ms. Sullivan, are the clumsiest person in the world. And if we ever do an interview, I'll be wearing something that I've never worn to one ever before."

"A toupee?" I ask.

"Oh, there's the shallow humor I've heard about."

My eyes widen and then narrow. "Righhhhttt---and there's the caustic humor I've heard about from you. I hope you have a bad day, Mr. Luthor. Maybe at lunch, somebody will spill soup on you."

I turn away and almost walk into somebody else, who jumps out of the way at the last second.

I hear laughter behind me and refuse to give him the satisfaction of seeing a smirk on his face. I just mumble sorry and walk away, quickly.

~

Next Day - Same Place

"Chloe---you okay?"

I look at Clark's wife, Lana, and smile. "Yeah, why?"

"You aren't listening to me."

I sit up straight, with a chagrinned smile on my face. "Sorry."

"Its okay---what's got you so distracted?"

I sigh. "Lana, you know who Lex Luthor is?"

"Sure. Oh, OH! You met him yesterday---did you ask him for an interview?"

"Yes and no."

"Why not?"

"I---kinda---walked into him with a cup of coffee."

She frowns at me. "Oh, I'm sorry. So---what happened next?"

"Well, it just got worse and then when I went to leave, I almost plowed into another guy. And--he laughed at me."

"Chloe---I would have laughed at that."

"Yeah, but you wouldn't have meant it as mean---he did."

She puts her hand over mine. "Chloe---it's okay. We're all klutzes once in a while. Remember me and Clark when we first dated?"

"Lana you are not suggesting we were acting this way because of flirting, are you?"

"No---but it's interesting that you bring it up that way."

"Lana---the only reason I would ever want to see that jerk ever again is for an interview in which I could tear him a new one."

She laughs. "Oh yeah, he's really gotten to you. No boyfriend has ever gotten you this hot under the collar."

"Boyfriend---pish posh."

"Chloe---pish posh?"

I sigh, pulling my hand back. "Listen, we can talk about this later---Friday night okay?"

"And that's what I was trying to talk about. What would you like for dinner?"

"Lex Luthors head on a platter," I quip.

"Chloe, be serious."

"I am."

"Chloe!"

"Lana!"

We stare at each other for a few minutes and then sigh.

"I gotta go," I say.

"Okay---I'll call you tonight to ask you what you want for dinner then."

I get up. "I'm sure whatever you make will taste great, Lana."

She gets up. "Oh, and you can bring a date if you want."

I shake my head. "Who has time for dating."

She pulls me into a hug. "Chloe, you'll find somebody---I promise."

I sigh. "Are you sure? All the good ones are taken."

She backs away. "Not all."

I back away and grab my coffee, as she does hers. Then we walk over to the door, me leaving first.

She bumps into me, as I've stopped to watch what's going on.

"Oh my God!" I exclaim as I watch a woman bump into Lex Luthor, spilling coffee on him.

"Damn it!" we hear from the man.

"Oh dear," Lana exclaims, trying not to laugh at the man with the brown down his white shirt---that seems to be coming---a little transparent.

"Oh, he's not wearing an undershirt."

"Lana!" I state, turning around.

"Hey, I'm married, not dead."

"YOU!"

I turn around to see him walking towards me.

"Yes?"

"You set this up."

"Excuse me?"

"You set up that girl to walk into me."

"I did not."

"Then how do you explain coming out of that place just as she was doing it."

"Lex, it's a free country---I was having a coffee with my friend, Lana. Lana, meet the most paranoid man in the world."

"With good reason since I've met you."

"Take that back!"

"I will not!"

"You take that back or else!"

"Or else what?"

"Or else---or else---"

"Or else she'll pour her coffee over your head," Lana says.

He glares at her and then looks at me. "She wouldn't dare."

"Oh, and why is that?" she asks him.

"She doesn't have the balls to do it."

"Oh really---is that a challenge, Mr. Luthor?"

"Yes it is, Ms. Sullivan."

I glare at him.

He smiles an evil smile. "Knew you couldn't do it. Good day ladies, and I use that term loosely---for one of you."

He smirks at us and then turns around, then back again. "Oh, and I'm sending you the dry cleaning bill this time for setting it up."

He turns back and is walking away, when I start to run after him. "I did not set it---uuuup---"

I falter on a crack and the cup in my hand splashes coffee down his jacket.

He turns back around and walks up to me. "You did it again."

"It was an accident, Luthor. Just like the last time."

He growls out, "I'm getting out of here before I do something I won't regret."

He then turns back around and stomps away.

"Well, that went well."

"You think, Lana."

~

The Next Day - Still at the Scene of the Crime

It's hump day---Wednesday---and of course, it's raining. And of course, I have time on my hand since my interview went south---since it's supposed to be outside, and it's raining.

I let out a sigh, sitting at the table---watching the drips come down---wondering where the big drip is.

I smirk. Like I'm going to pay that bill he sent me for his dry cleaning---I'll take him to court---I've got Lana on my side. She knows I didn't set him up and she knows the other thing was an accident.

"More coffee?"

I look at the waitress and smile. "Thanks---pays to get regular rather than speciality sometimes, doesn't it?"

"Yes, but not too much---I've heard you're a coffee hound who can get in trouble with a cup, like some can with a loaded gun. Especially with a certain billionaire."

I laugh. "That's me---just point me to a Luthor and I'll get him drenched in coffee."

She gives me a smile and then looks up. "Hey, the rains stopped."

I look outside and smile. "Well, it's a wasted day anyway. I'll just finish my coffee and leave."

"No Luthor out there---it's okay to take it with you."

"Thanks, Sarah," I state, getting up and leaving a tip for the refill. "See you tomorrow."

"Bye, Chloe."

I walk towards the door and go out, smelling the sweet smell of grass of a nearby parkette, after the rain.

"You, again!"

I look towards the voice and sigh. "What are you---a stalker, Luthor?"

He's not moving so I walk over to join him. "Cat got your tongue, Lex?"

He's staring at the cup. I shake my head and laugh.

"Okay, I'll get rid of the weapon---then you can move, cry baby."

I walk over to the garbage can and drop it in. Then I join him again, standing in front of him.

"So?"

He grins at me. I walk towards him, as he moves away. I don't know his intentions until my foot lands in a puddle and the other one joins it soon after.

"You JERK!" I yell, turning around to look at the grinning devil.

"Hey, I owed you and still, we're not even."

"You, you---you jackass! I am so going to get you for this, Luthor."

He just gives me an evil grin and then his eyes widen.

"Chloe---get out of the way."

"Why? Another prank, Child Boy?"

"No---it's---"

Before he can get another word in, a car comes along and I'm soaking wet.

"Uuuuugh---you jerk! You didn't warn me!"

"Hey, I tried too. You just thought it was another prank," he states, walking towards me.

I start to brush off the water off my pants and then get indignant again, when he starts brushing off my top, with a hanky.

"Hey---stop trying to cop a feel, Luthor!"

"I'm just trying to---God, Chloe, you can be so---"

He stops talking and moves back.

I glare at him. "What are you looking at?"

"Somebody who's so stubborn she would rather catch a cold then have somebody help her dry herself off."

"I'm not a baby."

"Well, then stop acting like one."

"I am not acting like a baby."

He sighs. "Listen, if it doesn't fracture your female ego, I would like to offer my home as a place to dry off."

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"I might be a little angry at the moment but I'm not stupid."

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yes, okay. Now let's go, shall we?"

He offers his arm to me and I take it, as we start walking, my head held high.

"No trying anything, Luthor," I say under my breath, smiling the whole time.

"You're not my type."

"Oh, right, you're into bimbos and air-heads; I forgot."

"And you are obviously into long nights alone with no dates."

I stop and turn to look at him. "That was mean."

He gives me an apologetic look. "I'm sorry---can I make it up to you, Queen of the Drips."

I snort. "Sure---give the magazine an interview."

"Done by you?" he asks, as we reach his building.

The doorman opens the door and we walk in, making our way to the elevator. It opens and we walk in, not saying anything until it closes.

"Of course."

"Well, then I'll have to get that thing out to wear---tomorrow okay?"

"Why not now?"

"You have to prepare."

"Got the questions all ready and---they're at the office. Okay, tomorrow it is."

The elevator opens and we walk out. He opens the door to his penthouse and we walk in.

"Watch you don't drip on the carpet."

"Ha ha," I snort, as his man servant comes towards us and stares at me.

"Shall I get the lady a towel or just lead her to the bathroom so she can use several of them?"

"Bathroom, James. And make sure she doesn't steal any soap."

I smirk at him before I join James on the trip to the bathroom.

Then I stop and turn quickly. "What time?" I ask him.

"How about 4---we can have dinner afterwards."

"Just the interview---no dinner---I have other plans."

"Oh?"

"Yes, my father and I have dinner at least once a week and its Thursday this week, since Friday is a dinner with my friends."

"And they asked if you would bring a date---I accept."

I roll my eyes. "No, I'm just explaining why I can't have dinner with you tomorrow night, you idiot."

"Sir---I believe the young lady is shivering a bit."

"Yes, I see---go---I wouldn't want a reporter to catch their death in my presence."

"Since when?" I quip, leaving him behind, laughing.

~

Thursday - Finally An Interview

It's four o'clock and I'm waiting outside of the door to his penthouse. Supposedly, reporters and magazine journalists aren't allowed inside Luthorcorp since the debacle with the elevator and one of them almost losing their finger, thanks to Lionel.

I'm about to knock on the door when it opens up; James, Lex's man servant is there.

"Welcome, Ms. Sullivan."

I walk in and turn around, to watch him close the door.

"Can't you call me Chloe?"

"No, Ms. Sullivan."

"How about Miss Chloe, instead of Ms. Sullivan."

"All right."

I turn away and look around. "Okay, so where's Lex? Hiding from me?"

He chuckles. "No, Miss Chloe. He's waiting in the library for you."

"All right."

"Should I bring in coffee?"

"What and tempt fate?" I quip.

"So, no coffee."

"Nawww---let's tempt fate," I reply.

He smiles at me before leading me to the library and opening the door.

"Miss Chloe is here, Master Lex."

He backs away and I walk in, looking at the back of a chair in front of his desk.

"Lex---being rude again, are we?" I quip.

"Close your eyes."

"Why?"

"Just close them, Sullivan."

"You aren't going to be naked when I open them, are you?"

"Do you want me to be?"

"Actually, I like to get to know a person better inside before I look at his outside."

"Just close your eyes."

"All right---but you better not be setting me up for coffee or anything else, all over my face."

He snickers. "No---just trust me."

"Yeah, right."

"Please."

"All right."

I close my eyes and feel the air move, as he gets up and comes towards me. There's a bit of heaviness to his walk and I'm intrigued.

"Can I open them now?"

"Yes."

I do and then I find myself doubled over in laughter, scant seconds later.

He's smiling at me, wearing a rain coat that's green and a pair of boots that a fisherman would wear. I just can't stop laughing at this unique and never before seen fashion statement done by this Luthor who's always on top of the latest fashions.

I finally get myself under control and ask the obvious question:

"You finally joined a fishing crew, have you, Luthor?"

He gives me a smirk. "No---just taking precautions in case coffee shows up in this room."

I sigh, wiping the tears away and walking over to sit on a nearby couch in his library.

"Oh, you really know how to catch a girl off guard."

He chuckles as he stomps over to where I am and sits down.

"Nice color."

"Reminds me a little of your eyes, Sullivan."

"Wow, a compliment from a Luthor---that's gotta be---good or bad? Are you buttering me up? You don't want to do the interview, right?"

"Oh no, we'll do the interview."

"But aren't you hot enough without that thing."

I clamp my hand over my mouth---oh my God, what the hell did I say that for?

His eyes are startled---that's why you did it---to catch him off guard.

"Ah---I didn't mean to say that."

He leans in and my nose crinkles in disgust.

"What's wrong?" he whispers to me.

"That coat stinks."

"I know---it's my fathers."

He backs away, getting up and taking it off----he places it on a chair before the desk and then takes off the long boots. He comes back and sits down.

"Better?"

"Much."

He moves closer and my eyes widen. He's about to be almost on top of me when:

"Sir---coffee is served."

"Saved by the man servant," I quip.

Lex sighs. "James?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Could you take it back to the kitchen and keep it warm. Bring it back in an hour."

"Yes sir," he states, walking backwards out of the room.

Lex gets up and closes the door. Then he looks at me.

"Now where were we?"

I've taken that short time to get my recorder out. "We were about to do an interview."

He sighs. Ha---thought you could seduce me out of it, eh, Luthor? Not going to happen.

He sits beside me again. "All right---since this is a magazine article, and not hard news, it's about me, right?"

"Yes."

He moves closer. "I don't usually do personal interviews."

"I know. Don't worry, I won't ask anything too personal."

"Really?" he asks, right beside me now, looking into my eyes.

Women fall for this crap---are you kidding me? I just stare him down, not giving him an inch. Then I see it.

A spark of humor---a dash of honesty---he really doesn't like to reveal much of himself. I don't want to take away the mystery now. Better to leave it alone.

"Lex?"

"Yes?"

"I don't want to do it anymore."

"Why?"

"What's the good of telling somebody how to do a trick---it takes away all the mystery."

He gives me a small smile. "You are a very intelligent woman---if not a clumsy one too."

"Thank you---I think."

"So, what shall we do for an hour, Chloe?"

He's leaning in closer and then I see it---humor again in his eyes---he's playing with me---or playing along with me. Whichever, he's good and I'm pissed again.

"Okay---this was a set up---you used my compassion to make sure this wouldn't happen, you jerk."

I push him away and get up, seething mad at him. Then I smile.

"Okay, one question?"

He gets up. "Fine. One question---off the record?"

"Of course."

"Fine---what is it?"

"Does this actually work on women?"

"What?"

"This seduction to get them to do what you want them to do? I mean, I wanted to do the interview---then your eyes played with me---and now, I know it was a way to get it going your way, not my way."

"Excuse me?"

"I wanted to do the interview---you didn't---so you used your persuasion to get me to not want to do it, you idiot."

"I have no idea what you are talking about, Ms. Sullivan."

"Like hell you don't, Luthor!" I rant, putting my recorder away and then glaring at him.

"Really, I don't."

"Oh, you're good. You have even convinced yourself you've done no wrong. I don't ever want to see you, smell you, or look at you ever again. Goodbye, Mr. Luthor. Have a crappy life."

I open the door and make my way to the front door, hearing him walking behind me---that is until there's a crash and some expletives thrown out.

I turn around to see him drenched in coffee again---guess James is a little early with it---maybe he heard the argument and thought coffee would stop it.

"Not again---Sullivan, you are such a jinx when it comes to coffee."

"Sir, I'm so sorry. I mean, I heard the argument and---"

He brushes off the coffee and gives his servant a slight grin.

"I don't blame you---I blame her!"

He picks up the silver coffee urn and Lex starts to pick up the pieces of broken china. I kneel down to help him and get pricked by one of the pieces.

"Ouch!"

He looks over at me and instead of grinning, leans over to check out my finger.

"It's okay---it's just a---"

My words stop when he leans in and licks the blood away---places a soft kiss afterwards on it. Then he gets up, leading me up too and towards the bathroom.

He closes the door and brings out the medical supplies needed to fix me up. Afterwards, I lean against the door, watching him put the stuff away.

"Thanks."

He looks at me. "You're welcome."

"I'm sorry."

"About what?"

"About the coffee thing---I am a jinx."

He moves to me, smiling. "Well then, when we're together, we'll just have to have tea instead."

"Or make it ice coffee."

He chuckles and then turns serious. "You still can't stay for dinner?"

"No---but you can have dinner with me tomorrow night if you want too."

His eyes darken, not with rage but with want---with desire---something changed from the moment I entered his inner sanctum---or maybe it was the fact I got slightly hurt. Whatever it was---maybe the anger we felt before was just the flipside of attraction and being scared to take that chance.

He's had bad times; so have I.

"Chloe?"

"Yes?"

"Are you hurt anywhere else?"

I point to my lips and he leans forward, kissing them lightly until I pull him closer, demanding more.

He backs away. "Still going?"

"I can't let my father down---he's nice."

He nods his understanding, placing a kiss on my lips once more and then helping me to back away from the door, so he can open it.

He leads me to the front door, both of us noticing the scene of the crime is all cleaned up. He opens the door and I go out. I turn back.

"Oh, you want me to come here and then we'll go?"

He nods.

"4 okay?"

He nods again.

"So, till tomorrow---"

"---parting is such sweet sorrow, Chloe."

I lean in, whispering, "I can't go yet. You have my bag in there."

He gives me an evil grin. "Maybe I won't give it to you until you have dinner with me."

"Then I'll just stay out here until you deem to give it to me---and trust me, I really snore."

"I can't have that going on."

He leaves and goes to get it, coming back and handing it to me.

"Night, Lex."

"Good night, Chloe."

A whisper of a smile is what I see before he closes the door. And I have one too, as I walk towards the elevator

~

Friday Night

"Uuuuugh!"

"Chloe, what's wrong?"

I look at Lana, frustrated. "Nothing to wear."

"Ooo, good---that means he can get to the fun part faster."

"Lana!"

She smiles, walking in, something behind her back.

"What's that?"

"Something new from the store---for you. Are you wearing jeans tonight?"

I nod.

She pulls it from behind her back, nicely folded. "Than this will be a nice addition."

She unfolds it and I stare at the top before me.

It's purple; not dark---a medium color. It's got short sleeves and dips a bit around the neck, but not too much. It's made of satin, not to clingy with the material. It's just---

"---beautiful. And will go perfect with your shawl."

I smile. "You know what I like---in clothes."

"Hey, we weren't roomies for nothing for years."

I grin more, walking over and tossing the top to the bed. I lean in, hugging Lana. "Thanks."

I back away. "Hey, you introduced me to Clark---it's the least I could do."

I smile and turn away from her, looking at the top.

"Lana?"

"Yes?"

I turn back around. "Did you and Clark---"

"---act like you and Lex did at first?"

I nod.

"Yes, we did."

"So, I'm not crazy in thinking he might be the one."

"Nope."

"Thanks---now---"

"Could I leave you to get dressed and go over to his place?"

I nod.

"Okay---we'll see you later."

I nod and then she's gone.

End of Part 1

PMD
13th September 2007, 03:45
How We Never Met Series - Part 15 - Part 2 - "Coffee Hound" - by PMD

See Disclaimer In First Part

~

Outside The Penthouse

I'm standing there, remembering the last time I saw him. His smile and I have to smile. Then I remember him calling me this morning:

'Still coming?'

I nodded.

'Chloe?'

'Oh, yes, Lex.'

'Good---oh, is it casual or semi?'

'It's a dinner, not a dinner party, Luthor.'

'Semi it is.'

I laugh and knock on the door.

It opens and there stands James.

"Miss Chloe?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

He moves away and I walk in, my wrap gathered around me. I turn around to watch him close the door.

"For what?"

He walks towards me.

"Just for being and being here."

I'm surprised when he pulls me into a hug and I return it, losing my wrap in the process.

"Hey, get your own girl, James."

I back away and give him a pat on the arm. Then I turn to look at Lex.

"Wow, you own jeans," I quip.

He just stares at me and then starts to walk towards us.

The jeans are joined by a long-sleeved purple silk shirt---a little darker than my top.

His eyes are on 'the girls' and I snort.

"Eyes up, Luthor---my face is here---not down there."

He chuckles and is right in front of me. "Sorry."

"Its okay---after all, you are only human and a man to boot."

He looks me over and then back up to my face. "Nice top."

"Thanks---nice shirt."

"Thank you. Not to dressy?"

"No---how about my top?"

He looks at it again and then back at me. "Perfect."

"Ahhem."

He looks beyond me and I turn around. James is holding onto my wrap.

"Sir, I believe this is Miss Chloe's wrap. Should I put it on her or should you?"

"I can put it on myself."

"What's the fun in that, Chloe," Lex answers, going around me and taking the wrap from James.

I stare at him. "Turn around."

"All right," I state, turning around.

"Sir, I'll leave you now."

"Thanks, James," we both say together.

"You're both welcome," he says, before he leaves us alone.

I feel him behind me now, placing the wrap around my shoulders and then leaning in, whispering:

"Why do we fight?"

I sense him backing away and I turn around.

"Because---because, we're scared."

"Scared?"

"Okay, not scared as much as nervous."

"Nervous?"

I sigh. "Okay---let me put it this way---a friend of mine used to argue with another one and now, they're married."

He moves towards me, as I look down at my feet. He brings me back to him with:

"So, we fight to test each other's feelings for each other."

I nod.

"So, if I never saw you again after this---how would you feel?"

"Well, I would miss your pratfalls with the coffee."

He snorts. "Thanks to you."

"Hey, I did not set up day two's first coffee problem."

"Yes you did."

"No I didn't. It was an honest mistake by that girl."

"You set it up."

"No I didn't!"

"Yes you did."

"No I didn't!"

"Yes you did!"

"Oh shut up, Luthor!"

"Excuse me?"

I move away from him and towards the door.

"Where the hell are you going?"

"To dinner with my friends---good bye, Lex."

Before I can open the door, he's there, his hand leaning against it. "I was invited too."

I glare at him. "No you weren't. Now please move away from the door before I kick you and you sing soprano for a very long time."

He moves away but then, pulls me towards him, dipping down to kiss me senseless.

He finally backs away and I give him a slight grin. "That's another reason why we fight."

"And that would be?"

"Making up is so much fun," I say, pulling him down for another kiss.

~

The Kent's Brownstone

"Now be nice."

"I always am," he snorts.

"And don't be jealous because Clark thinks of me as a sister and is very protective of me."

"And you let him?"

"Hey, I can't stop him from doing what he wants to do, anymore than I could stop you."

"You sure you don't want to leave now?" he whispers, leaning in to place a kiss on the side of my neck.

I groan. "Okay---maybe we'll just go home and make out."

He laughs as he backs away and then the door opens. We look into the startled eyes of Clark's and just smile.

"Hi," we state together.

"Hey," he says back, a look of surprise still there.

"Can we come in or is dinner on the stoop tonight?" I ask.

"Oh, right---sure, come on in."

He moves away and I walk in ahead of Lex. He closes the door behind the two of us and smiles.

"I'm sorry about that out there."

"Its okay---I mean, you've been begging me to bring somebody to the dinners for years and when I do, it's not some ordinary Joe---it's Lex Luthor."

"Whose middle name just happens to be Joseph," he quips.

Clark chuckles at that and then leads the way into the living room, as Lana joins us.

"Lex, I believe you've already met Lana, my best friend in the whole world."

She puts the canapés on the table and walks over.

"Pleased to meet you again, Mr. Luthor."

He puts out his hand to shake hers. "Pleased to meet you too, Mrs. Kent."

"Lana, please."

"Lex then."

She nods, moving away from him and towards her husband. We stand there for a few minutes, Clark looking over Lex and then:

"Clark, could you take my wrap, please?" I verbalize.

"Oh, right---where are my manners?"

"In the dumpster out back," I whisper, so only he can hear."

He walks over and takes my wrap, carrying it over to the nearby chair. Then he comes back, giving me a glare.

"Chloe---can I talk to you for a minute in the kitchen."

"Sure, Clark," I state, giving Lex a pat on the arm. "I'll be back in a bit, Honey."

"Sure, Sweetheart," he replies, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek.

I follow Clark into the kitchen and then:

"Chloe---you know who he is, right?"

"Yes, I believe I do, Clark. I don't live under a rock, you know."

He walks away and paces for a few minutes. Then he stops:

"His father is trying to find out who the newest superhero is in town."

"You think!"

"And that's his son in there."

"Yes, and?"

"That's his son in there."

"Yes, and?"

"Chloe---you aren't that dense!"

"No, I'm not, but you are."

"What?"

"Clark---he hates his father even more than you and I do. Trust me; if he knew he was talking to the super being saving Metro all the time, he would take great pains in not telling him."

He sighs. "Really?"

"No, Clark, I'm setting you up for a big fall."

He sighs again. "So, should I tell him?"

"It's up to you. Listen, just get to know him tonight and if at the end of the dinner you decide to tell him, great. If not---maybe later on."

"Or maybe never."

"Maybe but know this, Clark. I'm not going to tell him myself and I'm not going to tell him goodbye either."

"Why?"

"Because it's your secret to tell and as to the other---I don't know---a feeling---like it's something I would be lost without---somebody I would be lost without. I just can't say goodbye to him because a part of me would be gone."

"Fair enough---I'll give him a chance for all our sakes."

I walk over and give Clark a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, Clark."

I back away and he stares at me.

"I hope I don't regret this," he states, as we walk towards the door.

"I don't think we will," I say, opening it for us both.

We both sigh as we walk through and join the others.

~

Dinnertime Over

"So, shall we have brandy in the living room, Lex?"

I stare at Clark.

"What?"

"Brandy in the living room---no more Turner Classic movies for you, Kent."

He gives me a look and I just smile, getting up and taking Lex's offered hand.

We walk into the living room and then I turn to him."

"I'll be back as soon as I help Lana with the dishes."

He nods, leaning down to kiss me on the lips, lightly. Then he backs away.

"We'll be okay, Chloe. I'm sure none of what happened so far tonight will show up in the Planet tomorrow. Or anything to come either."

"Not even the fact that you can blow milk through your nose?" I quip.

He shakes his head and points to the kitchen door. I snort and turn around, getting a slap on my rear before I head towards it.

You'll pay for that, Luthor.

~

Kitchen Duty

I walk into the kitchen.

"I wash and you dry?"

Lana turns around to look at me---tears in her eyes.

"Lana, what's wrong?" I ask, running up to her.

"Nothing," she says.

"Oh please, Lana. Something has to be wrong for you to cry."

She sighs. "Okay---it's just that---"

"No luck yet?"

She nods her head.

"You're still young."

She gives me a tiny smile. "I guess but still---I want a baby," she wails.

I pull her into my arms for a hug. "You'll get one soon, sweetie. I know it."

She backs away. "Wishful thinking?"

I laugh. "Nope. It's just---I know you would be good parents. You certainly helped raise me from the idiot I was to this stellar person you see before you."

"And prepared you for the guy out there."

"Oh, nothing could prepare a girl for the Luthor Band wagon."

She laughs. "Well, nothing could prepare him for you, Hon. So---you really like the guy?"

I turn and walk away. I sigh, turning back around to her hopeful face.

"Yes, I do. And I told Clark as much and not to worry about his secret with Lex. I hope he tells him---but if he doesn't, that's his choice and I'll still love Lex."

"What did you just say?"

"About what?"

"You love him?" she asks, walking towards me.

I roll my eyes. "Yes, after knowing him in person for less than a week, I love him."

Before she can say a word, the door opens and Clark pops in his head.

"Girls, could you come in for a minute---it's important."

"Secret important?" Lana queries.

He nods and closes the door.

"I hope you're right about Lex, Chloe," she breathes out, taking off her apron and putting it on the kitchen chair back.

We walk towards the door and I give her a slight smile. "When have I ever been wrong?"

"Well---"

~

Moment of Truth---Maybe

We walk into the room and feel the silence---the tenseness---in it.

I walk over to Lex, standing beside him.

"Everything okay?"

"I don't know---he seems to be tense around me. I guess my father can do that to anybody."

"I guess---Clark?"

"Yes, Chloe?" he asks, his arm around Lana's waist.

"So---got anything to say?"

He shakes his head and I sigh. He was going to tell but then changed his mind---darn it. But it's his secret to reveal---I'll just have to deal with it. I look at Lex.

"What's going on?" he asks me.

Before I can say anything, Clark let's go of Lana and walks over to us. We both look at him.

"Lex, it's hard to let this go---to tell somebody this---thing of mine---and we just met---like really met---away from interviews and stuff. I'm sorry---"

"Clark, it's okay. It seems like a pretty big thing if you are nervous about telling anybody, right?"

He nods his head.

"Well, then, you'll just have to get to know me socially and find out how good I am at keeping a secret---it's a secret, right?"

He nods and then smiles. "Even the one that you love Chloe."

I look up at him. "You love me?"

He looks at Clark. "Well, I seem to keep a secret better than you, Clark."

"Maybe---we'll just have to wait and see."

He looks down at me now. "Yes, I do."

"With all the coffee I doused you with---you love me?"

"I must if I can deal with your clumsiness and getting other's to dump coffee on me."

"Hey, I never set that up. Honest!"

"So it was Lana's idea?"

"Hey, keep me out of this argument," she states.

He backs away and stands in front of me. "You admit you did it and you can stay the night at my condo."

I let out a sigh---lie and you stay the night---tell the truth and you don't---what a quandary.

I look into his eyes. "I can't tell a lie---even if it means going home to a cold and lonely bed. I didn't do it and neither did Lana. Do you actually think that there might not be other's out there that are accident prone or clumsy, Lex?"

He looks deep into me and smiles. "Okay, I'll accept that."

"What?"

"Chloe---you can come home with me."

"Excuse me?"

"I believe you."

"Wait---this was a test? You jerk---I wouldn't go home with you if you were the last man on Earth!"

I turn away from him. "Clark can you take me home!"

I hear nothing and turn to look at him, whispering to Lex. He backs away and walks back to Lana. Then Lex is in front of me.

"Chloe, it was a test---I'm sorry I had to do it. It's just that after being hurt so many times, I can't believe this is real---you are real. I just had to---"

I put my finger over his mouth and smile. "I understand---just trust me to tell you the truth---the majority of the time."

I take it off his lips and he smirks. "The majority?"

"Hey, white lies don't count."

He chuckles and then leans down, kissing me softly. Then he backs away and I turn around.

"Coffee anybody?"

"Are you kidding me, Lana?" I quip.

~

A Year To The Night

I stand in front of the full length mirror, still in awe that my dress is made of a material that fits my lifestyle---ecologically minded---it's made from hemp.

I tried to get Lex to go along with a similar styled tux but he already had one---passed on since the 1800's. I guess there's a lot of use out of it for all. Well, at least he went with free trade coffee, which was only allowed, if I had tea.

He didn't want to take any chances with the dousing on this day, I guess.

I laugh as the door opens and in walks Lana---wearing a recycled dress too---something passed down from her grandmother---and not pink. Oh my God, the world has ended---not pink.

I smooth down the dress as she walks over.

"No train."

"Too petite, Lana."

"Okay. Well, here's your ring of daises, milady, to add to your ecologically minded dress," she states, putting it on the top of my head, pins keeping it in place.

She walks away and comes to my side. "You are such a flower child."

"Guilty as charged," I say, smiling.

I look over at her, pretty in a lemon yellow. "You look good too, sweetie."

"I know."

I laugh and look back at the mirror, touching my hair.

"Chloe, I have something for you."

I look at her. She has a golden pendent---a citron stone on the thin chain.

"Oh, Lana, it's beautiful."

She nods, going around and putting it on me. She leans in. "You're so beautiful."

I smile. "You too but not overly to make me disappear."

She comes around and stands beside me, looking into the mirror too. There's a glow there---a happy glow---a---

"Lana, is there something you want to tell me?"

She nods her head. "We're pregnant."

I scream out my joy and hug her. Then I back away:

"The we is you and Clark, right? Not you and me."

She snorts at that and turns back to the mirror. "Yes, it's Clark and me. Chloe, you are the first one we've told---we didn't want to jinx it and overshadow your day but you asked."

"Its okay---so, where is the happy father to be?"

"He's trying to figure out what to say to Lex after the ceremony---he wants you there too, Chloe."

"I know."

She turns to me. "It'll be okay, right? I mean---"

"Lana, he hates his father. That man mentally abused him when he was younger and taught him that he didn't need friends to survive. And he didn't get him the help he needed when his mother died---when he felt abandoned---just sent him back to school. I'm surprised he's so level-headed and funny myself."

"Lex Luthor---funny?"

I laugh. "Yeah I never figured him for a comedian but I guess it's another hidden talent of his."

"The king of the one-liners?"

"More like the sexual innuendo king," I quip.

"Oh---do tell."

"I would but I'm supposed to be blushing when I go down the path---not you, missy."

She grins at that and then there's a knock at the door.

"That's our cue, I guess," she sighs.

I nod my head and watch her walk over to the door, opening it to my father.

"Ready, ladies?"

"As I'll ever be, Daddy."

~

The Party And Truth Comes Out

The wedding is over---no Lionel stopping it---me almost forgetting my lines cause, silly me, I looked into his eyes.

I sigh, watching the people under the tent, drinking and talking amongst themselves.

My new husband is over with Lois, telling her he would take care of me the rest of my life and her getting all huffy, saying I can take care of myself---I would take care of him.

He looks over at me and smiles---he knows how much she loves to argue and that we will take care of each other.

I turn away and look out over the expanse of the lawn of his summer home---no make that summer castle---in Smallville.

It's a happy little town---everybody was invited. And I mean everybody---my poor hands in the receiving line. If it wasn't for Lex's fast thinking of saying I was needed in the kitchen, I'm not sure if we could have enjoyed the wedding night---I'm a touchy feely person, as he well knows.

Yes, that night he took me home from Clark and Lana's, well, we didn't go all the way but heavy petting was involved. It wasn't until our 4th date that we went all the way---hey, I'm not easy.

Then after he asked me to marry him, we decided to wait until the wedding night to make love again. That was the longest two months of my life.

I let out a sigh.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

I turn around to see Clark standing there.

"Well, I'm a little---"

He gulps. "Don't go there, Chloe."

I laugh. "Its okay, Clark. I know you have other things on your mind---like changing diapers in a few months."

"What---she told you?"

I nod. "Congratulations, Mr. Kent."

He pulls me into a hug. "You too---you were right---he is one of the good ones."

"Hey, do I have to poor cold water on you too?"

He backs away and I look at Lex. "What---no cold coffee to throw on us?"

He gives me a smirk and Clark moves away from me, allowing him to put his arm around mine, after he's beside me.

"So---what's going on?"

"Clark?" I ask.

"Lex?" Clark asks.

"Yes?"

"I'm going to have a baby!"

I snort. "Who's going to have a baby?"

"Oh, right, Lana is but I helped."

Lex puts out his hand. "Congratulations, Clark."

He shakes his hand and then smiles. "Lex, I think it's time to share the family secret with you."

"Oh?" he asks, looking down at me.

I nod.

He looks back at Clark. "Why today?"

"Call it a wedding present to you---we already gave Chloe the cappuccino maker."

He smiles at him. "So, do we have to find a soundproof room for you to tell me?"

"An ordinary room away from the crowd will do.

"All right," he states, leading us from the outside into the inner sanctum of his study in the castle.

Clark paces for a few minutes until Lex gets in his way.

"Clark?"

He looks at Lex and then at me. "Clark, what are you waiting for?" I ask him.

He sighs. "I'm afraid."

"Of me? Clark, you know I would never do anything to harm you---we're friends---I would hope best friends," Lex says.

He gives him a slight smile. "I know that but this secret---it's a burden sometimes. And I'm not afraid of you telling, Lex. I'm afraid of you being in danger because of it."

Lex starts to rub his head, a sure sign he's thinking. Then he sighs.

"I understand but if it helps, I can't get sick and I can heal myself and others."

Clark's eyes widen and then he looks over at me, my eyes filled with tears. I nod to him.

"She knew?" Clark asks him.

"Yes, Clark. Before I could go much further, I had to tell her. And she told me her secret too---about being empathic. But we promised each other we wouldn't tell anybody else that we knew. So, can I keep a secret? And I can protect myself and Chloe from being harmed because of it."

"You can't get sick and you can heal yourself of most stuff but can you prevent yourself from being killed by a bullet?"

"No, Clark, I can't. Listen, we don't know how long we have on this Earth---Chloe or I might be hit by a truck tomorrow. We just can't let that stop us from doing the right thing---sharing secrets that might enable the other person to help. But if you still don't feel comfortable about doing it---I understand."

Lex walks away from him but is stopped in his tracks when:

"I'm an alien!"

He turns around to look at Clark. "Excuse me?"

Clark walks up to him. "Lex, I'm a Kryptonian. My planet was destroyed and I was sent here by my father in order for me to survive. I was adopted by the Kents and met up with Chloe when I came to Metropolis. She set me up with Lana and the rest is history. And now, you hold onto a secret that is a blessing and a burden---I hope you don't mind."

Lex looks over at me and then back a Clark. He walks up, pulling him into a hug and now my tears fall, unbidden.

As much as Lex is my best friend and other half, what I see before me is two men who can do things together that women would shudder at.

"Hey, it went well, I see."

They back away and we all look at Lana.

"As well as can be expected," I state.

She smiles at me and then walks over to Clark. "Honey, I think we should leave them alone to talk or whatever comes to mind."

He gives her a smile back and nods. He gives us both a goodbye nod and then he and Lana are gone from our sight.

I turn to look at him walking towards me. "Lex---I'm---"

He's in front of me, his finger on my lips. "No---Chloe. It proves that you can keep a secret and I love you all the more for it. However, tonight, there is one secret you can't keep."

He takes away his finger and:

"What secret, Lex?" I ask.

"How beautiful a bride you are and how much you love me."

"Well, Handsome, you certainly can't hide it either," I say.

"True," he states, leaning down and capturing my lips.

We back away, staring into each other's eyes until:

"Hey, Chloe, it's time to throw the bouquet."

He moves to stand beside me, sighing and then whispering, "Your cousin has the worst timing in the world."

I whisper back with, "She's your cousin in law now."

"Oh God, she is."

"Hey, what's going on?"

We look at Lois. Then I sense his smirk.

"What?"

"Lois, we are cousin in laws, right?" he asks her.

"Yeah---so?"

I look up at him and then it hits me.

"Oh, right---Lois since you two are related---"

She stares at us and then it hits her.

"No, no, oh no, Chloe you can't mean---"

"Yes, Lex doesn't do interviews with family. So, guess that means Clark---"

"Oh man, Clark Kent gets to interview him whenever he wants to."

I nod and then sigh. "And that means I don't get to interview him for the magazine either---except off the record---"

"---and always in bed," he finishes off.

"Silly man---of course---in between the---"

"---moans and groans?"

"Oh just shoot me now," Lois groans.

I start to snicker at her and she just glares and turns around, walking away.

"Hey, wait---Lois---don't go---I have to toss the bouquet, maybe you'll catch it and then get your own guy."

"And not interrupt us, Ms. Interruptus," Lex adds.

I punch him in the arm and he glares at me. I just laugh and run after Lois, with him close behind.

~

A Couple of Hours Later.

Finally, it's time to head off to the hotel and then to our honeymoon.

We run towards the limo, pelted with rice and spitting it out.

We're in the car now and I'm hoping the partition will be up so we can feel like we're the only two people in the world---and maybe start the honeymoon early.

He lowers it to tell the driver where to go and then I get my wish---the partition goes up and he looks at me, with those blue eyes of his.

Whomever said that blue eyes were cold never met his. They were as warm as the hot tub we shared once upon a time.

And at the moment, promises of making out dance merrily in them.

I smile as he moves closer, like a tiger making his way to his mate.

He growls at me and I growl back.

He growls once more, almost upon me and when I try to counter with my own, I start to cough.

He feels my forehead and finds it cool.

"Sorry---just got a very dry throat."

He smiles, moving away towards the fridge in the limo. He opens it up and brings out a small bottle. He comes back, opening it along the way and handing it to me.

I look down and shake my head.

"Ice coffee?"

"Well, I know how much of a coffee hound you are and since you must have it at any cost---"

"---if I spill it on you, it'll be cool to the touch, not luke warm."

"That's the idea, coffee hound, that's the idea."

The End.

lexie
13th September 2007, 05:42
Loved the bantering and the hilarious situations. :rofl: :rofl: This fic leaves a smile on your face.:clapclap:

You´ve delivered a delightful Chlex fic as usual, adding a pinch of Clana to the mix to which not even the most fervent Lana-haters would object .:grin3:

I look forward to your next short piece.:blinkkiss

chlexous_punk
15th October 2007, 07:26
The constant banter was both cute and funny.

I even enjoyed the Clana...and thats saying alot

Good job...write more soon...