Ranting Idiot
1st August 2003, 03:43
This a 1/1-er. Enjoy!
Story: Where It Matters
Author: Rant
Summary: The prequel to Unexpected (http://forums.naughty-seduction.net/showthread.php?t=376&highlight=unexpected), where Chloe and Lex experience nine months of insanity and a little bit of love.
Rating: R
Disclaimer: KAZAAM, and thus all is disclaimed besides my hold on the plotline and story. Thanks bunches.
Dedication: To Hope, who sent me in the direction of Naughty Seduction where I found to fit quite nicely. Thank you, chica! To Blaire, who always wanted to smutify my fic. I didn't do smut this time, but I did up it just a notch... just for you! And to all who reviewed Unexpected, you are absolutely amazing. Thank you forever for the words of encouragement and support.
Much Love,
Rant
*********************************** ~ ***********************************
Where It Matters (Part 1)
“Where do you see yourself in twenty years?”
Chloe blinked wildly, looking perplexed for a moment before finally shrugging and saying, “That’s a little too far ahead for concern don’t you think?”
“Not really,” Mrs. Jameson, who had asked the question, leaned forward with her arms on the desk. “Time passes by quite quickly. It’s not a terrible thought to have at least some idea of what the future holds.”
“I guess,” Chloe bit her thumbnail for a moment before saying, “Off the top of my head, I’d like to be working for a newspaper. The Daily Planet, of course.”
“Of course,” Mrs. Jameson smiled at her.
“It’s always been a dream of mine and I don’t plan on giving up before retirement,” Chloe cocked her head to the side, a thoughtful look coming over her face. “Living in Metropolis would be a must. After coming back for school here, it just made me realize how much I missed it after moving to Smallville. There’s not many high-risers over there.”
She smiled sheepishly and Mrs. Jameson laughed, “Go on.”
“I like high-risers. I’d want an apartment high above the city,” Chloe spoke more eagerly now, clearly diving into the question. “Get up first thing in the morning, check that the editor didn’t mess up my article too much after I turned it in and take in the view while I have some coffee and prepare for what’s coming next in the day.”
“I can certainly see you doing that,” Mrs. Jameson nodded appreciatively. “What about personally? Family? Children?”
Chloe grimaced, “I don’t know. Maybe I’ll be married, but I’m not so sure about anything more than that. One kid, if my husband breaks me down enough, I suppose.”
“It does all depend on what happens between here and now,” the other woman replied. “You might be wondering why I asked you that.”
“A little.”
“Well, it’s always been my goal to get to know the students who work for me at the paper, Chloe,” she shrugged idly. “And while you’re an incredibly hard worker and you turn in top-notch articles-”
“Thank you,” Chloe interrupted, quite flattered.
“-I just don’t know you very well and that’s something I want to break through before this coming semester.” Mrs. Jameson stopped for a moment and considered something for a moment before saying, “Because I have every intention of offering you the Editor position for the Oracle.”
“Really?” Chloe gasped and broke into a wild smile. “Are you serious?”
“Your work does speak for itself, Chloe,” Mrs. Jameson said confidently. “But I’d like you to see me as a partner rather than just your supervisor. That means being more comfortable around each other. Consider that question just something to warm up by.”
Not giving much heed to her warning, Chloe jumped up from her seat and began to shake her advisor’s hand eagerly. “This is wonderful, such an incredible honor, I promise, Mrs. Jameson, I won’t let you down…”
“I expect you won’t, Chloe.” Mrs. Jameson began to gather up some papers on her desk when Chloe finally let go of her hand, beaming brightly. “But we’ll have to make some appointments between the two of us, we’ll have to figure out a pace that works well for us both. You’ll also have to arrange for some meetings with Harry so he can explain his system for being the Editor this semester. That way our transition next year won’t be so rocky.”
“Yeah,” Chloe tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, her smile reaching from one to the other. “Oh, my gosh, I can’t wait to tell Clark.”
“Oh, Mr. Kent,” Mrs. Jameson winked at her. “Any place for him in that future?”
“Eh,” Chloe hesitated, “Let’s save that for another appointment, shall we?”
The other woman laughed lightly, but nodded. “Just call me in the next couple of days and we’ll get started.”
“Great,” Chloe bounced out of the room into the empty hallways of Metropolis University. The day looked brighter all around her as she held her news closely. Editor. Of the Oracle! Editor Sullivan. Chloe Sullivan, Editor-In-Chief… this beats the Torch by a mile! When she stepped out into the bright sunlight, she blindly looked for the keys to her Bug while repeating the title over and over in her head. Sure, she’d known that Harry was graduating, and a part of her had been wishing to fill the position, but to be actually told?
Chloe wasn’t sure if that smile was going to come off any time soon.
*********************************** ~ ***********************************
“What?” Clark’s eyes went wide at hers, his hand falling off the doorknob to his dorm room in surprise. “You got the position?”
“Yes!” Chloe spread her hands wide. “Jameson just told me!”
“That’s fantastic!” Clark swept forward, gathering her in his arms and turning her in a full circle, nearly hitting some coeds walking by. “You’re going to be in charge of me again.”
“You better believe it, buddy,” Chloe poked him in the chest when he put her down. “I might even make you start calling me Ms. Sullivan now.”
“Ah, Chloe,” Clark pretended to pout, but opened the door wider and gestured to come in. When she walked past, he put his hand on the small of her back and said, “I was going to tell you some news myself, but it doesn’t seem so special now that you’ve told me yours.”
“Huh?” Chloe’s attention diverted by the warmth of his hand, she gave him a blank look.
Quite mindlessly, Clark stepped away and sat at his desk chair. “I just got a call from the Morex Foundation. They’re having a workshop this summer in Metropolis and I’ve been invited to join.”
“Morex?” Chloe thought to herself for a moment before saying, “Aren’t they connected to the New York Times? And the Post?”
“One and the same,” Clark tried to make his voice light, but she could see the excitement he could barely hide. “I told them I’d think about it.”
“Think about it?” Chloe rolled her eyes, “This is a great opportunity, Clark. I didn’t even know you’d signed up.”
He shrugged, “I didn’t want to get my hopes up in case I was turned down.”
“Get turned down?” Chloe waved a hand in the air. “I don’t say it much, because we know how big that head of yours can get-”
“Oh, yeah, I’m very much ego-driven,” Clark cracked.
“-but you’ve turned out to be a really good writer,” Chloe brushed her fingernails on her t-shirt and added with a false haughty air, “With some help, of course. I can see why they offered it to you.”
Clark blushed a little, letting her joke pass by without objection. “Thanks, Chloe.”
“No problem,” Chloe shook her body a little in excitement. “You know what this calls for, right?”
“A good night’s sleep?” Clark asked cautiously, a grin playing on his lips.
“Silly,” Chloe swiped at his head. “We, dear sir, need to go out and celebrate tonight.”
“Celebrate, hmm, what a novel concept,” Clark said thoughtfully.
“No questions or arguments,” Chloe messed with his hair. “Come by tonight at seven.”
“Sounds good,” Clark reached up and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Congratulations again.”
“Thanks,” She turned before he could see her face turn deep red. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Sure thing.”
*********************************** ~ ***********************************
Chloe ticked off the thoughts one by one as she walked down the sidewalks of Metropolis. Called dad, check. Calmed dad down, check. Told Lana, check… told Pete who was with Lana… hmm, check. She smiled smugly to herself and took a palm pilot out of her purse and started to go over the week after spring break, wondering idly where she could fit in some time with both Mrs. Jameson and Harry. Consumed with her plans, Chloe nearly passed by her regular coffee shop without a thought, but the smell wafted into her nose and she soon looked up and stopped.
Backing up comically until she was at the doorway, she rummaged in her purse again to make sure she had enough money. Stupid school tuition, Chloe muttered inwardly, don’t they understand addictions? HA! Five bucks, I knew I’d hidden that somewhere. Money in hand, she walked into the shop. She usually tried to limit her intake of their pricey blends, but anyone would agree with her that this was a special occasion. Taking a stand in the long line that was nearly always there, Chloe didn’t bother to look up at the menu as she started fooling with her schedule again.
On the verge of finding a perfect spot to give Harry a couple of hours, Chloe’s annoyance was peaked when someone bumped into from behind. Barely turning she said, “Excuse me, there’s such a thing as personal space.”
“Sorry,” the cool voice responded, sounding oddly familiar and not really apologetic at all. “Pile-ups happen often around here.”
“Yeah, I’m sure, it’s a regular freeway,” Chloe said sarcastically without looking at him, trying once more to delve into her plans. She would have gladly ignored the rudeness of the man behind her, but her curiosity grew as she fought to place the voice. Slowing dropping her palm pilot to her side, Chloe looked at the head of the person in front of her. When realization dawned, she spun slowly, “Lex?”
“Yes?” Eyes hidden behind sunglasses, she wasn’t sure he was looking at her until his head bent to the side in contemplation. That’s when a smile spread on his face. “Chloe Sullivan.”
“In the flesh,” Chloe did a mock curtsey. “Fancy meeting you here.”
“I could say the same. How long has it been?” Lex took off his glasses, squinting a little against the bright light coming in through the window beside them.
“Um, three months or so, since the LexCorp ball, but we didn’t speak,” Chloe raised her eyebrows. “You were a little busy.”
“Ah, yes. I believe December was… Molly Hampton?” Lex thought for a moment before nodding with assuredness. “Yes, she got me a horrible portrait of herself for Christmas.”
Chloe snorted with laughter, “That’s what you get for dating the flavor of the month.”
“They become the flavor of the month by dating me,” Lex said lightly with a roll of his eyes. “If my information is correct, she’s in Europe right now, walking the runways. She was always best at just being silent.”
“Ouch,” Chloe said, not bothering to hide her glee. She’d never been one for the model types that often paraded around Metropolis, hoping for their big break. She smiled brightly and said, “Glad to see that you’ve got your head on straight, Luthor.”
He smiled back, rocking a little on the heels of his feet as Chloe faced forward again. He opened his mouth to say something once, but held back instead, staying silent as the line moved up and Chloe approached the counter. Listening intently, Lex swallowed a chuckle as she gave the cashier explicit instructions on how she wanted her drink before thrusting her bill at the other person. Lex reached forward, though, taking the money out of her hands and putting it in her purse.
Chloe looked up, quite surprised as Lex smiled beguilingly at the young girl at the register as he said, “Make that two.”
He took out his wallet, handing his money to the star struck girl who couldn’t take her eyes off his scalp, but then stuttered into the mike in front of her and added the second order. Amused, Lex took his ticket and guided Chloe away from the counter. He leaned to her side and said, “You aren’t going to turn Femi-Nazi on me for doing that, now are you?”
“Not even your attempt at chivalry is going to break me out of my good mood, Daddy Warbucks,” Chloe smirked at him as she sat on a stool by the window. “Besides, you paying means all the more coffee for me tomorrow. Who am I to fight when it’s free?”
“Glad to see that you won’t put up an argument,” Lex said dryly. “So what’s this good mood all about?”
“I’m going to be editor of the Met U Oracle next semester, just got the news this afternoon,” Chloe answered excitedly.
“That is definitely a good reason,” Lex nodded in agreement. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks,” Chloe bounced a little in her seat out of sheer happiness. “It’s going to be fantastic, I’ve already been brainstorming on several investigative reports I can put different people on. Besides, I get to choose my own assistant editors and that’ll take some figuring out, but the it’s the good kind of expectation, you know?”
“The good…” Lex looked at her questioningly.
“You know, that excitement the night before your first day of school, or how you can’t fall asleep the night of Christmas when you’re little,” Chloe said quickly. “The good anticipation.”
“Ah, I see,” Lex nodded again and leaned back against the wall next to her. “Is Clark going to be one of the assistant editors?”
Chloe began to look everywhere but at him, very obviously a little embarrassed by the question, “Maybe.”
“That would be a yes,” Lex looked up as his name was called and he retrieved their drinks. When he returned, he handed one to Chloe and said, “So how is it with the dynamic duo these days?”
“Just peachy,” Chloe took a sip of the coffee before saying more. “But I would think you’d know more from Clark, you two are always keeping in touch, aren’t you?”
“On and off,” Lex said easily. “We’re both busy.”
“Speaking of busy, how’s the new office in Metropolis coming along?” Chloe was eager to get the spotlight off of Clark, Lex could see it easily, but he let it pass.
“Well. Very well, actually. It’s nice to have a new home base, I’ve always enjoyed Metropolis and the commute from Smallville isn’t difficult.”
“So, still living over there, huh?” Chloe shrugged, “I would have thought you’d have escaped at the first chance.”
“That was the plan at first,” Lex said. “It’s nice to have a quiet place to stay around, though. And what can I say, Smallville can grow on you. You can’t tell me that you don’t miss it sometimes.”
“Eh…” Chloe pretended to contemplate for a moment before finally giving in and letting out a sheepish smile. “Maybe just a little.”
Her smile was contagious, so Lex returned it easily. “That’s what I thought.”
A small beeping noise started emitting from Chloe’s purse where she’d dropped her palm pilot ages before. Giving Lex an apologetic look, she extracted it and jumped in surprise. Lex raised an eyebrow when she swore loudly, “Sorry, I completely forgot that I have an interview set up with the Dean of Admissions this afternoon. I have to run.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Lex waved a hand in the air. “I should be heading out of here, too.”
“Thanks again for the drink,” Chloe waved her more than half-empty cup in the air and grinned. “Tell me when you’re in here again and I might just find some time for you to be gallant again.”
“Oh, how we’ve moved on from saving damsels from dragons to supplying their addiction,” Lex sighed.
“Modern situations, Lex,” Chloe winked and hopped off the stool. Stopping suddenly, she gave him a side-glance, “Though you can save yourself the trouble…”
“I have a feeling I should have left a while ago,” Lex said uneasily.
Chloe ignored his hesitancy, “How about breaking in the new Editor and granting an interview over your new headquarters?”
“Chloe,” Lex grimaced, “Our interviews have never gone as planned, surely you remember that.”
“Then we won’t conduct one in your penthouse, all right?” Chloe asked teasingly. “Come on, Lex, this would be a extraordinary start to my career. Please?”
Exasperated, Lex tried to avoid her doleful gaze for several seconds before sighing loudly. Taking a card out of his wallet, he passed it to her and said, “Let me think about it. In any case, I’m sure you’d figure out my number and would start harassing me within three days.”
“So nice to be understood.” Pleased, Chloe flicked the card in her fingers. “You won’t regret this Lex.”
“I hope not,” Lex said, but even Chloe’s good mood couldn’t be turned away. He surprised her by taking back the card and pulling out a pen. Writing on it, he added, “I’m giving you my home number here in Metropolis, I figure I should save you the trouble of hacking into the phone company’s records. Call and we’ll set it up for next week some time.”
“Fantastic,” Chloe grabbed the card back when he hesitated to hand it over once more and stuffed it in the pocket of her jean jacket. “Mrs. Jameson is going to absolutely die when I tell her about this.”
“Please, don’t let a death be on my conscience,” Lex made a face at her.
“We’ll have to see. Thanks, Lex.”
“Don’t make me regret this.”
“Oh, it’s going to be unforgettable, I promise,” Chloe waved at him over her should as she walked out of the shop.
Sighing one last time, Lex shook his head. Though she was out of earshot, he said, “I’m beginning to think that was an incredible understatement.”
*********************************** ~ ***********************************
It had been a tough decision, but Chloe had rationalized to herself that she and Clark completely deserved their celebration. Her mind made up, she barely winced as she withdrew money from an ATM after conducting her interview. After safely tucking away the cash, she rushed back to her dorm room and got ready for the night out. When Clark showed up a couple hours later, she had her words set out perfectly.
He stood in her doorway, casually dressed and with a wide grin on his face. Before Chloe could start on her proposition, Clark asked, “Envay’s?”
Chloe smiled brightly, happy that she wouldn’t have to convince him. “Envay’s.”
Shaking his head and sighing, Clark said, “When are you ever going to get tired of that place?”
“What?” Chloe picked up the small purse she used for going out and guided Clark out of her dorm room. “Good music, nice atmosphere, there so much that they don’t bother carding us anymore…”
“It’s Metropolis, Chloe,” Clark said with an air of resignation. “There are thousands of places we could at least try.”
“Please, Clark?” Chloe pretended to pout. “Just for tonight. We’ll try some place new next time.”
“Promise?” Clark asked suspiciously.
“I swear on my interview with Lex Luthor.”
“Wait a second-”
“I ran into him this afternoon.” They were outside now, walking in the general direction of the small club that Chloe frequented. “I was finally able to wear him down to agreeing to a small talk.”
“You didn’t threaten him, did you?”
“Oh, you know me too well,” Chloe said with a roll of her eyes. “No, I didn’t threaten him. It’s being considered a prize for my new position as editor.”
“Well, that’s nice of him,” Clark said back vaguely.
“You’re not mad are you?” Chloe stopped in place and looked up at him. “Have you been trying to get an interview with him, too?”
Clark shrugged uncomfortably, “I never got around to it. I wasn’t so sure if I could write an objective piece when it’s my best friend.”
“Oh.”
“But hey, don’t worry about it,” Clark threw an arm around her shoulders. “You deserve this, and I’m sure you’ll write something great.”
“Thanks,” Chloe blushed, but put her arm around his waist. “I will write something great, won’t I?”
“Oh, no, sir, I don’t think this is getting to her head at all,” Clark said sarcastically to an invisible ear.
Chloe pretended to punch his side, “Behave. You know I’m playing.”
“Yeah, I know,” Clark grinned down at her, but didn’t move his arm. “Next year is going to be great.”
“Absolutely.”
*********************************** ~ ***********************************
They were lucky enough to grab their usual booth, Chloe quickly ordering a pitcher of margaritas, also their usual. Clark munched on some chips that the waitress brought up as a small group of men played jazz in the smoky corner of the room; they chatted happily as one song drifted into another and people came in and out all around them. Eager to expand on his own news, Clark told her how he’d called the Morex foundation after she left and reserved his spot in the workshop. It earned him a high five and a quick kiss on the cheek from Chloe, who was quickly becoming more brazen with each sip of her drink.
“Metropolis better watch out,” she said confidently. “They’re not going to know what hit them after we graduate.”
“I have no intention of hitting them,” Clark said, sitting back in his seat and pushing his drink to the side. “And I’m really not sure what I’m going to do just yet.”
“Oh, but you have to stay around here,” Chloe pleaded.
“I probably will,” Clark’s features darkened. “It’s just…”
Revelation became clear and Chloe nodded, “Big cities means big crimes. Frequent crimes.”
Clark smiled sadly, “Yeah.”
“You can’t save everyone, Clark,” Chloe lowered her voice. “Granted, I know it’s in you to do it, but you’re going to go mad if you let it consume you.”
“I know, I know.”
“Besides, you gotta earn a living, don’t you?” Chloe squeezed a lime into her salt-rimmed glass. “All I’m saying is that you need a day job. You know I wouldn’t dare stop you from doing what you feel compelled to do.”
Clark nodded, but looked away. He knew she was telling the full truth when she said that and it was at times like these that he was thankful that he’d told her everything shortly before they’d started college together. Chloe had taken it better than he’d expected, making Pete’s own learning of his status look like a full-blown battle. Rather than freaking out, she’d nodded understandably and asked for more details. A complete Chloe reaction, he saw that now. She’d even taken to covering for him when he missed meetings for the paper and copying notes for two when he missed class. Sighing a little, he finally said, “Maybe this summer will help me figure out what I want to do with my degree.”
“Gee, a journalism degree, what will you do with that?” Chloe pursed her lips at him before taking another drink.
“Hey, there’s lots of people who don’t use their degree for the jobs they eventually excel at,” Clark said defensively.
“But you’re good at it, Clark,” Chloe put her hand on his. “And besides, it would give you an in-and-out lifestyle where not a lot of people would question you disappearing. They’d probably just think you were on a story. Which you basically are…”
“True,” Clark said. “Anyway, it’s still a year off. We’ll see what happens.”
“Fair enough,” Chloe rattled the toothpick in her now empty cup before waving at the waitress and gesturing for another pitcher. “Want another?”
“I think you’re taking care of enough of that by yourself,” Clark said, amused. “Sure you don’t want to stop already?”
“Oh, come on, Clark, lighten up. We’re supposed to be celebrating.”
“All right, all right… give me that lime.”
*********************************** ~ ***********************************
“I think I’m a little… drunk,” Chloe stumbled up the steps to her dorm room, leaning against Clark’s side. “Thank God tomorrow’s Saturday.”
“Today,” Clark emphasized after looking at his watch, “is Saturday.”
“I am so going to sleep in,” Chloe breathed deeply when they reached her floor and dropped her head on Clark’s shoulder. “Are you going to sleep in?”
“Probably not,” Clark patted her pockets and pulled out her keys after finding them.
“Stupid alien blood, no hangovers for you in the morning,” Chloe said grumpily as Clark looked up and down the darkened hallway and was relieved to see no one there.
“Chloe-”
“Come on, I’m sober enough not to yell that at the top of my lungs,” Chloe pointed at a doorway. “Just like I’m sober enough to tell you that the girl in that room is cheating on her boyfriend.” She giggled wildly, “With her roommate!”
Clark stared at the door with surprise before easily dragging Chloe down the hall, the tipsy girl still chattering away. “I’m sober enough to tell you everything Dean Covan told me this afternoon. I’m sober enough to break into the school’s database-”
“Hey, you promised not to do that again-”
“Hell, I’m sober enough to recite my ABC’s,” Chloe proved it by beginning to mutter them under her breath.
Clark laughed a little, finally stopping at her door and propping her against the wall. “Okay, you’ve convinced me.”
She stared at him with bleary eyes, reaching out her hand and messing with his hair. “You’re so pretty.”
“Thanks, I think,” Clark looked perplexed as he began to open the lock.
“But I don’t think it’s because you’re pretty…” Chloe trailed off, looking at him intently, as if deciding she wanted to say something that was on her mind.
“What was that?”
“I think you’re one of the most wonderful people I know,” Chloe said on a breath of air, not going into the room when the door opened. “Always thought that.”
“You’re pretty great, too, Chloe. Come on,” Clark picked her up and started to go inside.
“I got over you for a while,” Chloe muttered as he put her down in the middle of the room and she took off her jacket, throwing it to the side. She didn’t see the surprised look on Clark’s face as she went on, “And that’s just fine, it was a long time ago, but, man…”
“But what?” Clark made her sit down on the edge of her bed, taking off her shoes and setting them neatly to the side.
Chloe leaned forward quickly, a hand on each of his cheeks, “You sucked me in again, you big dope.”
“Uh, Chloe-”
“Sorry, you’re not a dope,” Chloe took a deep breath. “I love you, though. Happened all over again. That’s not a bad thing, is it?”
When she finally looked at him, there was no mistaking the horror on Clark’s face as he kneeled before her. Sobriety hit her in a split second as Clark fought to find words to respond, but Chloe stopped him by flinching back, slapping her hands on her face and saying, “And I’m sober enough to know that I just humiliated myself.”
Clark stood up quickly, putting space between them; Chloe didn’t remove her hands as he began to shift uncomfortably. “Chloe-”
“I’m going to wake up, I’m going to wake up. I did not just say that,” Chloe repeated over and over.
“You know I care about you…”
“Just not in that way,” Chloe dropped her hands.
Clark spread his own, saying, “We were just saying it tonight, I have no idea what I’m going to do with my career, let alone my personal life. Getting involved with someone right now would be a really bad idea.”
“Even if it’s me?” Chloe whispered, a hurt growing inside of her chest. “Being with me would be a bad idea?”
“It’s not like that Chloe,” Clark rushed forward, bringing her hands into his.
“Tell me you don’t love me,” Chloe said hoarsely, fighting back tears that were making her throat swell. “Tell me that you haven’t been dropping hints all junior year about us being together.”
“I do love you, Chloe,” Clark raised a finger and pushed her hair back. “But not like that, not right now.”
“Then when?” Voice sounding pathetic in her own ears, Chloe wrenched back from him.
“I can’t say,” Clark whispered back.
“So, what, you love me, but not that way?” Chloe pushed him away. “Are you telling me that you just love me like a friend? Like a sister?”
Clark bit his lip, unsure of how to respond. Chloe, though, looked as if she wasn’t about to let him leave without an answer. Grabbing to what she said, Clark hesitantly said, “Something like that?”
“Something like that.” Chloe’s voice had gone dead, much like her hopeful heart. “I’m Clark Kent’s much loved sister.”
“I…” Clark tried to speak, but the words just wouldn’t come out, the correction wouldn’t announce itself. He fought for several seconds before giving up and saying, “Yeah, I guess.”
Chloe turned her face from him, knowing she wouldn’t be able to hold back if she were to look at him straight in the eye. Voice empty, she finally spoke up, “Maybe you should get going. I have a hangover to wake up to.”
“I,” Clark swallowed hard when she wouldn’t turn to him. “Are you okay?”
“Oh, just dandy,” Chloe said quietly, but she began to crawl onto her bed, throwing the blankets on top of herself even though she had yet to change out of her smoky clothes. “I’ll just see you tomorrow, okay?”
“Um, okay, I suppose,” Clark looked back at the door and her small figured huddled in the blankets. “Good night, Chloe.”
“Good night, Clark.”
It was after the lights had been snapped off, the door closed and when she heard Clark walking far down the hall that she finally let the tears fall.
Story: Where It Matters
Author: Rant
Summary: The prequel to Unexpected (http://forums.naughty-seduction.net/showthread.php?t=376&highlight=unexpected), where Chloe and Lex experience nine months of insanity and a little bit of love.
Rating: R
Disclaimer: KAZAAM, and thus all is disclaimed besides my hold on the plotline and story. Thanks bunches.
Dedication: To Hope, who sent me in the direction of Naughty Seduction where I found to fit quite nicely. Thank you, chica! To Blaire, who always wanted to smutify my fic. I didn't do smut this time, but I did up it just a notch... just for you! And to all who reviewed Unexpected, you are absolutely amazing. Thank you forever for the words of encouragement and support.
Much Love,
Rant
*********************************** ~ ***********************************
Where It Matters (Part 1)
“Where do you see yourself in twenty years?”
Chloe blinked wildly, looking perplexed for a moment before finally shrugging and saying, “That’s a little too far ahead for concern don’t you think?”
“Not really,” Mrs. Jameson, who had asked the question, leaned forward with her arms on the desk. “Time passes by quite quickly. It’s not a terrible thought to have at least some idea of what the future holds.”
“I guess,” Chloe bit her thumbnail for a moment before saying, “Off the top of my head, I’d like to be working for a newspaper. The Daily Planet, of course.”
“Of course,” Mrs. Jameson smiled at her.
“It’s always been a dream of mine and I don’t plan on giving up before retirement,” Chloe cocked her head to the side, a thoughtful look coming over her face. “Living in Metropolis would be a must. After coming back for school here, it just made me realize how much I missed it after moving to Smallville. There’s not many high-risers over there.”
She smiled sheepishly and Mrs. Jameson laughed, “Go on.”
“I like high-risers. I’d want an apartment high above the city,” Chloe spoke more eagerly now, clearly diving into the question. “Get up first thing in the morning, check that the editor didn’t mess up my article too much after I turned it in and take in the view while I have some coffee and prepare for what’s coming next in the day.”
“I can certainly see you doing that,” Mrs. Jameson nodded appreciatively. “What about personally? Family? Children?”
Chloe grimaced, “I don’t know. Maybe I’ll be married, but I’m not so sure about anything more than that. One kid, if my husband breaks me down enough, I suppose.”
“It does all depend on what happens between here and now,” the other woman replied. “You might be wondering why I asked you that.”
“A little.”
“Well, it’s always been my goal to get to know the students who work for me at the paper, Chloe,” she shrugged idly. “And while you’re an incredibly hard worker and you turn in top-notch articles-”
“Thank you,” Chloe interrupted, quite flattered.
“-I just don’t know you very well and that’s something I want to break through before this coming semester.” Mrs. Jameson stopped for a moment and considered something for a moment before saying, “Because I have every intention of offering you the Editor position for the Oracle.”
“Really?” Chloe gasped and broke into a wild smile. “Are you serious?”
“Your work does speak for itself, Chloe,” Mrs. Jameson said confidently. “But I’d like you to see me as a partner rather than just your supervisor. That means being more comfortable around each other. Consider that question just something to warm up by.”
Not giving much heed to her warning, Chloe jumped up from her seat and began to shake her advisor’s hand eagerly. “This is wonderful, such an incredible honor, I promise, Mrs. Jameson, I won’t let you down…”
“I expect you won’t, Chloe.” Mrs. Jameson began to gather up some papers on her desk when Chloe finally let go of her hand, beaming brightly. “But we’ll have to make some appointments between the two of us, we’ll have to figure out a pace that works well for us both. You’ll also have to arrange for some meetings with Harry so he can explain his system for being the Editor this semester. That way our transition next year won’t be so rocky.”
“Yeah,” Chloe tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, her smile reaching from one to the other. “Oh, my gosh, I can’t wait to tell Clark.”
“Oh, Mr. Kent,” Mrs. Jameson winked at her. “Any place for him in that future?”
“Eh,” Chloe hesitated, “Let’s save that for another appointment, shall we?”
The other woman laughed lightly, but nodded. “Just call me in the next couple of days and we’ll get started.”
“Great,” Chloe bounced out of the room into the empty hallways of Metropolis University. The day looked brighter all around her as she held her news closely. Editor. Of the Oracle! Editor Sullivan. Chloe Sullivan, Editor-In-Chief… this beats the Torch by a mile! When she stepped out into the bright sunlight, she blindly looked for the keys to her Bug while repeating the title over and over in her head. Sure, she’d known that Harry was graduating, and a part of her had been wishing to fill the position, but to be actually told?
Chloe wasn’t sure if that smile was going to come off any time soon.
*********************************** ~ ***********************************
“What?” Clark’s eyes went wide at hers, his hand falling off the doorknob to his dorm room in surprise. “You got the position?”
“Yes!” Chloe spread her hands wide. “Jameson just told me!”
“That’s fantastic!” Clark swept forward, gathering her in his arms and turning her in a full circle, nearly hitting some coeds walking by. “You’re going to be in charge of me again.”
“You better believe it, buddy,” Chloe poked him in the chest when he put her down. “I might even make you start calling me Ms. Sullivan now.”
“Ah, Chloe,” Clark pretended to pout, but opened the door wider and gestured to come in. When she walked past, he put his hand on the small of her back and said, “I was going to tell you some news myself, but it doesn’t seem so special now that you’ve told me yours.”
“Huh?” Chloe’s attention diverted by the warmth of his hand, she gave him a blank look.
Quite mindlessly, Clark stepped away and sat at his desk chair. “I just got a call from the Morex Foundation. They’re having a workshop this summer in Metropolis and I’ve been invited to join.”
“Morex?” Chloe thought to herself for a moment before saying, “Aren’t they connected to the New York Times? And the Post?”
“One and the same,” Clark tried to make his voice light, but she could see the excitement he could barely hide. “I told them I’d think about it.”
“Think about it?” Chloe rolled her eyes, “This is a great opportunity, Clark. I didn’t even know you’d signed up.”
He shrugged, “I didn’t want to get my hopes up in case I was turned down.”
“Get turned down?” Chloe waved a hand in the air. “I don’t say it much, because we know how big that head of yours can get-”
“Oh, yeah, I’m very much ego-driven,” Clark cracked.
“-but you’ve turned out to be a really good writer,” Chloe brushed her fingernails on her t-shirt and added with a false haughty air, “With some help, of course. I can see why they offered it to you.”
Clark blushed a little, letting her joke pass by without objection. “Thanks, Chloe.”
“No problem,” Chloe shook her body a little in excitement. “You know what this calls for, right?”
“A good night’s sleep?” Clark asked cautiously, a grin playing on his lips.
“Silly,” Chloe swiped at his head. “We, dear sir, need to go out and celebrate tonight.”
“Celebrate, hmm, what a novel concept,” Clark said thoughtfully.
“No questions or arguments,” Chloe messed with his hair. “Come by tonight at seven.”
“Sounds good,” Clark reached up and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Congratulations again.”
“Thanks,” She turned before he could see her face turn deep red. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Sure thing.”
*********************************** ~ ***********************************
Chloe ticked off the thoughts one by one as she walked down the sidewalks of Metropolis. Called dad, check. Calmed dad down, check. Told Lana, check… told Pete who was with Lana… hmm, check. She smiled smugly to herself and took a palm pilot out of her purse and started to go over the week after spring break, wondering idly where she could fit in some time with both Mrs. Jameson and Harry. Consumed with her plans, Chloe nearly passed by her regular coffee shop without a thought, but the smell wafted into her nose and she soon looked up and stopped.
Backing up comically until she was at the doorway, she rummaged in her purse again to make sure she had enough money. Stupid school tuition, Chloe muttered inwardly, don’t they understand addictions? HA! Five bucks, I knew I’d hidden that somewhere. Money in hand, she walked into the shop. She usually tried to limit her intake of their pricey blends, but anyone would agree with her that this was a special occasion. Taking a stand in the long line that was nearly always there, Chloe didn’t bother to look up at the menu as she started fooling with her schedule again.
On the verge of finding a perfect spot to give Harry a couple of hours, Chloe’s annoyance was peaked when someone bumped into from behind. Barely turning she said, “Excuse me, there’s such a thing as personal space.”
“Sorry,” the cool voice responded, sounding oddly familiar and not really apologetic at all. “Pile-ups happen often around here.”
“Yeah, I’m sure, it’s a regular freeway,” Chloe said sarcastically without looking at him, trying once more to delve into her plans. She would have gladly ignored the rudeness of the man behind her, but her curiosity grew as she fought to place the voice. Slowing dropping her palm pilot to her side, Chloe looked at the head of the person in front of her. When realization dawned, she spun slowly, “Lex?”
“Yes?” Eyes hidden behind sunglasses, she wasn’t sure he was looking at her until his head bent to the side in contemplation. That’s when a smile spread on his face. “Chloe Sullivan.”
“In the flesh,” Chloe did a mock curtsey. “Fancy meeting you here.”
“I could say the same. How long has it been?” Lex took off his glasses, squinting a little against the bright light coming in through the window beside them.
“Um, three months or so, since the LexCorp ball, but we didn’t speak,” Chloe raised her eyebrows. “You were a little busy.”
“Ah, yes. I believe December was… Molly Hampton?” Lex thought for a moment before nodding with assuredness. “Yes, she got me a horrible portrait of herself for Christmas.”
Chloe snorted with laughter, “That’s what you get for dating the flavor of the month.”
“They become the flavor of the month by dating me,” Lex said lightly with a roll of his eyes. “If my information is correct, she’s in Europe right now, walking the runways. She was always best at just being silent.”
“Ouch,” Chloe said, not bothering to hide her glee. She’d never been one for the model types that often paraded around Metropolis, hoping for their big break. She smiled brightly and said, “Glad to see that you’ve got your head on straight, Luthor.”
He smiled back, rocking a little on the heels of his feet as Chloe faced forward again. He opened his mouth to say something once, but held back instead, staying silent as the line moved up and Chloe approached the counter. Listening intently, Lex swallowed a chuckle as she gave the cashier explicit instructions on how she wanted her drink before thrusting her bill at the other person. Lex reached forward, though, taking the money out of her hands and putting it in her purse.
Chloe looked up, quite surprised as Lex smiled beguilingly at the young girl at the register as he said, “Make that two.”
He took out his wallet, handing his money to the star struck girl who couldn’t take her eyes off his scalp, but then stuttered into the mike in front of her and added the second order. Amused, Lex took his ticket and guided Chloe away from the counter. He leaned to her side and said, “You aren’t going to turn Femi-Nazi on me for doing that, now are you?”
“Not even your attempt at chivalry is going to break me out of my good mood, Daddy Warbucks,” Chloe smirked at him as she sat on a stool by the window. “Besides, you paying means all the more coffee for me tomorrow. Who am I to fight when it’s free?”
“Glad to see that you won’t put up an argument,” Lex said dryly. “So what’s this good mood all about?”
“I’m going to be editor of the Met U Oracle next semester, just got the news this afternoon,” Chloe answered excitedly.
“That is definitely a good reason,” Lex nodded in agreement. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks,” Chloe bounced a little in her seat out of sheer happiness. “It’s going to be fantastic, I’ve already been brainstorming on several investigative reports I can put different people on. Besides, I get to choose my own assistant editors and that’ll take some figuring out, but the it’s the good kind of expectation, you know?”
“The good…” Lex looked at her questioningly.
“You know, that excitement the night before your first day of school, or how you can’t fall asleep the night of Christmas when you’re little,” Chloe said quickly. “The good anticipation.”
“Ah, I see,” Lex nodded again and leaned back against the wall next to her. “Is Clark going to be one of the assistant editors?”
Chloe began to look everywhere but at him, very obviously a little embarrassed by the question, “Maybe.”
“That would be a yes,” Lex looked up as his name was called and he retrieved their drinks. When he returned, he handed one to Chloe and said, “So how is it with the dynamic duo these days?”
“Just peachy,” Chloe took a sip of the coffee before saying more. “But I would think you’d know more from Clark, you two are always keeping in touch, aren’t you?”
“On and off,” Lex said easily. “We’re both busy.”
“Speaking of busy, how’s the new office in Metropolis coming along?” Chloe was eager to get the spotlight off of Clark, Lex could see it easily, but he let it pass.
“Well. Very well, actually. It’s nice to have a new home base, I’ve always enjoyed Metropolis and the commute from Smallville isn’t difficult.”
“So, still living over there, huh?” Chloe shrugged, “I would have thought you’d have escaped at the first chance.”
“That was the plan at first,” Lex said. “It’s nice to have a quiet place to stay around, though. And what can I say, Smallville can grow on you. You can’t tell me that you don’t miss it sometimes.”
“Eh…” Chloe pretended to contemplate for a moment before finally giving in and letting out a sheepish smile. “Maybe just a little.”
Her smile was contagious, so Lex returned it easily. “That’s what I thought.”
A small beeping noise started emitting from Chloe’s purse where she’d dropped her palm pilot ages before. Giving Lex an apologetic look, she extracted it and jumped in surprise. Lex raised an eyebrow when she swore loudly, “Sorry, I completely forgot that I have an interview set up with the Dean of Admissions this afternoon. I have to run.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Lex waved a hand in the air. “I should be heading out of here, too.”
“Thanks again for the drink,” Chloe waved her more than half-empty cup in the air and grinned. “Tell me when you’re in here again and I might just find some time for you to be gallant again.”
“Oh, how we’ve moved on from saving damsels from dragons to supplying their addiction,” Lex sighed.
“Modern situations, Lex,” Chloe winked and hopped off the stool. Stopping suddenly, she gave him a side-glance, “Though you can save yourself the trouble…”
“I have a feeling I should have left a while ago,” Lex said uneasily.
Chloe ignored his hesitancy, “How about breaking in the new Editor and granting an interview over your new headquarters?”
“Chloe,” Lex grimaced, “Our interviews have never gone as planned, surely you remember that.”
“Then we won’t conduct one in your penthouse, all right?” Chloe asked teasingly. “Come on, Lex, this would be a extraordinary start to my career. Please?”
Exasperated, Lex tried to avoid her doleful gaze for several seconds before sighing loudly. Taking a card out of his wallet, he passed it to her and said, “Let me think about it. In any case, I’m sure you’d figure out my number and would start harassing me within three days.”
“So nice to be understood.” Pleased, Chloe flicked the card in her fingers. “You won’t regret this Lex.”
“I hope not,” Lex said, but even Chloe’s good mood couldn’t be turned away. He surprised her by taking back the card and pulling out a pen. Writing on it, he added, “I’m giving you my home number here in Metropolis, I figure I should save you the trouble of hacking into the phone company’s records. Call and we’ll set it up for next week some time.”
“Fantastic,” Chloe grabbed the card back when he hesitated to hand it over once more and stuffed it in the pocket of her jean jacket. “Mrs. Jameson is going to absolutely die when I tell her about this.”
“Please, don’t let a death be on my conscience,” Lex made a face at her.
“We’ll have to see. Thanks, Lex.”
“Don’t make me regret this.”
“Oh, it’s going to be unforgettable, I promise,” Chloe waved at him over her should as she walked out of the shop.
Sighing one last time, Lex shook his head. Though she was out of earshot, he said, “I’m beginning to think that was an incredible understatement.”
*********************************** ~ ***********************************
It had been a tough decision, but Chloe had rationalized to herself that she and Clark completely deserved their celebration. Her mind made up, she barely winced as she withdrew money from an ATM after conducting her interview. After safely tucking away the cash, she rushed back to her dorm room and got ready for the night out. When Clark showed up a couple hours later, she had her words set out perfectly.
He stood in her doorway, casually dressed and with a wide grin on his face. Before Chloe could start on her proposition, Clark asked, “Envay’s?”
Chloe smiled brightly, happy that she wouldn’t have to convince him. “Envay’s.”
Shaking his head and sighing, Clark said, “When are you ever going to get tired of that place?”
“What?” Chloe picked up the small purse she used for going out and guided Clark out of her dorm room. “Good music, nice atmosphere, there so much that they don’t bother carding us anymore…”
“It’s Metropolis, Chloe,” Clark said with an air of resignation. “There are thousands of places we could at least try.”
“Please, Clark?” Chloe pretended to pout. “Just for tonight. We’ll try some place new next time.”
“Promise?” Clark asked suspiciously.
“I swear on my interview with Lex Luthor.”
“Wait a second-”
“I ran into him this afternoon.” They were outside now, walking in the general direction of the small club that Chloe frequented. “I was finally able to wear him down to agreeing to a small talk.”
“You didn’t threaten him, did you?”
“Oh, you know me too well,” Chloe said with a roll of her eyes. “No, I didn’t threaten him. It’s being considered a prize for my new position as editor.”
“Well, that’s nice of him,” Clark said back vaguely.
“You’re not mad are you?” Chloe stopped in place and looked up at him. “Have you been trying to get an interview with him, too?”
Clark shrugged uncomfortably, “I never got around to it. I wasn’t so sure if I could write an objective piece when it’s my best friend.”
“Oh.”
“But hey, don’t worry about it,” Clark threw an arm around her shoulders. “You deserve this, and I’m sure you’ll write something great.”
“Thanks,” Chloe blushed, but put her arm around his waist. “I will write something great, won’t I?”
“Oh, no, sir, I don’t think this is getting to her head at all,” Clark said sarcastically to an invisible ear.
Chloe pretended to punch his side, “Behave. You know I’m playing.”
“Yeah, I know,” Clark grinned down at her, but didn’t move his arm. “Next year is going to be great.”
“Absolutely.”
*********************************** ~ ***********************************
They were lucky enough to grab their usual booth, Chloe quickly ordering a pitcher of margaritas, also their usual. Clark munched on some chips that the waitress brought up as a small group of men played jazz in the smoky corner of the room; they chatted happily as one song drifted into another and people came in and out all around them. Eager to expand on his own news, Clark told her how he’d called the Morex foundation after she left and reserved his spot in the workshop. It earned him a high five and a quick kiss on the cheek from Chloe, who was quickly becoming more brazen with each sip of her drink.
“Metropolis better watch out,” she said confidently. “They’re not going to know what hit them after we graduate.”
“I have no intention of hitting them,” Clark said, sitting back in his seat and pushing his drink to the side. “And I’m really not sure what I’m going to do just yet.”
“Oh, but you have to stay around here,” Chloe pleaded.
“I probably will,” Clark’s features darkened. “It’s just…”
Revelation became clear and Chloe nodded, “Big cities means big crimes. Frequent crimes.”
Clark smiled sadly, “Yeah.”
“You can’t save everyone, Clark,” Chloe lowered her voice. “Granted, I know it’s in you to do it, but you’re going to go mad if you let it consume you.”
“I know, I know.”
“Besides, you gotta earn a living, don’t you?” Chloe squeezed a lime into her salt-rimmed glass. “All I’m saying is that you need a day job. You know I wouldn’t dare stop you from doing what you feel compelled to do.”
Clark nodded, but looked away. He knew she was telling the full truth when she said that and it was at times like these that he was thankful that he’d told her everything shortly before they’d started college together. Chloe had taken it better than he’d expected, making Pete’s own learning of his status look like a full-blown battle. Rather than freaking out, she’d nodded understandably and asked for more details. A complete Chloe reaction, he saw that now. She’d even taken to covering for him when he missed meetings for the paper and copying notes for two when he missed class. Sighing a little, he finally said, “Maybe this summer will help me figure out what I want to do with my degree.”
“Gee, a journalism degree, what will you do with that?” Chloe pursed her lips at him before taking another drink.
“Hey, there’s lots of people who don’t use their degree for the jobs they eventually excel at,” Clark said defensively.
“But you’re good at it, Clark,” Chloe put her hand on his. “And besides, it would give you an in-and-out lifestyle where not a lot of people would question you disappearing. They’d probably just think you were on a story. Which you basically are…”
“True,” Clark said. “Anyway, it’s still a year off. We’ll see what happens.”
“Fair enough,” Chloe rattled the toothpick in her now empty cup before waving at the waitress and gesturing for another pitcher. “Want another?”
“I think you’re taking care of enough of that by yourself,” Clark said, amused. “Sure you don’t want to stop already?”
“Oh, come on, Clark, lighten up. We’re supposed to be celebrating.”
“All right, all right… give me that lime.”
*********************************** ~ ***********************************
“I think I’m a little… drunk,” Chloe stumbled up the steps to her dorm room, leaning against Clark’s side. “Thank God tomorrow’s Saturday.”
“Today,” Clark emphasized after looking at his watch, “is Saturday.”
“I am so going to sleep in,” Chloe breathed deeply when they reached her floor and dropped her head on Clark’s shoulder. “Are you going to sleep in?”
“Probably not,” Clark patted her pockets and pulled out her keys after finding them.
“Stupid alien blood, no hangovers for you in the morning,” Chloe said grumpily as Clark looked up and down the darkened hallway and was relieved to see no one there.
“Chloe-”
“Come on, I’m sober enough not to yell that at the top of my lungs,” Chloe pointed at a doorway. “Just like I’m sober enough to tell you that the girl in that room is cheating on her boyfriend.” She giggled wildly, “With her roommate!”
Clark stared at the door with surprise before easily dragging Chloe down the hall, the tipsy girl still chattering away. “I’m sober enough to tell you everything Dean Covan told me this afternoon. I’m sober enough to break into the school’s database-”
“Hey, you promised not to do that again-”
“Hell, I’m sober enough to recite my ABC’s,” Chloe proved it by beginning to mutter them under her breath.
Clark laughed a little, finally stopping at her door and propping her against the wall. “Okay, you’ve convinced me.”
She stared at him with bleary eyes, reaching out her hand and messing with his hair. “You’re so pretty.”
“Thanks, I think,” Clark looked perplexed as he began to open the lock.
“But I don’t think it’s because you’re pretty…” Chloe trailed off, looking at him intently, as if deciding she wanted to say something that was on her mind.
“What was that?”
“I think you’re one of the most wonderful people I know,” Chloe said on a breath of air, not going into the room when the door opened. “Always thought that.”
“You’re pretty great, too, Chloe. Come on,” Clark picked her up and started to go inside.
“I got over you for a while,” Chloe muttered as he put her down in the middle of the room and she took off her jacket, throwing it to the side. She didn’t see the surprised look on Clark’s face as she went on, “And that’s just fine, it was a long time ago, but, man…”
“But what?” Clark made her sit down on the edge of her bed, taking off her shoes and setting them neatly to the side.
Chloe leaned forward quickly, a hand on each of his cheeks, “You sucked me in again, you big dope.”
“Uh, Chloe-”
“Sorry, you’re not a dope,” Chloe took a deep breath. “I love you, though. Happened all over again. That’s not a bad thing, is it?”
When she finally looked at him, there was no mistaking the horror on Clark’s face as he kneeled before her. Sobriety hit her in a split second as Clark fought to find words to respond, but Chloe stopped him by flinching back, slapping her hands on her face and saying, “And I’m sober enough to know that I just humiliated myself.”
Clark stood up quickly, putting space between them; Chloe didn’t remove her hands as he began to shift uncomfortably. “Chloe-”
“I’m going to wake up, I’m going to wake up. I did not just say that,” Chloe repeated over and over.
“You know I care about you…”
“Just not in that way,” Chloe dropped her hands.
Clark spread his own, saying, “We were just saying it tonight, I have no idea what I’m going to do with my career, let alone my personal life. Getting involved with someone right now would be a really bad idea.”
“Even if it’s me?” Chloe whispered, a hurt growing inside of her chest. “Being with me would be a bad idea?”
“It’s not like that Chloe,” Clark rushed forward, bringing her hands into his.
“Tell me you don’t love me,” Chloe said hoarsely, fighting back tears that were making her throat swell. “Tell me that you haven’t been dropping hints all junior year about us being together.”
“I do love you, Chloe,” Clark raised a finger and pushed her hair back. “But not like that, not right now.”
“Then when?” Voice sounding pathetic in her own ears, Chloe wrenched back from him.
“I can’t say,” Clark whispered back.
“So, what, you love me, but not that way?” Chloe pushed him away. “Are you telling me that you just love me like a friend? Like a sister?”
Clark bit his lip, unsure of how to respond. Chloe, though, looked as if she wasn’t about to let him leave without an answer. Grabbing to what she said, Clark hesitantly said, “Something like that?”
“Something like that.” Chloe’s voice had gone dead, much like her hopeful heart. “I’m Clark Kent’s much loved sister.”
“I…” Clark tried to speak, but the words just wouldn’t come out, the correction wouldn’t announce itself. He fought for several seconds before giving up and saying, “Yeah, I guess.”
Chloe turned her face from him, knowing she wouldn’t be able to hold back if she were to look at him straight in the eye. Voice empty, she finally spoke up, “Maybe you should get going. I have a hangover to wake up to.”
“I,” Clark swallowed hard when she wouldn’t turn to him. “Are you okay?”
“Oh, just dandy,” Chloe said quietly, but she began to crawl onto her bed, throwing the blankets on top of herself even though she had yet to change out of her smoky clothes. “I’ll just see you tomorrow, okay?”
“Um, okay, I suppose,” Clark looked back at the door and her small figured huddled in the blankets. “Good night, Chloe.”
“Good night, Clark.”
It was after the lights had been snapped off, the door closed and when she heard Clark walking far down the hall that she finally let the tears fall.