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View Full Version : [Completed] Sexual Statistics (R) Updated: May 13, 2009



BlueSabby
3rd March 2009, 20:08
DISCLAIMER: We do not own SV or any of its characters. We're not making any money off this either. In fact, we're not making any money at all, so don't sue us.

SUMMARY: Chloe has some hard data to back up her claims of why she and Lex should have sex.

A/N: Blue: Here's another one for your perusal. The beginning is a little strange but it shows you how our stories come to be sometimes. Enjoy!

A/N: Sabby: This one is strange in so many ways. But I swear we weren't doing any drugs while we wrote this. Though, drugs might be a good excuse. Yes, totally crack. and shrooms.





Blue: Can see Chloe going up to Lex, all my data indicates that you are the alpha male in SV, please please me now

S a b by: and Lex would be like 'show me the data'

Blue: She whips out her binder and then he needs a reason to do her for himself

S a b b y: you put Jonathan Kent in the same column?!?

Blue: Well, he was the next best specimen

Sabby: I'm insulted

Blue: Looks at the data...he's the next intelligent according to my tests *flips a page* Sure, physically he doesn't stack up but hey, I came to you first

Sabby: I need a drink

Blue: *tries to take drink away* It may impair your performance or kill you, I can't have that if we're going to mate

Sabby: Mate? What do I look like? An animal? And for that matter, why do you want to mate? I've heard of the phenomenon of a female's biological clock or equally suspect theories, but ...You're not even out of high school!

Blue: I'm just using technical terms. Listen *lowers voice* I'm horny and I want to have sex. I'm not trying to ensnare you in a relationship

Sabby: *lowers voice equally* and it never occurred to you to go to a bar?

Chloe rolled her eyes at Lex. She should have known that he wouldn't just give in and leave with her. She explained, "I wanted it to be someone I knew. So, I could have," she paused and locked eyes with him, "future access if I needed it."

There was only one reason why she would act like that. “Chloe, have you been in contact with any strange substances, maybe green and glowing and in the shape of rocks, in the last... when did you say this idea started?”

Lex attributing what he viewed as strange behavior to meteor rocks was expected. But, it still annoyed her. However, making sarcastic comments wasn't going to get him into her bed so she stowed them for now. "I know meteor induced delusions and frenzies when I see them, Lex. I told you, I know what I'm doing and what I want." Even though they were in a public place Chloe let herself rake over Lex's body with her eyes. "Do you really think that I need meteor rocks in order to want to nail you?"

Lex accepted the compliment with a smirk, but that didn't change anything. “No, but it can only be some strange affliction that would make an otherwise reasonable and intelligent woman make a chart about possible sexual partners including Jonathan Kent and subsequently approaching the subject on top of her list. Not to mention you used the word 'mating' which in and off itself.”

This was far more conversation than Chloe had hoped for. Where, she wondered, was the famed Luthor callousness? Couldn't Lex just throw a few bills on the table and leave with her? "I went about it scientifically. You'll notice that there are many men on the list." She flipped through it and Lex eyed is suspiciously. "I am just as surprised as you that Mr. Kent came in second."

“As for the terms I’m using, I’m just trying to keep it cut and dried.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “If I called it making love you would have run screaming from me and if I called it fucking, I’m sure you would have had some comment about that as well. From now on I’ll just call it sex or intercourse if it’ll make you feel better.”

Lex gave her a dead pan look, surprised that she wasn't becoming beet red by now or at least slightly flustered considering the topic they were discussing and his obvious disinterest. “It would make me feel better if you dropped the subject and got this ridiculous idea out of your head. I am not going to sleep with you. If you need it so badly, I'm sure I'll be able to provide you with a number for a male-escort service.”

And that was that. It was simply not going to happen that he would bed a high school girl from Smallville, Kansas, after she approached him with a chart and just plain demanded of him to have sex, correction mate with her.

Chloe whipped open her binder and made a few more notes in Lex’s section. She could feel him watching her so she tilted the binder up, hiding what she was writing. She hadn’t been fool enough to think that it would go smoothly, she was just hoping that it would.

Stupid Lex, what with the sleeping with every woman who moved. Well, actually, a certain type of woman that moved. But, if he refused, at least she would find out why he didn’t want to sleep with her.

“Thank you for your kind offer, Lex, but I do know how to operate a phone book and numerous friends from Metropolis gave me a few numbers and others offered their own service.” She paused, thinking about Jimmy asking for another ‘crack at it’ as he said.

“Would you mind telling me why you don’t want to sleep with me?” Her pen was poised above the paper. “It would really help me. Is it because I’m not your type? Are you not attracted to me and, if so, why?”

This was just too weird. It couldn't possibly be real. Maybe it was him. He took a look into his coffee, but it didn't look strange. He knew for a fact he hadn't had any strange substances either, so. Oh! Oh he got it now.

“Ha-ha,” he answered dead pan. “I would have figured that a prank like this is more Pete's style than your own, so who roped you into this?”

Closing her binder and placing it back on the table Chloe leaned forward and caught Lex’s gaze. “This isn’t a joke. I’ve been going about this logically and scientifically. I want to sleep with you. You’ve stated that you don’t reciprocate this feeling so I want you to tell me why.” She briefly touched his knee and said, “It will help me when I approach the next guy.”

Lex took her hand and replaced it on the table without thinking about it, keeping his gaze firmly rooted to her eyes. “And I still think you are either affected by something or have just plain lost your sanity. You're a very attractive girl, so that's a pity, but I am not going to get even further involved with this than I already have.”

Standing up he shook his head and gave Chloe one last look. “And I suggest you find a different way of going about satisfying your needs, because this is not going to show positive results. With anyone.”

Chloe chuckled at the almost outraged tone of voice that Lex was displaying. It appeared that she had insulted his delicate sensibilities. Which was a little fun because he got the most appealing look on his face as he spoke to her. But, he was mistaken about one thing.

“Lex, I think that you’re wrong there.” She stretched out her legs on the chair that he had just vacated and tilted her head up to look at him. “I’m sure that one of the men that I approach will be amenable to the terms that I’ve set up. It’s just a real pity that it wasn’t you.” It was also a problem that he became all the more attractive to her now that he had turned her down. What was it with her and rejection?

Almost to herself she said, “I was sure that you would have been an excellent lover and was looking forward to trying out some things with you.”

Still shaking his head he turned around and looked at Chloe once more. “You are quite clearly insane. I can only hope you won't end up getting yourself in over your head in trouble. Does your father know about this little project of yours?”

She was aghast at the very idea of her father finding out. He would hit the roof and not understand what she was trying to do. Apparently, neither did Lex. Well, that was her fault, she didn’t bother to really explain what her endgame was.

Standing up and gathering her belongings together she said, “Of course he doesn’t. How do you think he would react to this? Firstly, he doesn’t even know that his innocent little girl isn’t innocent anymore. Secondly, he wouldn’t understand what I’m doing by using actual hard data to select the next man I want to be with.”

As she picked up her bag she shoved the binder back into it. “I don’t hope to get a boyfriend out of this. It’s not what I want right now or what I’m looking for.” She looked over at Lex. “I’m sick of wasting my time on men who don’t know what they’re doing and have no idea how to properly pleasure a woman. It’s not sexually fulfilling at all. That is what I want. I don’t think my father needs to hear that, do you?”

This was about the hundredth time she'd referred to her hard data. “Just what the hell are you using for hard data anyway?”

It was plain ridiculous, yes he could understand wanting to get laid. And he could understand that a woman could get frustrated if left unsatisfied for too long, but making a fucking chart?

When Lex’s gaze flitted over to her bag Chloe quickly moved it closer to her body. She knew that Lex would never snatch it away from her, it wasn’t his style, but a girl couldn’t be too careful.

“Some of it wasn’t gotten strictly on the up and up so I’d be appreciative if you didn’t get all righteous on me.” Lex clearly wasn’t going to answer her so she just went on. “Well, I’ve looked at various medical records to see if anyone has any mobility problems or are talking any medication. I know, it’s horrible, it’s an invasion of privacy but I needed the information.”

“I’ve looked into the men’s sexual histories as much as I could and spoken with partners that they’ve had if possible.” She knew that Lex was not going to take kindly to his privacy being violated, hell, she wouldn’t herself but she was trying to be honest with him.

“I couldn’t waste my time actually speaking to the men, too much chance of them lying to me and messing up the data.”

Actually telling Lex what she had done made Chloe realize how crazy she did sound. And, how far past the line she had gone. But, what was done was done. If Lex already thought that she was crazy, his opinion of her couldn’t drop all that much more.

There were very few incidents in his life where Lex didn't know what to say. This was one of them. The thought of Chloe approaching Victoria or hell forbid Desiree or Heike or Carry or really any of his former lovers and ask them about their sex struck him speechless.

How could someone like Chloe stoop so low? It just wasn't fathomable. She'd definitely lost her mind. That was the only reasonable explanation for this.

“Chloe, for your own sake and the one of every male in Smallville. Please,” and he couldn't remember the last time he'd used that word with anyone. “Forget about this and go to a professional escort service. Don't ruin your reputation with indiscretion and,” he pointed at the papers on the table, lacking a way to describe this properly, “This.”

For a moment Chloe actually considered heeding Lex’s words. But she shook her head forcibly, striking that crazy idea away. She’d put so much time and energy into it. She had to go through with it or the whole thing would have been a waste.

She picked up the last of her papers and put them back into her bag. “Thanks for caring, Lex.” She said the words genuinely as she made sure that she hadn’t left anything behind.

“But what you suggested is out of the question. And you can rest assured that my reputation won’t be hurt by this. You’re the only one who knows for now and I’m sure you won’t tell anyone.” Lex looked so freaked out by their conversation that she was convinced that he’d do anything and everything to forget it. “I think that number two on the list won’t have such reservations and I trust him to be discrete.”

When Lex’s eyes widened, she realized what she said and started to laugh. “Not the real number two. God,” she shuddered as she thought of Mr. Kent, “I meant the next guy that I can approach.”

Lex sighed, slowly regaining his composure. He could see now that Chloe was going to go through with this come hell or high water. He could only hope she wouldn't ruin her reputation with it. He didn't even want to know who number 3 on the list was.

”I'm sorry you think you have to resort to such means, Chloe. But for what it's worth, I wish you good luck.”

With that he turned and hoped he'd never hear of this again, especially not from the town gossip.

“Wouldn’t have to wish me good luck if you’d just put out,” Chloe muttered as Lex headed for the exit.

She had never considered Lex to be prudish. Yes, this was an outlandish situation and he had handled it well but she was still miffed that he had turned her down. And still not told her why he wouldn’t sleep with her.

Careful not to touch him Chloe walked after him before he could leave the coffee house. “Lex, I’m sorry to be such a pest. I know this makes you uncomfortable but could you please just tell me why you won’t do it? Other than the fact that you think I’ve lost my mind, that is. What is it about me that makes you say no?”

This was something else that she hoped to learn. She didn’t think any other man would turn down sex with no strings attached. Afterwards, she hoped to pick the guy’s brain for what it was in her that was lacking.

Lex continued out of the coffee house, not willing to discuss this in a room full of people, when they were in front of his car, he turned on his heel. “You're in high school, you worked for my father, you were hung up on Clark Kent for years and I suspect part of you still is, I stopped having casual sex after I was framed for murder because of it, we're in Smallville, Kansas. I was the man who fired your father and won't be the man who fired your father then slept with his daughter. And that's just the reasons off the top of my head.”

Chloe though over Lex’s numerous reasons and wished that she had time to write them down. She had to admit that some of them were valid….from where Lex was standing. And, unfortunately, some of them were ones that she had no control over changing. But, she could at least address some of them. If Lex didn’t get in his car and peel off, that was.

“Yes, I’m in high school but I’m not some silly twit of a girl who doesn’t know what she’s doing and I’m above the age of consent.” She was fairly certain, for some reason, that Lex already knew that. “Also, I am no longer in love with Clark. I know that I’ve said that before but I didn’t even consider him in this equation.” The idea of being with Clark with all of his bumbling just did not seem like a good idea. Or a comfortable one at that.

The rest of Lex’s reasons had to do with him and who he now was. “As for the rest of your reasons, I accept and respect them. Not that you need me to do either of those things. I’m sorry if I upset or insulted you, Lex.”

The only problem with his reasons was that she couldn’t change anything about herself using them as a guideline. Which is what she was hoping for. She wasn’t about to give herself a major overhaul to snare a man but it would be helpful to find out from an honest source what some of her more off putting traits were. In general, she was certain it would help her in all aspects of life.

Greg Tarsez passed into her field of vision. He was crossing the street towards the Talon. He nodded at her and said hello. ‘Number three,’ her mind supplied as she smiled back.

Lex nodded in acceptance, then stepped around the car to the drivers side. “Very well, you've got your reasons so now, I'll leave you to your project.” He opened the door and settled behind the wheel.

It was just incredible, but it wasn't his business. Not his business at all. At least she wouldn't be throwing herself at Clark. It wasn't his business. It could be worse. It wasn't his business. What if she ended up with a freak? It wasn't his business. Or since this was Smallville, a freak who tried to kill her? It wasn't his...

He got back out and turned to look at her over the hood of the Porsche. “Get in the car.”

Usually Chloe would have put up some type of protest at being spoken to in such a manner. But, she knew that she was on thin ice where Lex was concerned. His current state was her fault so she wasn’t really in a place to complain about the treatment she was getting from him. Instead she opened the passenger’s side door and slid into the car.

Lex was a big, ole ball of tension as he pulled out of his parking spot. She was thrown a little back into her seat as she fastened her belt. She saw that her binder had fallen out of her bag and she picked up the two items and placed them in her lap.

When Lex hadn’t said a word to her after a few minutes Chloe asked, “Where are we going?”

“The mansion,” he answered glibly.

It wasn't his business at all who she slept with. He knew that. And he didn't care. However, knowing what she was going to do, if she ended up getting killed because of it he would feel responsible. He had enough things that he was already feeling responsible for and this was not something he wanted to add to the list. At the moment, he didn't know yet what he was going to do, but if he couldn't convince her to drop this harebrained plan, he would at least make sure that there was no freak on her list of potentials. Ruining her reputation in a small town was one thing. Getting killed because of a need to get laid a completely different one.

Tied wrists, bloody sheets, glazed eyes, open mouth. Dead

He pushed the image aside and his foot down hard on the accelerator. It was not going to happen.

As Lex dangerously wove his way through the town, Chloe did her best not to flinch or gasp as they went around hairpin turns. She trusted that Lex would usually be a very capable driver with another passenger in the car. However, he was clearly upset by their earlier conversation and it was affecting him.

When they were finally at the mansion Chloe breathed an audible sigh of relief. Lex turned off the car and exited the vehicle. He rounded around the Porsche and opened her door, offering her his hand out of the car.

He still said nothing to her as they entered the mansion and he gave his butler or whatever he was strict instructions that they were not to be bothered. If he hadn’t so vehemently said earlier that he had no intention of sleeping with her the words would have excited her. Now, she was just filled with a deep sense of foreboding. She clutched her bag closer to her body as she entered his study.

“Care to tell me what all of this is about,” she asked, hearing the usual bite to her voice surfacing again. She was thrown by Lex’s actions and needed to get her footing back.

Lex strode towards his desk, ignoring Chloe's snide question as she followed after him like he'd expected. He sat down, fired up his laptop and looked up at her. “I know that it is none of my business who you are sleeping with. However, considering the way you approach this endeavor and after you told me, I do intend to make sure you are not making a horrible mistake that might cost you more than simply your reputation. Now, hand me your data.”

Lex didn't know why exactly, but he was angry. He had better things to do with his life than research the prospective sex partners of an 18 year old high school girl. But no, said high school girl was in his mind considered a friend of sorts, so of course he would have to make sure she didn't get herself killed through sheer stupidity. Just fucking great.

Chloe took her bag off of her shoulder and looked at it. She was torn as to what she should do. She didn’t enjoy being spoken to in such a manner but Lex was holding onto himself by a very thin string and she didn’t want to make it snap.

When he practically growled her name, in a not unattractive way she noted, she said, “Fine, but please don’t give me a lecture about what I have or question how I got it.” She took the binder out and placed it on his desk with a resounding thump. Chloe was nothing if not thorough. She placed the random pieces of paper that had come loose from the binder on top.

“What are you going to do with it,” she asked suspiciously. She wondered what Lex had access to on his laptop that he thought would keep her safe. “None of them or serial killers or have a criminal record. I already checked that out. I wouldn’t go off with some guy that might kill me, Lex. Give me a little credit.”

Lex merely grunted derisively in answer and grabbed the main list. Striking his name, as well as Jonathan Kent's off the list, he continued on. He went through the stack of information she had, focusing on the medical records and looking for any oddities that had nothing to do with the reproductive system. Reading the first name on the list, he searched for the appropriate file on his computer.

“Greg Tarsez” moved to Smallville 1995 from Fairfield, IL. Good. He moved on, systematically fishing out all candidates that had been living in Smallville pre- meteor shower, then cross referenced with his files if any medical oddities were mentioned. Paranoia could come in handy sometimes. Except it wasn't paranoia, merely keen observance and constant vigilance.

When he was finished with the list, he turned back to Chloe. “Five of the men on this list have lived in Smallville before '89, meaning there is a likely possibility they have been affected by the meteors in some way. 3 of these five have recorded oddities in their blood. You should have dug deeper.”

Taking out a red marker, he crossed the names on the list, leaving only 4 people, including Greg Tarsez. That should drop the risk to a minimum. It also had the positive side effect that the chance of rumor spreading and Chloe's reputation being completely ruined was lowered considerably.

It took all of her strength not to mimic Lex’s tone and words snottily. She watched as he had crossed the names off of her list. He seemed to take great pleasure in doing so. A little too much for her liking. She circled his desk and looked at the piece of paper that he held in his hand.

The list was absolutely decimated. There were only four names on the list. She shook her head at the men that were left. Her third choice was still on it, that was a good sign, but the other three men left each had other problems of which Lex wasn’t aware of.

Chewing on her lower lip, Chloe considered her options. Or, more accurately, her one option. Greg was the most attractive of the men left on the list and she actually got along with him somewhat. “You’re not leaving me with many choices, Lex,” she murmured as she looked at all of the names with an angry red line through them.

“Four people is more than enough. You're attractive and intelligent, if you take a less blunt approach I am sure one of them is going to be agreeable and you won't get yourself killed in the process,” he answered matter of factly.

For some reason he was still quite cross about the whole concept of Chloe hatching up a list of potential lovers and not even making sure they weren't meteor freaks. And all for the sake of getting laid. Why couldn't she just do it like a normal woman? Throw herself in a stunning out fit, put a little make up on, cross her legs, smile coyly and be done with it. And, much more importantly, leave him out of this entire mess.

“Four good people would be more than enough,” she agreed. “But three of these men were very far down on the list.” She turned the paper towards Lex and pointed at their names. She wanted to investigate why they were the bottom of the barrel.

Walking away from Lex’s desk, she grabbed her binder and sat down in one of the chair opposite of where Lex was sitting. She flipped it open and scanned for the first man’s name. There was conflicting information about his performance in bed, that’s why he was so far down.

‘You’ve got Greg, what else do you want?’ Chloe knew the answer to that. When she had seen who had topped the list, she was giddy. Her crush on Lex had always been there, she had just suppressed it.

Flipping to the next name she saw that he had a few sexccidents. Nothing that had ever sent his partner to the ER but Chloe was hoping for someone that would be smoother than that.

Looking at the third name Chloe knew what was wrong with him. She suspected that he might be gay but just not ready to admit that. She hadn’t included that piece of information in the data because it couldn’t be confirmed.

She shut the binder. “Ok, Greg it is,” she said to both herself and Lex.

He arched an eyebrow, not understanding her reluctant attitude all of a sudden. For someone who was so determined about their plan, she seemed to be little pleased about the outcome of it. That was his chance to abuse her of this silly notion.

“You don't sound too enthused,” he made his opening gambit.

Deciding that she couldn’t tell him the flat out truth she decided to start slow. “Well, the difference in points between Greg and my number one,” she fixed Lex with her eyes, “was quite vast.”

She opened the binder with the more descriptive data and said, “And in a few key areas.”

Lex's brow arched. He shouldn't ask. He really didn't want to know. This was not his problem. And he shouldn't ask. “What do you mean?” Damnit.

Ok, he could maybe listen to her elaborate scheme and then with a few well placed words turn the whole mess in his favor without having to endure any further advances from Chloe. Hopefully. Also, he would find out what exactly women thought of him. Still, if Victoria had spilled anything too intimate, he would have her killed.

If she started with the more seedy things, she was certain that Lex would give her the old heave ho from his office. Very politely but she would be thrown out nonetheless. So, she needed to start slowly with him.
It had gotten hotter in his study, or so she thought, so she took off her jacket. “I’m not trying to seduce you, I’m just hot, ok, so don’t freak out.” That said, she opened her binder and flipped to Lex’s and Greg’s pages, respectively.

“Generally, you’re much better at the whole seduction, slow burn thing than Greg is. I’m sure that it comes from experience and you are a few years older than he is so it only makes sense. I was just hoping to have the full sensory experience.” Chloe looked at their disparate ratings and knew that she must be pouting but she really couldn’t help it.

“And,” she said offhandedly, “you scored much higher than he did in the area of kissing, as well.”


tbc

hfce
3rd March 2009, 22:46
Oh no you didn't start a new one? :D I love it already. Chloe is so playing Lex and he doesn't even know it. :rofl: High five girls I know this will be a great story. :clapclap:

Impress
4th March 2009, 00:08
What a great start. I like that keeps telling himself it's none of his business yet keeps interfering. More soon.

Kit Merlot
4th March 2009, 01:21
This is a fabulous beginning!

So when exactly will Lex cave into Chloe and give her what she wants?;)

wistfulwatcher
4th March 2009, 06:27
Oh, this is too good! I love the beginning (despite the extremely confusing beginning beginning), and can't wait for more!

WW

itsjustXchar
4th March 2009, 07:22
Ooooh Chloe and her stats. This fic is almost synonymous with Lex's "slow burn seduction"; I like it!

But I do need some more info on this Greg guy.

And idk it's probably just me but I'm a little curious about how Jonathan Kent ended up as number two on the list. Did Martha really disclose such precious info? Well, they're old not dead. hahah!

Please continue, it's wonderful so far!

autumngold
4th March 2009, 07:31
I love the beginning of your fic, I can't stop laughing!! Chloe is being so business-like, it's Lex who is having such a problem with this!! I think it's really cute that Chloe had a whole list of guys, but the only one she really wants is Lex!! :) I have to be honest though, Jonathan's name on the list was really scary!! Where did she get her information on him? Did she ask Martha?!! ;)

Great example of how you write a story together, I really like how you become the characters!! Or was that just because of the crack and shrooms?!! ;) JK ;) Post more soon please!!

cuttie_blossom
4th March 2009, 07:39
again march 3rd fics! somehow my you guys and kimbo both posted new fics and i really don't read w.i.p fics but man these stories are making me be not lazy and post a reply good job u guys!

westwingwolf
4th March 2009, 07:48
So apparently one of you just starts with the crazy idea and the other keeps the ball rolling. While it was crazy, I can almost see the point to looking at things stastically with the lack of quality in Smallville, but perhaps she shouldn't have been so honest with Lex about this. But then we wouldn't have these hilariously moments. I'm guessing Lionel was nowhere on the list what with having tried to kill her and Lex not dying from a heart attack when he saw it. I love how he tried to talk himself into thinking he didn't care. I hope Chloe can make him see reason or as the case may be non-reason soon.

whodunit??
8th March 2009, 06:50
Awesome start! Hopefully it doesn't take Chloe long to change Lex's mind. I can'y believe Chloe actually had Jonathan Kent on that list, hilarious!

But now I want an update on this and U.E.!!

Heather

toryjhay
9th March 2009, 10:34
Man, that was cruelly cut short. but incredibly interesting! more soon please!!!!

happybum
11th March 2009, 10:00
Well I can say without a doubt that I never read a story like this. Very hilarious and entertaining. I am glad that you both are crazy enough to cook up this crackpot ficlet. Please continue and wow us. x]

BlueSabby
13th March 2009, 20:44
A/N: Blue: The plot thickens....as do Chloe's data points
A/N: Sabby: Plot? What plot?


“And,” she said offhandedly, “you scored much higher than he did in the area of kissing, as well.”


He tried to wipe the smug smirk of his face, but somehow it got stuck there. Until he realized that Chloe was pouting as she stared at her paper work. His eyebrow went up at that, but he dismissed it as a technicality. Of course a woman would rather be seduced slowly than ravished in the span of a few minutes. Unless of course the ravishing was done in the right way.

“Alright, but I would think that if you gave the right signals, the first point shouldn't be too much of a problem.”

He leaned back in his chair, folding his hands in his lap. “As for the second point, is that really important, since you said yourself that you were after sex. Kissing the partner is not strictly necessary to have good sex.” Lex should know, he'd had quite a bit of practice in that field.

“Technically speaking, yes,” Chloe said distractedly. She was now looking at other various parts that Lex and Greg differed on. “But if I’m kissing you and you’re very skilled at it then I’ll get very turned on and things will be much more pleasurable for both of us.”

She looked at a highlighted portion of her notes and sighed again. Greg was looking less and less acceptable next to Lex. It wasn’t fair. Lex wouldn’t give in and just do her so now she was left with a substandard version of what she wanted.

Lex chuckled, shaking his head. “Technically speaking, if you are 'horny' as you put it to begin with it won't take much to get you turned on,” he stated.

Watching her intently he could almost see the wheels in her head grinding. The pout on her lips had become more pronounced and her tone was decidedly more and more unenthused about the whole idea. Good.

“You want to get laid, and there's your object. He's number three on your list, he's closer to your age and not a meteor mutant. From the files he's also quite attractive. He fulfills the purposes you set in your list, so what's still keeping you?”

Hearing Lex reiterate all the Greg had going for him, instead of focusing on the negatives as she was, helped Chloe to pull herself out of her stupor. “You’re right, Lex.” She closed the binder with a flick of her wrist.

“And, I’m sure that I’ll be able to instruct him if he’s doing something not quite correctly.” She chuckled as she reached for her jacket behind her. “That was the one area where he had you beat.”

Lex's brows went up at that. “Excuse me?”

Now he wasn't arrogant enough to presume he was a perfect lover, because such a thing did not exist outside the boundaries of cheesy romance novels, but he did think of himself as considerate enough to change tactics when it was needed. Trying to remember if he'd ever encountered a situation where he'd refused to be that considerate or been instructed to do something differently, he came up empty handed. Which meant that one of his former lovers had not had the guts to approach him about it, but had turned around to tell Chloe about the particular flaw, probably in length and width.

“Would you care to explain that in a little more detail?”

Chloe looked up at him, noticing the slightly tense set of his shoulders. She hadn’t meant to insult him. Explaining herself she said, “Well, some of the women described you a control freak. Even in the bedroom. That if they suggested something or needed something different that they didn’t get it.”

True, it had been a very small percentage of the women but the fact was there anyway. Almost feeling the need to make Lex feel better, which was ridiculous because he didn’t need that from anyone, she added, “They didn’t say that it took away from their pleasure, they just noted it is all.”

Lex inclined his head in acknowledgement, mulling over that thought. He really would like to know who had imparted that particular information on Chloe. Or how she'd found most of his past lovers anyway. He'd thought up until now that she'd gotten her information only from a few of them, seeing as the vast array of one night stands... Oh, of course. Chloe had investigated the case against him when he'd been framed for murder. She'd gotten the 'diamond earring' list. That would explain it.

“I'll be sure to take note of that in future,” he commented, then swiftly brought the conversation back to Chloe, knowing he had to do something before she went through with her plan. “So, are you going to change your plan or will you assault him like you did me,” he asked.

As she stood up she heard Lex’s words and she put her hands on her hips as she declared, “I did not assault you. I admit that I was blunt with you but that’s because I thought that you could handle it. It’s not as if I crawled over to you and started to unzip your pants.”

She started to mutter to herself as she walked over to his desk and picked up a few of the pieces of paper that were still on it. “But to answer your question, no, I won’t go about it that way with him. You and I have a familiarity with each other that I don’t have with Greg.”

“Assaulted you,” she grumbled as she shoved the paper back into her bag.

Seeing as she was about to pack up and leave, he had to think of something to keep her there for a bit longer. He steadfastly ignored the mental image her words had brought to mind and soldiered on.

“Well, all familiarity aside, it was a verbal assault. Not to mention it was something I never would have expected coming from someone like you,” he left his sentence vague, hoping to goad her.

Somehow, the thought of Chloe sleeping with some random guy, even though now most risks were removed still didn't sit too well with him.

Chloe plopped back down into her chair, her coat and binder quickly forgotten. “Do I even want to know what you mean by the phrase ‘someone like you’?”

She didn’t know why, but what Lex thought about her actually meant a great deal. She was royally screwed.

Lex allowed himself a fierce mental 'Yes!' while he smirked at Chloe. Now for the hard part, keeping her in her seat without shackles involved. Another mental image to put aside.

“I've said it before, Chloe. You're intelligent, attractive, you have a sense of humor. It just seems unfitting that you would have to assemble a list of men for the purpose of finding a partner. Be it for sex or otherwise,” he stated.

Flattery will get you everywhere. At least he was sure he'd heard that before. Not from his father, that was for sure, but it did definitely work on most women and he hoped that Chloe wasn't the complete exception to the rule.

Her eyes narrowing on Lex, Chloe remembered what his partners had said about his use of flattery. But, she supposed that it didn’t apply because he wasn’t trying to get her into bed. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Once she had that established in her mind she allowed herself to smile over at him. Her first real smile of the day and it felt good to do so. “Thanks, Lex, but if the rest of the male population actually agreed with you on that fact, I wouldn’t have to be doing this.”

Leaning back in her chair she said, “I realize that others will agree with you…in a few years. I know that teenage boys don’t often see anything past the surface. I just don’t want to wait that long in order to be with a man.”

Lex leaned back in his chair, propping his chin on his fingers as he regarded her slowly. “You make it sound like Smallville only consists of teenagers and old men,” he quipped. “I know for a fact that that is not the case, so why don't you simply try to meet someone older?”

A little lower he added, “Casual sex is not all it's cracked up to be, believe me.”

When Lex was being totally rational it was hard to argue with him. Not that this was an argument. Chloe needed him to understand where she was coming from and why she was doing this. Yes, there were men a few years older than her wandering around the town. But, she didn’t come into contact with most of them.

Even though she was being brazen in the way that she was going about this that didn’t mean that she wanted to approach a complete stranger and ask him for sex. Sure, she could try and get to know one of the older men. Hope that they didn’t care about being seen with a high school girl and then work from there. But, it just took too much damn time. And, god forbid that she somehow ended up in the friend zone. All of her work would have been for nothing.

“Trying to meet someone older has its own drawbacks.” Chloe stretched out her legs in front of her for a moment before continuing on. “There’s a stigma associated with an older man hanging out with teenage girls without a good reason. You are friends with Clark and friends with his friends so it works out fine for you. But another man…”

Chloe shook her head. “This is a small, small town. There would be whispers probably followed by a stoning. Besides, I don’t really know anyone older. I don’t want to approach a total stranger for this. It would just be too weird.”

Lex's brow arched. “And the town pariah going out with one of the innocent young girls of the city would not lead to a stoning? I beg to differ, you should know better than most how people still think about me.”

But he had to give her that much, she was right about the drawbacks of trying to find an older man to go out with. “I can understand though, why you wouldn't want to approach a stranger. At least you know this, what was his name, again?”

“Greg. He’s a decent guy from what I know about him,” Chloe began slowly. She was trying to psyche herself up to do this. Her run at Lex had ended in disaster so now she was a little gun shy. Then again, she doubted that Greg would have as many reservations as Lex.

Thinking about what Lex had just said she added, “But, you’re misunderstanding about this again. It’s not about me dating him. It’s about me having sex with him.” She looked at her watch and yawned. She’d been up late last night getting the last of the data together. For all the good it had done her with Lex. The Talon would be closing soon. If she wanted to approach Greg today she was going to have to get a move on.

“I was more thinking about the approaching part, it shouldn't be easy if he's a virtual stranger,” he commented.

Noticing that she was itching to run off again he thought on his feet. “You look a bit tired, can I offer you something to drink? A coffee, maybe?”

He had to keep her in place, somehow, until he'd managed to talk some sense into her. It just wouldn't do to let her run off and sleep with a random guy. He could understand the itch, but damnit, she was too young and too, well she just couldn't get into this kind of trouble. Not if he could do something about it.

If Lex told her she looked tired it wouldn’t bode well for her seduction plan. No one wanted to bang someone that looked half dead. And, well, if they did she didn’t want to be with that guy anyway.

“Tea would actually be great,” she smiled over at Lex. He could really be quite nice when given the chance. Not that she’d tell him that. He’d most likely have her disappeared for even thinking something like that.

Lex nodded, a bit surprised that she'd forgo coffee for tea. However, he made no mention of it. “No problem,” he said as he reached for the intercom. “Enrique, please bring up a tea 'cubano' for Miss Sullivan.”

Now he only hoped that Enrique remembered the code for what it was. Sure enough, there was a miniscule pause before his manservant answered in his usually stiff tones. “Right away, sir.”

“Thank you,” he answered and disconnected the intercom.

“I'm still interested to know, do you know him personally? Otherwise it might get a bit difficult to convince him that your offer is genuine. I mean I've seen a lot in my days and I still thought you were yanking my chain.”

Chloe nodded. “We’ve had a few classes together and done some group work. He’s not a total stranger but he’s not my best friend, either. I suppose that works in my favor.” She placed her jacket on the arm of the chair and got a little more comfortable.

“That way he knows that I’m not some crazed psychopath. Besides, after my total crash and burn with you perhaps I’ll be a little more eloquent so I don’t scare him off.” Chloe pondered what her best move was. She wanted to do it in a public place so Greg wouldn’t be freaked out by what she was suggesting.

It might be difficult to get him alone once they were actually in a public place, though. His friends always seemed to be around. Well, she’d deal with that once she was actually in his presence.

She heard a knock at the door and then Enrique came in the room carrying a steaming cup of tea. She took it out of his hands and said, “Thank you, Enrique. You’re a life saver.”

Enrique was far too professional to make a back handed comment at this juncture but he did shoot Lex a quick look, arching an eyebrow lightly in inquiry. With a small bow, he answered, “Miss Sullivan,” then turned and left the room in his brisk but silent stride.

Lex had ignored Enrique's look and turned back to Chloe, watching her taking the first small sip of the tea. She wouldn't taste anything but simple chamomile, and that was exactly the way it should be. However, the sedative put in the drink would conk her out in less than 20 minutes from now, so all he had to do was wait and keep her in place until she'd finished her drink and nodded off.

Smirking lightly, he turned back to the conversation. “That sounds like a wise idea. And I believe that not using the word 'mating' might also help a great deal.”

Chloe sputtered in her tea succeeding in both embarrassing herself and spilling some of the liquid on her shirt. She dabbed at the material with the napkin that Enrique had placed on the saucer.

Clearing her throat, she took another sip of the tea. It was amazing. She was sure that it must have some secret rich man ingredient in it that made it that yummy. Perhaps some nice virgin blood or something of the like.

Finally finding her voice she said, “Yeah, maybe that was coming on a little strong. But I thought putting it in clinical terms would make it easier for you. With Greg I’ll be a little softer, I suppose.”

She tried not to be rude as she yawned again. “Excuse me,” she murmured before taking another sip of tea. She hoped that the caffeine would start to kick in. At least she didn’t have to drive back to the Talon, she was sure that Lex would have a car waiting for her downstairs when she was ready to leave.

Chloe settled back in her chair. “I’m sorry about the yawning, I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

Lex suppressed the victory that was seeping into him as he watched the spiked tea take effect. “That's alright, I'm sure the tea will help soon,” he answered. “Did this little project of yours keep you up, or why the lack of sleep?”

As long as she didn't think about getting up and leaving, things would be perfect. Well perfect until she woke up again, that was. He knew there'd be hell to pay. But once he had her confined to one of the guestrooms, he could reason with her until she gave up the silly notion of sleeping with random men. If she needed an orgasm so bad, there were always toys, or something.

As her body started to relax Chloe decided it was best that she put down the cup of tea..after one last sip, that was. It wouldn’t do to drop it on Lex’s nice rug. She placed it on his desk and then leaned back into the chair. She didn’t even notice that she had pulled her legs up under her in order to get more comfortable.

Nodding, Chloe said, “Yes, it’s a lot of data to compile.” She yawned again. “And,” she murmured, “I was nervous about approaching you.” Damn, she had to get out of here soon. She wasn’t supposed to tell Lex that. But her body wasn’t listening to her brain. It was quite content to curl up a little more.

Lex had the silliest urge to scratch his nose and cackle evilly, like Devilicus in the Warrior Angel comics did whenever one of his plans worked out. He stifled the urge, however, and instead just waited for Chloe to nod off completely, letting the silence stretch until Chloe's eyes drooped and completely fell shut.

“Chloe,” he asked silently, trying to test if she was still awake.

Chloe made a noncommittal noise in her throat. Lex’s voice was very far away but she tried not to be rude and answer him. It was a lost cause, though. After making that one attempt to speak to him, she fell asleep.

Getting nothing but a small noise in answer, Lex tried again, a little more sure and louder.

“Chloe, are you awake?”

Not receiving any answer, he got up from his chair and rounded the desk, moving over to where Chloe was curled asleep in the chair. Breathing a sigh of relief when she didn't react to his touch on her arm, he bent down to pick her up. “Oomph” she might look delicate, but light as a feather, she wasn't. Lex struggled with the weight for a moment before he had her in a comfortable position, one arm behind her back and the other under her knees.

“One day you're going to thank me for this,” he mumbled as he made his way out of the office, thankful that Enrique had left the door slightly ajar instead of closing it completely.

He carried her down the hallway into the next guestroom - the door left wide open thanks to aforementioned thoughtful manservant - and placed her on the bed. When he'd settled her somewhat comfortably and pulled off her shoes, he left the room and closed the door behind him with a snick, turning the lock with an equally silent sound and effectively trapping Chloe inside the room.

Fortunately, they were up on the third floor already, which meant that she wouldn't try climbing out the window. The sheets also weren't nearly long or strong enough to try anything stupid. Some harebrained escape plan could have put a severe dent in his mission.

Now all he had to do was figure out what to say to Chloe when she woke up in approximately six hours, or tomorrow morning, which ever happened first. And of course he'd have to inform Gabe that his daughter was staying in the mansion. Damn.


tbc

superag
13th March 2009, 21:14
Got tired of listening to her stroke his ego huh? Well, this will be fun explaining to Gabe.

Impress
14th March 2009, 00:42
I can't wait to see how he explains this to Gabe. Oh Lex, just give in already. Good work. More soon.

autumngold
14th March 2009, 03:29
This is interesting!! After Chloe asks Lex to sleep with her, she is going to wake up in the mansion!! Hopefully she won't lose her memory and think that they slept together!! :) I wonder how Lex is planning to explain this to Gabe?!! I think that Lex was smart to lock her in, who knows all of the trouble Chloe could get into alone in the mansion!! However, I think it would be funny if Chloe was able to get herself out!! ;)

This story is so fun!! I love Chloe and Lex's interaction!! It's sweet how Lex is trying to do what's best for Chloe!! Can't wait to read what Chloe's reaction is when she wakes up!!

Esther25jm
14th March 2009, 04:07
Hehee, this is fantastic! Love this story! Can't wait to see Lex's explanation to Gabe and find out Chloe's reaction to being locked in Castle Luthor. :D

hfce
14th March 2009, 04:32
Lex is not serious? :eek: He is so going to get a butt whipping from her. :rofl:

westwingwolf
14th March 2009, 04:42
Good ol' Enrique who is helpful and doesn't ask questions when his employer needs to drug teenage girls. Well maybe Lex can make it up to her by sleeping with her. I don't care if it completely defeats the purpose. I love that Lex got offended by her data.

Kit Merlot
14th March 2009, 20:57
I really love how Lex is so concerned about Chloe and her reputation--good man!

Can't wait to see Gabe's reaction to Chloe's sleeping at Lex's house:grin3:

Nimmie
21st March 2009, 12:37
Well this rocks to come back to! A couple of weeks away from Chlex and I get to read your wonderful story. I'm so happy.

Thanks
N

malugargula
21st March 2009, 20:53
This fic is amazing
I can`t wait to see Gabe`s reaction

BlueSabby
1st April 2009, 21:18
A/N: Blue: The hissy fit continues......

A/N: Sabby: I apologize for the long delay in updating on all of our stories. It's my fault cause real life kicked me in the butt and I had to work on an eighty page paper for Uni. But that's done now, so we should be better about updating again. Hope you enjoy!

~~~~
Gabe took in the information that Lex was giving him placidly. He was actually happy that it wasn’t a call from the ER as it usually was when it had to do with Chloe. Instead, his boss had called to inform him that Chloe had fallen asleep at his house.

He didn’t bother to ask what his daughter was doing there. If it was anything unseemly he was certain that he wouldn’t have received a phone call. He just hoped that she wasn’t being too much of a pest to Lex. She had been very secretive as of late and Gabe had gotten that familiar sinking feeling.

“Lex, she didn’t ask you anything inappropriate, did she?” This was Gabe’s personal nightmare. That Chloe would burn every bridge and tunnel where Lex was concerned. And get herself into deeper trouble. She was good at that.

Lex pinched the bridge of his nose, contemplating to tell Gabe just what his daughter had been up to. For some reason, he thought better of it. Chloe would kill him if he told Gabe, as opposed to simply slapping him when she found out he'd drugged her to fall asleep in his house.

“No, she didn't. She was sticking to the usual question and answer game for the Torch and I must've bored her to sleep with one of my answers. In any case, I just wanted you to know that your daughter is safe and asleep in one of my guest rooms and not gallivanting around getting into trouble,” he answered.

Somehow, he felt very old all of a sudden. He couldn't remember ever having called the father of a girl to tell them that their daughter was safe and sound, much less sleeping in the guestroom.

Gabe laughed a little bit. He thought that Chloe might tear into him with what he was about to tell Lex. But what she didn’t know…..

“I doubt that very greatly, Lex. She may pretend not to be paying attention but whenever she’s interviewed you I’ve gotten a very descriptive blow by blow the next day.” If Chloe was going to take up Lex’s time the other man should know that he wasn’t wasting it on her. It was only fair.

“Thank you,” Gabe said, earnestly. “In this town it’s nice to know that your daughter is safe. I appreciate it. Send her home tomorrow when she becomes too tiresome.” Gabe smiled as he spoke imagining his daughter’s righteous outrage at his words.

~~~~
When Chloe opened her eyes she felt more rested than she had in the past two weeks since she had hatched her plan. However, that sense of peace was very fleeting. She realized that she had no clue as to where she was.

Her brain was slightly muddled and she struggled to think as she sat up. The room was huge and ornately decorated. There was only one place that she could be that made any sense. Lex’s.

Maybe they had…as she moved around she knew that it was impossible. She didn’t have any of her usual morning after feelings.

So, she had just fallen asleep on him and now here she was. Flopping back down on the bed she groaned. She was very bad at this game. She hadn’t even gotten to Greg yet.

Looking over at the clock she noticed that it was five in the morning. She got up and walked towards the door. Maybe she could just sneak out, that seemed like the best plan as of now.

Her plan flew out the window when she grasped the doorknob. It wouldn’t give. Lex had locked her in the room. Which made little to no sense to her.

Why would he do that? The only logical reason was that he didn’t want her to leave. Her brain power finally coming back she started to think. When realization hit, her mouth gaped opened.

“That little bastard.” She couldn’t believe that Lex had locked her in here in order to keep her away from Greg. Taking advantage of her falling asleep like that.

Chloe started to pound on the door. “Let me out of here!”

She continued to slam her fist against the door. With every passing second she got more and more irate. “Who in the hell does he think he is? He’s not my father!”

Kicking the door made her feel better so she changed to that tactic. He had stalled her until she fell asleep and then locked her away in his castle. It was like a fucked up fairy tale.

If he was too high and mighty to sully himself by sleeping with her that didn’t give him the right to let someone else do that job. “LEX!”

Lex had taken the next guestroom over, so when the commotion started, he was up in an instant with the first bang of fist against wood. Rubbing the three hours worth of sleep from his eyes, he chanced a glance over at the alarm clock. Five in the morning. Peachy. Hoisting himself out of bed, he grabbed for his robe and threw it on, making his way out of the room and into the hallway.

He stopped in front of the door to Chloe's room and watched in fascination as the wood shivered with her assault from the other side. There was no way he would open that door now. He wasn't insane, thank you very much.

“Good morning, Chloe,” he raised his voice high enough to be heard over the hissy fit she was pitching from inside the room. “I hope you slept well?”

Ignoring Lex’s words completely, Chloe screamed. “Let me the fuck out of here!” She kicked at the door for good measure and tried to ignore the pain that shot up her leg. Ok, so maybe crippling herself wasn’t the best way to get Lex to do what she wanted.

“I promise not to kill you if you open the door right now.” No, that would be too good for him. She had every intention of kneeing him. Sure, he might be prepared for it but she could try at the very least.

Lex shook his head, not believing for a second that Chloe wouldn't blow up in his face and knee him in the most uncomfortable places if he opened the door that kept her safely away from him for now. “I'm afraid I can't do that, Chloe, but I'll have Enrique send up some coffee and through the dumb waiter. Do you want something to eat as well?”

Thankfully, said dumb waiter was too small for a human to fit into it. Even Chloe wouldn't be able to squeeze her full body into it. Just in case, he'd locked all rooms that were on the line of this lift before he'd went to bed. Meaning the only place she could go if she managed to get into the lift she'd inevitably land in the downstairs pantry. And Lex planned to be there in case that happened.

Chloe took a deep breath and tried to get her temper under control. It didn’t work but the oxygen felt good going into and out of her lungs. She was still pissed as all hell and Lex would still pay for making her a prisoner in his house but she was feeling a little calmer.

She approached the door and said, as calmly as she could, “What I want is for you to let me out of here! You do realize that you can’t keep me here forever, right?” She paused and wasn’t surprised when Lex didn’t answer.

When the silence drew out even longer Chloe said, “Are you even fucking there anymore you asshole?” Yeah, her temper was making another appearance. If she had been talking to a door for the last minute…so help her….

Lex waited another few seconds before answering her. “Do you want French toast or would you rather have waffles?”

He knew that being this obstinate probably wouldn't help his case, but he'd at least try to appease her with coffee and a nice breakfast. Maybe Enrique had something that would calm her down. Not a sedative, just something that would put her at ease. Lex tried to remember where he kept his emergency stash of cannabis, but at the moment, he had other things to think off so his mind couldn't supply him with the answer.

Technically, she was right. He couldn't keep her in there forever. But, he could keep her as long as it took to get this stupid idea out of her head and make her see reason. Really, sleeping with some random person just because she wanted to get laid was 'Exactly what you have done for the better part of the last 10 years' but he didn't want to dwell on that. It wasn't right and Chloe shouldn't stoop to that level and that was that. When he'd developed quite such a twisted sense of morals, he did not want to dwell on, either. 'Must've something to do with being in Smallville for too long.'

Being ignored was not something that Chloe dealt with well. And, in this situation she thought that it just might actually make her head explode. She really couldn’t believe that Lex had done this. Sure, he had somewhat of a checkered path but locking up girls in his lair was a bit much.

“I don’t want anything from you except the damn key to this fucking door.” She wasn’t screaming anymore but she found it next to impossible not to curse. Inspiration striking, she fished around in her pocket for her cell phone. She found it empty and muttered, “Fucking thief, too.”

It just confirmed the fact that Lex had planned this whole thing. “I would also rather you let me out of here so I can go and do what I intended to last night.” She knew that mentioning her plan would only make things worse but she couldn’t help it.

If Lex was hellbent on keeping her in this room until she changed her mind the man had another thing coming. And, the sooner he knew that, the better. Hell, this whole thing was his fault anyway.

“I'll just have Enrique put together a selection of both then and you can see whichever you like better. You take your coffee with milk and sugar, right?”

He wouldn't start discussing her stupid plan or anything else until he'd at least gotten some coffee into his own system. Maybe gotten a few clothes on, too, at that. “I'll just grab a quick shower, if you want to freshen up, there's a bathroom to your left. The towels are in the closet to your right. I'll see you in a few minutes.”

With that, he turned and went back down the hall towards his own room. He might sleep in a guest room if necessity demanded it, but he wouldn't compromise with his shower. Added to that, he wasn't going to confront her in the same clothes he'd worn yesterday. It would put them on even ground and that was the last thing he wanted. He'd take every advantage he could get. Chloe Sullivan would have to get up earlier than 5 am to best Lex Luthor.

When Chloe heard the food come up to her room she had to stifle the urge to throw it back down the shaft. It would be childish and Enrique would have to clean up her mess. Instead, she just left it in the dumb waiter.

Chloe decided to take a shower in order to pass the time until His Royal Pain in the Ass deemed to grace her once again with his presence. She felt a little more human after bathing but putting on her wrinkled clothes held no appeal for her and Lex hadn’t left anything else in the room for her.

So, she sat down cross legged on the bed in a robe just staring at the door. She knew that trying to get out of the room through the window was an idiotic idea. But, it would almost be worth seriously hurting herself in order to get back at Lex. Besides, then she could sue his ass and live like a queen for the rest of her days.

The breakfast smelled really good and Chloe cursed at Lex again. When she was this wound up she found it impossible to eat. So he had denied her the chance at Enrique’s yummy culinary arts. Lex was just digging the hole deeper.

Lex returned to the hallway after a quick shower, impeccably dressed and with two cups of coffee in his system. He was ready to face the wrath of Chloe Sullivan. Well, face it through the safety barrier of a closed and locked solid wooden door, in any case.

“Have you tried the French toast,” he asked casually, leaning against the wall across from the doorway.

This might take a while and Lex wished he'd thought of a chair. Ah, he could still get one while Chloe blew up and went into one of her lengthy rants. It wasn't necessary to hear them to know what would be the content of them.

Chloe fisted her hands, imagining Lex’s throat between them. “No, I haven’t. When I get upset or angry, I lose my appetite. But, thanks for asking. You’re a prince among men.”

She got up off of the bed and looked out the window. She could only assume that Lex had called her father and explained that she was at his place. It was a weekend and her father wouldn’t get concerned if she didn’t come home until the late evening.

So Chloe was looking at a good twelve hours of playing Rapunzel.

“Tell me how I get out of here, Lex.” Maybe the direct route would be best.

“I'm sorry, I didn't know that,” Lex answered to her first question, ignoring the latter for the moment. “I really didn't mean to make you upset, Chloe, believe me.”

And that was true. His intention behind this was not to make the girl upset, he just wanted to keep her from making a mistake. And going around asking strangers to sleep with you was definitely a mistake in Smallville, Kansas. He still hadn't been able to figure out just how to choose his words right to make her understand his reasoning. All he knew was that she was attracted to him and that he'd been on top of the list, but since he wasn't going to sleep with her, she'd end up asking Greg.

Removing Greg wouldn't be the solution to the problem, since she would simply make a new list and ask someone else and that way, if he kept removing all potential candidates, Smallville would be wiped clean of all eligible bachelors, except himself in no time flat.

“Lex, did you really think that I would wake up in a locked room and be happy about it?” She shook her head. “Just imagine how you would feel if someone did that to you. Never mind that it was someone that you trusted.”

Chloe was disgusted with herself. She had let her guard down around Lex and this was what happened. She had been honest with him and now he was going to use it against her.

“Listen,” she said, moving closer to the door, “I know that you don’t agree with what I’m going to do. That it must really upset you for you to do this. But, that doesn’t excuse your actions and it also doesn’t make it your business.”

Speaking to a piece of wood as if it were Lex was getting old. “And it’s also ridiculous that you’re making me have this conversation with a door instead of with you.”

“I said it wasn't my intention to make you upset, not that I didn't expect it to happen,” he retorted.

He did feel a twinge of remorse about the whole locking her up thing, but it was the only way he could keep her from storming out and going through with her idiotic plan, so it had to be done. “And for your information, I know how it feels at least on some scale. Granted, waking up in a crashing airplane isn't like waking up in a locked room, but believe me, my reasons for doing this to you are not malicious.”

He just wanted her to understand, somehow. He was good at making people see his viewpoint. He'd convinced older, richer and more jaded people of his opinion. There had to be a way to convince Chloe Sullivan that she did not want to sleep with a random guy just to get laid.

Chloe put her face in her hands and then ran them through her hair. This was not the conversation that she wanted to be having. Lex, in his own way, was apologizing. Not for doing this but for the tactics that he had used.

She didn’t really think that he had set out to hurt her in any way. Chloe knew that he wasn’t a monster, quite the contrary actually. But that didn’t change the current situation. She was locked in a room and only Lex could let her out.

“I honestly don’t care about your reasons, Lex. And you don’t have to worry about an ugly scene after you open the door or anytime after that, either. I’m not going to be sticking around and will stay away from you once I leave. Now,” she said, leaning her forehead against the door, “I’m going to ask you again, how do I get out of here?”

She knew that he wanted her to give up on what she had planned. But she had no intention of doing so. Lex’s concern would have touched her if he hadn’t imprisoned her in his house. Instead, she saw it as a sign of him wanting to control her and her actions. If this was a mistake it was hers to make. Not Lex’s to judge her on and keep her from doing.

Lex prepared himself for a major blow up, there was only so much stalling he could do and now he was put on the spot. He hated being put on the spot.

“For the moment, I'm afraid you're not going to get out at all,” he answered honestly.

She'd stay in this room until she saw reason or until things came to a head and he had to call Gabe and tell him all about his daughter's stupid little plan, thereby putting the problem out of his own hands and into the other man's. He really didn't want to have to do this though, because Chloe would never be able to forgive him and he actually liked the little blonde.

The thought that she'd already 'offered' to stay away from him permanently wasn't sitting well with him either. Of course that had been a risk with the tactic he had chosen, but he was still pretty sure that she wouldn't still think that way, once he had convinced her that he was right and she was not.

“You really should eat something,” he offered again. “If the food is cold already, I can have a new plate sent up. Do you want more coffee?”

When Chloe heard Lex’s first statement a slight ringing began in her ears and she heard her heartbeat kick up into full gear. He didn’t intend to let her out. He had finally lost his mind….and it was affecting her freedom.

She was so mad that she actually could not speak. Chloe backed away from the door and sat down on the bed. She heard Lex’s next few questions but ignored them. If she had to stay in this room she certainly didn’t have to talk to Lex.

Chloe grabbed one of the pillows on the bed and put it under her cheek. She was far too amped to sleep but she thought that lying down was her best option right now. If not, she might start wrecking the room.

Receiving no answer, Lex guessed that Chloe hadn't taken his first statement too well. It was a bit unsettling though that she wouldn't react at all. No shouting, no kicking, no obscenities being hurled his way. Ok it was more than a bit unsettling. He slowly pushed off the wall and stepped closer to the door. Holding a hand up and pressing it against the warm wood, he listened intently.

“Chloe?”

She wouldn't be trying anything stupid, he knew that, but it still worried him that she'd just shut down and be silent instead of giving him the what for through solid 2 inch oak.

Chloe looked over at the door with disinterest. If Lex thought that she was going to just passively play along with his game he had another thing coming. She heard the slightly worried tone that had colored the delivery of her name. But she didn’t give a good god damn.

Lex had brought this on himself. Plus it was only because he assumed that he knew what her reaction would be that he was worried. Then again, Lex repeating her name like a parrot over and over again until she spoke was bound to get on her nerves.

“I’m done talking to you. Go away.” She stared out the window again. Just a few miles away the real world was probably starting to wake up. But she was in Luthor Manor behind a locked door. A door that would remain locked until Lex deemed to open it.

Lex sighed and pulled his hand away from the door. Okay, so she wasn't going to talk to him right now. Fine, he could deal with that. He'd just leave her alone for a while and approach her later. Maybe in the mean time he could find something to say that would finally get through to her.

“If you need anything, just call me,” he said loudly enough to be heard through the door, then turned and left for his office.

He'd get some work done, then return and try to reason with Chloe. Whatever it took, he'd convince her to forget about this stupid plan, if it killed him.

It was two hours before Chloe really moved again. She just wasn’t motivated to do so. Her disbelief at what was going on was pretty powerful apparently. She wanted nothing more than to get herself out of Lex’s house. But, she didn’t see how that was possible.

This was now a matter of principle. It didn’t matter if Lex’s argument was the most logical thing to ever come out of anyone’s mouth. He couldn’t be rewarded for his actions. Plus, what she did with her body was of no concern of his since he wanted nothing to do with it himself.

By now, she was cold. The temperature had dropped outside, she surmised and, in just a robe, Chloe was hardly toasty.

Instead of calling for Lex, she leaned over on the bed and started knocking on the floor. She knew that either Lex or Enrique would hear her.

Lex was wrapped up in a lengthy report when he heard a strange sound coming from the floor. It stopped, so he went back to his report and read over the line again. A minute later, the sound started again. A little louder this time, more insistent and it wasn't coming from the floor, just somewhere low and to his right.

Saving his work, he got up from his chair and went out into the hallway and over to Chloe's room. The knocking kept up and when he stepped closer to the door, Lex could hear that it came from inside.

“Chloe, is that you? Do you need something,” he asked.

He'd not found out yet, how to make her see reason and work had kept him busy and distracted him from the problem for - he checked his watch - roughly the last two hours.

“Clothes. I’m cold.” To the point and would get her what she wanted. She almost asked for a tiger or something that actually couldn’t fit on the dumb waiter. “I’m assuming that because you’ve been with so many women you’ll know my size without me having to tell you.”

A low, childish and stupid blow but she didn’t care. It was an insult that she didn’t even think was true.

“Being that I’m sure you’ll refuse to open the door you can just shove them under it or put them in the dumb waiter.”

Smirking, Lex shook his head marginally and stepped back, then walked towards his room. He had no clue what Chloe's size was and even less intention to actually go and buy clothes. Contrary to rumors, he did not keep a fully stashed closet of women's wear. She'd just have to live with some of his more comfortable and low key clothes for the time being. Going through the dresser, he found his old Princeton sweater, his running sweat pants and a pair of simple black boxers. Picking up the ensemble he went back to Chloe's room, contemplating.

On one hand, he could just stuff the clothes into the dumb waiter, on the other, he could try a new approach. Granted it would be very dangerous and he would not have the option to get away if he did this, but maybe it was worth it.

Maybe later. He turned away and went downstairs to the kitchen at a light jog, handing the clothes over to Enrique with instructions to send them up to Chloe. Again his manservant wisely didn't comment, but Lex saw the suspicious look when the man looked at his sweater, then at him and then at the sweater, before he turned around and did as instructed.

Chloe rolled her eyes when she heard the squeaking sound coming from her right. She hadn’t really expected Lex to open the door but it still annoyed her. She wondered if he was skulking behind the piece of oak right now with his ear pressed to it.

Laughing at the mental image, Chloe got up off of the bed. She opened the small door and took out the clothing that Lex had sent her. She looked at the sweater and pants. She didn’t want them. She didn’t want to wear anything of Lex’s.

It was irrational but she didn’t care. She threw the clothes on the bed and instead of putting them on wormed her way under the covers. It was slightly warmer in the bed but the robe kept opening and her skin brushed against the still cool covers.

Sighing, Chloe took off her robe and then put on the sweater and the jogging pants. They both reeked somehow of Lex. She pulled the collar away from her neck as it seemed to stifle her from breathing. She knew that it was all in her head and closed her eyes for a few moments.

After she could breathe again, she looked around the room hoping to find something to entertain her. Maybe she’d finally tackle Moby Dick or something. But, she didn’t see any reading material at all.

So, she’d just have to go and die of boredom then. It would serve Lex right. Though he’d probably make Enrique bury her body.

Lex had waited a sufficient amount of time, had another cup of coffee and was now back at the door. This time, he'd remembered to bring a chair. They would talk. And if Chloe didn't want to talk, she'd have to listen. Unless she was terribly immature and covered her ears and started signing or something equally horrible.

“Do you need anything else,” he asked to begin with.

He didn't want her to be uncomfortable, just to keep her in place until she saw reason. Of course he also had made sure there wasn't too much in the room she could distract herself with, that would be defeating the purpose of this whole mission.

Chloe considered not answering Lex but her smartass mouth got the better of her. “Your head on a plate, a battering ram, a key to the door or a time machine to take me back to yesterday so I could cross your unworthy name off of the list.”

She paused, “I don’t suppose that you either have any of those or are willing to give me them if you do. So, no, I’m fine. I’m great. I’m so content in my opulent jail cell. Thanks for asking.”

Chuckling, Lex leaned back in his chair and settled in for a long talk. This time, he wouldn't just leave if she decided to not answer.

“I'm really sorry that I have to do this to you, but I'm sure you know why I'm doing it. Or at least why you are locked in this room right now,” he answered.

Chloe was smart, she would have picked up on the purpose of her being locked up by now. The problem would be to get her to see the point from his angle. But Lex was the CEO of one of the most successful business companies of the world. He'd be damned if he couldn't make an 18 year old do what he wanted her to do.

“I’m locked in this room because you’re a control freak,” Chloe answered. She sat up on the bed and scooted back until she was leaning against the headboard. “You don’t agree with what I’m doing so you think that you can make me not do it.”

“You don’t own my body, Lex. I will do what I please with it. Or who as the case may be.” She paused, wanting to stave off any useless discussion. “I don’t intend to be unsafe in any way.”

She ran another hand through her hair, she hadn’t been able to find a hair brush and it was wavy and unruly at present. “It is my decision to make and you don’t figure in to it anymore. You made your choice. You turned me down. And, I accepted it. Did I lock you into a room and try to talk you into sleeping with me? Of course not, because it’s crazy.”

“Even though I was disappointed with your decision,” it wouldn’t do her any good to lie about that and it wasn’t the point of this conversation so it couldn’t hurt to admit that, “I respected that. That’s the difference here. You obviously don’t respect me or my decisions. That’s why I’m in here.”

She paused, “Well, that and because you’re a bazillionaire that can lock a chick in a room for a few hours and either no one will notice or they’re complicit in your plans.”

“On the contrary, I am respecting you very much. But obviously you have a very low self esteem or no respect for yourself at all if you consciously plan to just ask a complete stranger, in broad daylight, in a Smalltown in Kansas to have sex with you. Are you even really attracted to...,” Damn he'd forgotten the name of the boy again. “Garth?”

What did the name matter anyway? It never did, not with one night stands. But that wasn't the point, the point was, Chloe was making a mistake and he wouldn't let her do it, because he cared? Or something remotely like it anyway.

“Greg,” Chloe spat out. “His name is Greg. And low self esteem and no respect are equated with wanting to go out and just have something physical is it? Well, then you must have the lowest esteem and self respect of anyone in this damn town, Lex.”

She didn’t need to go through her file to know that most of the women that Lex had been with were one night stands. “Though, I suppose you made yourself feel better by giving them shiny trinkets after the deed was done.”

“But, to go back to your first question, I wouldn’t consider sleeping with Greg if I wasn’t attracted to him. It wouldn’t make for a pleasant experience to close my eyes and think of England.”

“Plus,” Chloe said, getting up off of the bed by pulling up on the high bedpost, “I doubt that you would be giving this very same speech to Clark if he wanted to do this. When a guy goes out to bag a woman it’s considered normal but when I want to do it it’s got to be because there’s something wrong with me.”

Lex snorted derisively. “At least I choose my partners based on physical attraction and not on a fucking list of pro's and con's. You had Jonathan Kent on that list, are you honestly trying to tell me that you are attracted to a man who could be your father,” he shot back.

“And this is not about me or Clark. This is about you. And you're right I wouldn't give Clark that speech. Because Clark would never want to fuck someone just for kicks in the first place. But you're right there is a difference between a guy doing this and a woman doing it. It's hypocritical and stupid, but it's there. And it's one of the reasons I'm trying to keep you from going through with this idiotic plan. Do you really want to become the next Nell Porter in this town?”

She couldn't honestly think that a high school kid would fuck her and not turn around to brag about it to all of his little buddies. It'd be all over town in a matter of minutes and she'd never get rid of the reputation as a town whore, never mind that it was only one guy she slept with. The rumors would make it ten and in less than a month, everybody would claim to have had a go with her.

Chloe had gotten closer to the door as Lex spoke. She made sure that he got to finish his words before she started. She didn’t want to make any assumptions about what he was going to say and make an ass out of herself once she spoke.

“Lex, of course I wouldn’t actually sleep with Mr. Kent. He was on the list because it was all males in Smallville and I thought it was funny for god’s sake. I was going about it scientifically because that may work out better than just being ruled by your baser urges. Something that you might want to look into sometime in the near future if you don’t want to end up murdered by the next whore that you decide to marry.”

“Not to beat a dead horse, or a stupid rich boy as the case may be, but this is none of your business or your concern.” Chloe slapped her hand against the door in order to get him to pay attention to what she was saying.

“If you had sat me down and calmly told me this I would have appreciated it. I would have listened and then decided what to do. Locking me up in a room is no way to convince me that you are right.” She stared at the door. “It only convinces me that once you get an idea in your head, you won’t let it go. And, I can’t fault you with that because I am the same way. However, my plan doesn’t hurt anyone.”

“You might think I’m stupid but at least I didn’t take anyone fucking hostage.”

Lex's eyes narrowed at the acid in her voice when she spoke about his ex-wives. It was the reason he wasn't too surprised when a loud slam echoed through the hallway a few seconds later when she beat the door.

“Yes, it does hurt someone. It's going to hurt you. You obviously don't see that, or don't want to see that for whatever reason. Do you honestly think you can go out there and have a one night stand with someone from Smallville without the entire town knowing about it the very next day?”

He shook his head, standing up and taking the couple strides towards the door. “And I've tried reasoning with you yesterday, you wouldn't listen and you know it. You're too obsessed with getting laid that you refuse to see the consequences of it with a clear head.”

And it was his fucking concern, because she'd told him of that damn plan and she was his friend and he felt fucking responsible, damnit. She'd made it his business by letting him in on her very self-destructive plan.

How many times did she have to tell him that it was none of his business and he should just butt out? That wasn’t getting her anywhere so she decided on another tactic.

“Lex, what are you really trying to accomplish here?” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Do you really and truly believe that holing me up in a room in your house and yelling at me is going to change my mind? Because that has got to be your worst plan ever.”

“You’ve had a few spectacularly bad ones as is so that’s really saying something. Trying to convince me that I’m going to get crushed by small town gossip isn’t the best way to go. Even if that did happen, what would it really do to me? I’m already considered a freak and I’m out of here in a few months anyway.”

Chloe shook her head. “You’re making this far too complicated and assuming that people really care what I do. The town is far too obsessed with other members to cast its eye on me.”

Lex shook his head, trying to understand why it was so damn important for Chloe to get laid that she'd completely disregard her reputation. “You're not considered a freak, Chloe. Odd, maybe, but not a freak, believe me. And your father? He is so damn proud of everything you do. Have you any idea how much he used to talk about you when he was still working for me? What do you think he'd feel like if he heard some town gossip mouthing off about you sleeping with random guys just for the hell of it? And you know that he would hear about it.”

Why couldn't she see what she was doing to herself with that stupid plan of hers? Not to mention that she really didn't need to offer herself like a fucking whore. “This whole plan is so far beneath you, Chloe.” He shook his head again and turned around, leaning his back against the door.

“I’ve been there, done that and got the bad reputation and rag 'articles', if you can call them that, to prove it. I'm not saying that you should never have a one night stand, but for godsakes have the common sense to do it in a place where nobody knows you or will make you regret it. Fuck go to Metropolis and find a guy from a different city who's never heard of Smallville and will never end up there.”

'And make sure I never hear of it, too, while you're at it' he wanted to say.

How could he explain to her that it this was just wrong? That it wasn't her. She wasn't the kind of woman who offered herself up for a simple fuck. Or at least, she shouldn't be.

“I'm the last person to spout platitudes about waiting for the right person, or any such drivel, and I won't. But you have to understand that what you're planning there is just going to end up hurting yourself, your father and your friends. Why do you want to do that?”

Chloe tried not to think about her father. It was the one drawback to her plan. She had no intention of any of this ever getting out but if it did she could handle it and deal with it. She couldn’t say the same for her father. She shook her head, trying to clear it of the thought of that. She would be careful.

Greg’s scores on honesty and secrecy were very high, he wasn’t a risk. But she didn’t think that Lex would take that news in and then open the door and let her out.

It rankled her to realize that Lex was making judgments based on who and what he thought she was. When in reality he didn’t even know her all that well.

“The only person who is going to be hurt by this whole thing is you, Lex. I’ve changed my mind, I’m not going to go gently into that good night. I’m going to kick your ass first.”

“You drag my father into this when you don’t even know him. Or me for that matter? You’ve made all of these assumptions about what type of person, of woman, I am when you don’t even speak to me for months at a time. Where the fuck do you get off?”

She had heard him lean against the door and tried to judge where his back would be. “I want to do this because I want to experience some pleasure with another human being. I’m not looking to destroy my life and I’m not looking to fall madly in love. Now let me the fuck out.”

With that, Chloe slammed her fist against the door. Unfortunately she did it as hard as she could. She was able to stifle her cry pretty well and she just hoped that the blow had distracted Lex enough so he wouldn’t have heard her.

westwingwolf
1st April 2009, 22:28
Lex is a smart man to know that he had to be tactful when approaching Chloe but she's right, locking her in the room was not the best approach. He better hope Enrique never writes a tell-all book. I wonder how he's going to get back on Chloe's good side.

kimmie
1st April 2009, 23:49
Hey I've been away for a while so i hadn't read this. I was thrilled to see another new fic from you guys and i'm loving it so far!

kimmie

Kit Merlot
2nd April 2009, 00:34
What an awesome update!

I can underatand both of their POV's, but I think Chloe is having a difficult time getting past Lex's not wanting to sleep with her to actually listen to what he is saying.

Locking her in a room is probably ticking her off too:grin3:

And I'm proud of him for being so concerned about her that he is willing to risk his own reputation to stop her from making a mistake--you have to wonder, what does Enrique think about all of this?

And lastly, did Chloe hurt herself and did Lex hear her cry out in pain?

Can't wait to see what happens next:D

hfce
2nd April 2009, 02:39
Lord have mercy those two are crazy. :eek:

ChloeLovesLex
2nd April 2009, 05:24
They are both equal parts nuts in this. It'll be fun to see how it all pans out :P

autumngold
2nd April 2009, 17:23
Chloe is just not thinking this through right!! Why wasn't Enrique one her list?!! Maybe that would make Lex jealous!! ;) Fabulous update!! I love Lex trying to be so responsible, and I love how Chloe wants to kill him!! ;) Will Lex open the door now that she's hurt herself?!! Please post more soon!! This story is so fun!!!!

malugargula
2nd April 2009, 23:52
Great chapter
:)

BlueFunk
3rd April 2009, 00:03
A/N: Blue: The hissy fit continues......

A/N: Sabby: I apologize for the long delay in updating on all of our stories. It's my fault cause real life kicked me in the butt and I had to work on an eighty page paper for Uni. But that's done now, so we should be better about updating again. Hope you enjoy!

.

Ahhh the good old days of University life... I remember those days... back when I still had time for hobbies :grin3:.

But seriously guys, reading and enjoying your stories is one of my few guilty pleasures in my hectic professional life, and you never dissapoint me.

Looking forward to the next installment. Kudos, Blue & Sabby!
:respect:

Cheerio,
BlueFunk

Impress
3rd April 2009, 23:54
Great update. They are both so stubborn it will be interesting to see how it works out between them.

tiger04
8th April 2009, 06:07
I was so happy to see a new story. I can't wait to see where this one is going to go. I am really like how you are writing in the interaction between Lex and Chloe.

autumngold
26th April 2009, 20:58
I know that you both are really busy and that finals are getting close, but I just want to beg you to not forget this wonderful story!! I really love this story, and can't wait to find out how Chloe is going to get out of Lex's room so that she can continue with her "plan"!! Please, please update soon!! You guys are the greatest!! ;)

ThraceC
26th April 2009, 22:09
Only ONLY Blue & Sabby could take a hairbrained idea like this and make it work. This is intensely entertaining, guys.

Please update soon!!!

BlueSabby
27th April 2009, 19:49
A/N: Blue: More Rapunzel vs. ummmmm whomever is the bad guy in that.

A/N: Sabby: When we wrote this one, we so didn't think about chapters. So now we're a little screwed. Hope you enjoy anyway.



Lex was about ready to throw her indignation back in her face when he felt the heavy thump against his back as well as heard the muffled outcry from Chloe that followed it. In a moment, he'd ripped the key out of his pants pocket, unlocked the door and wrenched it open. Stepping inside he slammed the door behind him and grabbed for the wrist of the hand she was cradling.

“I know for instance that when you get hot headed you seem to disregard any possible injury to yourself and do the most stupid things,” he commented acerbically as he examined her wrist.

“I know that you're the most stubborn creature on god's green earth, and that is taking into account my father,” he added, taking a step forward and pushing her farther into the room as he shifted his gaze up to her face.

“I know that you're intelligent, passionate, funny, and sometimes downright infuriating when you're insisting on having things your way, which was the reason I locked you up in the first place, because I know you wouldn't listen to what I have to say any other way,” he continued, taking another few steps into the room.

“I know that, even though we haven't talked in months, you have done your best to keep tabs on me, while I in turn didn't need to do much to receive information about you.”

By now he had her far enough into the room, that the backs of her knees where hitting the mattress of the bed and it didn't take more than a slight yank to have her sitting down. He went back to examining the injured hand.

“I know that whatever made you come up with that plan must be some impulsive, emotional reaction to something that happened or you'd never let yourself stoop so low as offering yourself up like a cheap whore.”

Glaring up at her eyes he finished his own rather emotional outburst, his voice quiet and intense. “Now look me in the eyes and tell me I'm wrong.”

As Lex had bulldozed his way into what she now considered her room Chloe let him speak. She didn’t attempt to cut him off because she wanted to hear what he had to say.

Somehow, she had driven him past the point of no return. He was usually so careful with his words and emotions that she found herself mesmerized by the sight of a Lex that was making something of an impassioned plea to her.

Ranting like a lunatic was the only way that Lex had to communicate with her now. She tried not to let his words affect her but it was difficult. It was difficult to realize that the one person who actually knew her was someone that she wasn’t close with at all. It was a damn shame. Especially since they would never be close.

He had outlined the numerous reasons for that the day before. Sure, they had been reasons why he wouldn’t sleep with her but they still held for why they couldn’t spend any time together she supposed. It broke her heart a little.

But after everything he said she was still left with his challenge. And, they both knew that she wasn’t one to pass up something like that. She tried to extract her hand from Lex’s grip but he held tightly to it. She looked him in the eyes and said, “You’re wrong.”

However, she got the distinct feeling that they both knew that she was lying.

Lex narrowed his eyes and cocked his head to the side. A small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth and he answered, “You know, it's a good thing you're not aspiring to become an actress, because frankly, you'd suck at it.”

Shaking his head he dropped her hand and strode towards the bathroom door. “Want to try the truth, now?”

He knew he had a first aid kit there somewhere, which hopefully held something akin to an icepack. She'd hit the door hard and the skin was already turning an ugly shade of purple.

Chloe ignored both Lex’s smug look and his question for now. She was too busy looking over at the door. The unlocked door. She wished that she had thought of feigning an injury instead of giving herself one. But, beggars couldn’t be choosers.

She looked back over at the bathroom and heard Lex rooting around in there for god only knew what. Maybe a conveniently located truth serum to turn the tables on her.

But she didn’t think that running would solve anything. She would have to deal with Lex sooner rather than later. That didn’t mean that she wanted to dwell on it, though.

Standing up, Chloe made her way to the door. She was exhausted again. Her adrenaline was dropping and leaving her fatigued. “Lex, just stop, ok?” Her voice was low but Lex heard her anyway. He appeared in the doorway of the bathroom.

She looked down at the floor and then back up at Lex. She had never felt so ashamed and humiliated in her whole life and she just wanted to go home where she could hate Lex, the world and herself in peace. “I won’t go through with it.”

Bringing her arm closer to her body she said, “I’m going to leave now and I’m assuming that I can take one of your drivers. You can send my clothes back to me whenever you feel like it and I’ll do the same. I’ll take care of the data in my bag.”

Lex should be satisfied. By all means, he'd gotten what he wanted. But the hang dog expression on Chloe's face was not what he'd wanted. Not to mention to feel like an asshole. Why was he feeling like an asshole? He'd been right and she'd been wrong and he’d made her see reason.

He felt something snap in his hand and cold seeped through his skin. It took him a moment to realize he'd broken up the cold pack and activated it.

“Don't just run out of here like this,” he said as he stepped closer to her once more. “Tell me why you wanted this so bad. What happened?”

Slowly reaching out, he took her arm and pulled it away from her chest, then slowly touched the icepack to the purple bruise on her hand.

Chloe winced when the cold hit her skin. It had already started throbbing which was not a good sign. On top of everything else she was now going to have to go to the damn doctor. And explain to her father how it happened. Well, more like lie about how it happened.

Then there was the fact that Lex was still looking at her…waiting for an answer. An answer that she couldn’t really give him because she couldn’t pinpoint one particular thing that had made her do this.

Maybe it was because her few sexual experiences hadn’t even approached the realm of satisfaction. Maybe it was because all of her ‘friends’ were in relationships. Lana and Jason had finally gotten physical and Clark was now dating her cousin.

People were moving on with their lives and she wanted to do so, as well. Being that she couldn’t get a real relationship like a normal teenager it had seemed like the best idea at the time. But not so much now. Now that Lex was looking at her with something that was almost pity. He was being far too delicate with her.

“Nothing happened,” she said as she turned away from him. He pressed the ice pack to her and she took it out of his hands. She shook her head. “Nothing ever happens to me. Unless you count getting involved with the wrong people, getting kidnapped, getting dumped on and having to rely on Clark to save my ass every time a freak decides that I’d make a good trophy.”

Chloe shrugged. “I wanted to take charge for once. Do something grandiose that was in my control. Do something stupid. Just do something and not watch as life passes me by.”

Lex took hold of her uninjured arm and led her back to sit down on the bed. It seemed he'd hit the spot with the low self-esteem comment. “Chloe, life is most definitely not passing you by. In fact I'm sure it couldn't pass you by if it tried,” he smirked.

It was unfathomable that Chloe would think she didn't have a life just because she wasn't dating someone or getting laid. “You're in charge of a newspaper, you've been a big part in bringing down The Lionel Luthor, you've interned and had your own column at the Daily Planet and all that before you even turned 18.” It sure as hell would look damn good on her resume. “If I remember correctly, you're even in charge of the Sullivan household,” he added with a wry grin. “That doesn't exactly sound like a person whom life is passing by, does it?”

Chloe turned away from Lex and contemplated running for it again. This time for a much longer period. She could see herself fleeing the mansion. The problem was that Lex would be fast on her heels.

“Lex, when I look back on my life those things will be important, I have no doubt about that. But, at the end of the day, it’s not what we do in life that matters. It’s who we surround ourselves with. The people that care about us.”

“Sure, I’ve accomplished a lot and no one can take that away from me.” She smiled, remembering all of the times that Lana would talk about her day at the Talon while she had been interning at the Planet. She’d wait until it was her turn to talk and her day was always more exciting.

“But, in other realms of my life, I haven’t gotten anywhere.” She knew that part of the reason was Clark. She didn’t care about him anymore in that way but he had done such a number on her head that she sometimes doubted anyone’s interest in her. She always felt that she was the ‘right now’ girl.

The rational part of her knew that it was insane to have these feelings at 18. But when she saw the people around her all paired off and in love…well, she couldn’t help but feel like that.

Hence the plan to just go out and have a little fun. If she couldn’t get someone to love her, she’d get someone to sleep with her. And, unlike her experience with love, she’d be in charge of this. She would be the one holding all of the cards.

Lex could understand where she was coming from, in a way. But it sounded more like something a forty year old would say than an eighteen year old girl. “But what does it say about your life if you surround yourself with people who just want to fuck you, have you thought about that?” he asked calmly.

He was glad she wouldn't go through with that stupid plan anymore, it really was too far beneath her and not something that she should ever have considered in the first place. Hell, someone like her would probably have guys flocking towards her like moth to flame once she got in an environment that was more her style than Hicksville. Lex did not want to examine why that thought gave him an uncomfortable twinge in the pit of his stomach.

Chloe leaned back and groaned as she lay down on the bed. She just wanted to go home now. Was that really so much to ask from Lex? He had gotten everything that he wanted, couldn’t she keep even a smidgen of what was left of her dignity for herself?

“Lex, I wasn’t going to just go and fuck every guy on the list, ok? And, I would like to point out that no one I surround myself with wants to fuck me. Hence why this whole crazy thing started.”

“Hell,” she said propping herself up with her good arm while positioning her throbbing wrist on her stomach, “I propositioned a man whose slept with half the women in Kansas and couldn’t even get him to cave. So, I wouldn’t worry about me hanging out with trolls that only want to get me into bed.” She leaned back again. “It’s not really an issue.”

Lex snorted, while he got a little more comfortable on the bed as well. “Half of Kansas? I hate to tell you that the rumors of my dalliances have been greatly exaggerated. It was nowhere near half of Kansas.”

Turning his head so he could look directly at Chloe, he shot her a small grin. “And by the way. I told you my reasons for not wanting to sleep with you and if you remember, none of them were your fault or anything you could change.”

If only a few of them weren't existing he might have given it a go with her. As the case stood however, there was no chance. And somehow that seemed a lot more irking now than it had yesterday. Better not to think about it.

“True, but it doesn’t change the fact that I couldn’t even seduce a playboy into doing my hot self.” Chloe smiled over at Lex before lying back down and staring at the ceiling. She didn’t know what she was going to do now. For the past two weeks she had a hobby that allowed her not to think about all of this stuff.
She took a deep breath and enjoyed a good sigh as she tried to think of the most graceful way to extract herself from this situation. Not that she hadn’t already made an ass out of herself. She supposed it could have been worse. Lex could have seen her naked and then turned her down.

Starting to smile, she imagined the look of horror that would have been all over Lex’s face if he had found her in his study in some crazy getup or wearing nothing at all.

Lex shifted around, then finally reclined on his side, head propped up on his hand so he could still look at Chloe while talking. This conversation was actually not so bad and by understanding the reasons behind it and eroding them where possible, he could make sure Chloe didn't revert back to her plan. “Well if it's a playboy you're looking for I could always call Bruce, I'm sure he wouldn't mind doing your hot self, young age be damned.”

Of course there was no way he'd ever really introduce Bruce to Chloe, exactly for that reason. “What're you grinning about,” he asked when she just smiled up at the ceiling in a way that was just this side of unsettling.

“Ohh,” Chloe said, “I don’t think that you really want to know the answer to that.” When she peered over at Lex, he merely stared back at her. The man was infernal what with having to know everything.

“Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She angled her body towards Lex’s and said. “I was just thinking of how much you would have freaked out if you had found me in your office or some other room of the house in a French maid’s costume or nothing at all.”

She thought for a moment. “But maybe I’ll just try that move on Bruce being that he doesn’t have such problems with younger women. Plus, he likes blondes, right?”

“Hrmm,” Lex answered noncommittally, still caught up on the mental image that had somehow sneaked past his defenses and was now displayed on the back of his retinas quite vividly. “Huh?”

Fuck, that surely hadn't been very eloquent. But he'd only had three hours of sleep and had spent the better part of the day fighting against the most stubborn woman he'd ever met. He could allow himself one slip, right? Right.

It was just like his traitorous brain to provide him with that image just when he was trying to convince Chloe to find someone else. And now she'd think he was making fun of her and they'd be right back to the fighting. Sometimes he hated his mind.

Chloe narrowed her eyes at Lex. He had gone to La La land for a minute there. “Let me guess, you were imagining what I would look like in the lovely handcuffs that the nice officers would have put on me before throwing me into jail.”

She could feel a fit of the giggles coming on as she imagined herself sitting in Smallville’s one cell in a French maid outfit. Well, that might have gotten her some numbers, though.

Getting a hold of herself she stopped to wonder why Lex hadn’t tried to get her to leave yet. He certainly had better things to do than this. Well, at least she hoped that he did.

“Something like that,” he answered vaguely.

It was kind of worrisome that Chloe hadn't even guessed in the right direction. She apparently really had no idea of her affect on the opposite sex. Which was quite appealing in its own way. Still, she should trust herself more than to believe that just because farmboys didn't want her, she didn't have a chance with men at all. Ridiculous notion, that.

“You'd have given Enrique quite a scare in either case. I assume he's so downright prude he would have a heart attack, but you wouldn't see it, because he's so proper he wouldn't dare fall over.”

Chloe laughed at the thought of Enrique finding her in such a compromising position. And then started laughing harder when she said, “Either that or he would have just put me to work in the get up. Hoping that I would slink away in embarrassment.”

Which she most definitely would have. Chloe stretched her arms over her head and closed her eyes as she heard the satisfying cracks of whatever it was that cracked when one did such a move. She shivered a little when some cold air hit her lower belly. Lex’s Princeton sweater had rode up a little on her body.

She pulled down the shirt and was glad that she hadn’t gone that far with her plan. That was something that she would never live down. Hell, this was bad enough as it was. “Though I’m sure that Enrique has seen far worse things during his stay in Smallville what with the meteor freaks and all.”

Lex's eyes had been fixed on the strip of skin revealed between the sweater and the waistline of his old track pants for a second, before his gaze jerked back up with Chloe's last words.

“Worse things? I hardly think facing a meteor freak is on the same scale as you in a short little French maid uniform. Of course the plunging cleavage and nylons disappearing under that poofy little skirt –“ He trailed off, imagining just that, this time exaggerating his reaction for Chloe's benefit.

He was feeling a little tense at the moment, the images his traitorous mind was conjuring up giving him a bit of a hard time, no pun intended.

“Hmm, where was I?”

Chloe laughed at the put on dreamy face that Lex was pulling. She good naturedly smacked him on the shoulder. “Perv,” she muttered.

“And maybe you were just about to say that me in that getup would have been far more frightening. Especially once I explained to Enrique what I was doing there.” She imagined his proper self trying to deal with her at that point. “I might have had to use my feather duster on him in order to defend myself.”

He would have tried to discreetly shuffle her out of the room, at first. After that, things would have gone downhill.

“I guess everyone involved is lucky I went with a subtler tactic. Sort of.” Chloe started to smile. “You really should have seen the look on your face when you noticed that Mr. Kent was second on the list.”

At least she’d have that mental image to hold on to after this whole mess was over. She knew herself and knew that she’d avoid Lex as much as possible. Well, as much as was possible slickly, that was.

Thinking of Jonathan Kent as a possible candidate, never mind the second runner up when compared to him in any regard was just, wrong on an elemental level and made him inwardly recoil. Still, it intrigued him what she was talking about in regards to his expression.

“What face? I'm sure I didn't make a face,” he shot back.

He wasn't big on the whole facial expressions thing. It had cost him a lot of time to school his features into something that wouldn't give away his thoughts or intentions. That simply didn't do when you were the heir of a multi-billion dollar company and expected to take over the throne when your father deemed it time.

“But I still can't believe you'd put him second. Who did you ask to get the information on him, anyway?”

Martha Kent was out of the question. Nell Porter would be the only viable option and he couldn't imagine Chloe stepping up to the woman and asking. 'So by the way, how was my friend’s dad in bed?'

“So full of questions,” Chloe remarked as she grinned over at Lex. He was just as bad as she was. Which was saying something. He continued to look expectantly at her so she knew that she’d have to answer at least one of them.

“Your mouth didn’t drop open or anything so you can stop worrying about not looking like a mannequin.” She studied his face as it was. “You know, it wouldn’t kill you to actually smile more than once every three months.”

“Anyway,” she said, sitting up, “it wasn’t really an expression, it was like, half a twitch of expression.” She gestured over to his face. “I can’t really describe it, ok?”

“But, trust me, some muscles did move when you saw that. Sorry that I gave them such a workout. I’ll try not to shock you again.” Chloe pulled her knees up to her chest and wished that the bed was against the wall so she’d have something to lean on. She wasn’t about to crawl over Lex to get to the headboard at this point.

“Half a twitch of expression.” He smirked, shaking his head.

He knew he didn't smile much, but usually people didn't care. You weren't supposed to smile while swindling people out of house and home. Or at least, Lex didn't because being already considered 'Evil' with a capital E he didn't want to add slimy to the list.

“You think I look like a mannequin?” That was a different matter.

He'd heard more than a few chosen comments about his appearance, but Mannequin hadn't been one of them. Then again, it wasn't surprising Chloe would come up with something like this. She was the same person who'd advised him to buy a toupee without blinking.

“Well,” she said, stretching the one syllable out for a few seconds. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings. She knew that tons of people probably thought that Lex didn’t have any. Along with missing a heart…or having one that was two sizes too small.

Then again, if he was asking her he wanted to know the answer.

“A good looking, well dressed mannequin if that helps.” Her face scrunched up. “Then again, they all look like that.”

Looking over at him she said, “I’m not saying that you look like a Ken doll or anything. It’s just that, well, look at you even now.”

Lex was holding his body perfectly straight. Even though he was flopped down on a bed, all of his limbs were held in a certain way that made him look stiff. “Even when you’re relaxed you look all starched.”

Lex looked down his length and back up. Black chinos, matching belt, plum colored shirt, top two buttons undone. “How am I supposed to look then?” he asked genuinely wanting to know the answer.

He was lying down on a bed, his shirt getting rumpled while they spoke, what the hell could look starched about that? Ok, compared to Chloe in his usual work out gear, he did look slightly overdressed, but it wasn't that bad.

Chloe took in his posture which was ramrod straight. “You should look more slouchy. And, your shoes should definitely not be on. Maybe, if you wanted to get a little crazy, your socks would be tossed carelessly in a corner. See, that way, you could also help debunk the myth that you’ve got hooves for toes.”

She knew that she shouldn’t pick on Lex after everything that had happened in the past day or so but he just looked so damn earnest about this.

“You’re relaxing and you still look as if you’re trying to overtake a company or something. Just, not tense…”

She looked over at him, searching for the right words. “You’re constantly at the ready. I know that it’s been drilled into you to be like that. But, even when you’re around people who are allegedly your friends you’re like this.”

Lex took her words in and tried to imagine running around in the castle with bare feet and his socks tossed in a corner. “You've obviously never stepped onto stone floors with bare feet,” he commented.

Taking off his shoes, he could do though. At least for the moment, since they didn't seem to be going anywhere which strangely was fine with him. Lex sat up on the bed and removed his shoes, about to put them neatly on the floor next to the bed. Jutting out his chin he thought better of it and threw first one, then the other shoe carelessly onto the ground to have them land where they would.

“Better?” he asked as he settled back on the bed, legs crossed Indian style and holding his hands out in front of him in question.

Lex, for just a moment, looked like a child who was very pleased with himself and waiting for someone to give him a cookie. Chloe decided to keep that thought to herself.

“Much,” she said. She did have to admit that her bare feet were cold but she was accustomed to that. “But something is still off.”

Chloe tilted her head to the side and looked at Lex. “Ah, that’s it.” She leaned over and started to push at Lex’s shoulders. They were still very straight and that was wrong for when you were relaxing.

She concentrated on pushing them down but they kept straightening themselves. “Stubborn, just like the man himself,” she muttered.

Lex let her manhandle him, but didn't get what she was really trying to do.

“Uhm, Chloe, what're you doing?” All he knew was that she kept pushing on his shoulders and when she put her full body weight into the move, he ended up being up close and personal with her chest about an inch from his face, the Princeton logo blurring in front of his eyes.

It was enough to set him off balance for a moment and when his shoulders drooped the same moment that Chloe tried to press them down again, she ended up loosing her balance and toppling into his lap. The same breasts that had been in his face a second ago where now squished against his own chest as she tried to regain her balance.

Sure, now Lex’s body decided to cooperate. She had already been embarrassed more times than she could count in the past 24 hours. And now she was practically straddling Lex looking like she was poised to give him a lapdance.

She felt the blood rushing to her face. Even after everything she had said and done to Lex she was embarrassed by this latest turn of events. It now looked like she was literally throwing herself at him.

“I’m so sorry, Lex.” She ducked her head as she tried to dismount him. His hands were still on her hips trying to keep her upright. “I’m good,” she said, “I’m not going to fall over now.”

That was when he realized that he'd been actively keeping her from moving off, by holding her in place. Strangely, he felt a bit reluctant to let her go again.

“Hey, it's ok. Contrary to popular belief, I don't have beautiful women dropping in my lap every day. I'm flattered,” he joked, trying to convince his hands to let go already.

Chloe was still wiggling around on top of him and if she didn't stop soon, it would have an effect if he wanted it to or not. Again, he strangely wasn't too concerned about that possibility.

“So, you going to tell me what you were trying to do there?” he asked again. Because it did still interest him why she'd been trying to do push-ups on his shoulders in the first place.

She was glad that Lex was making light of the situation. It helped her to calm down a little. In all of the arguing with Lex she had forgotten that she was actually attracted to him. The yelling and screaming had all been about the principle of her doing what she wanted. He had never thought, it seemed, that she had actually wanted him in any real way.

Her body, though, was not as forgetful as her mind. She could feel the parts of her body that he had touched more acutely than the rest. Focusing on what Lex had said, Chloe answered, “I was trying to correct your posture is all.”

Lex's brow arched as he leaned back a little to get a clear view of her face. “I spent six years in boarding schools all over Europe. If there was a certificate for excelling in correct posture, I'd have it,” he answered before realizing that that may just be the thing she had tried to 'correct'. “Forget I just said that, will you?”

Tightening his hold on her hips and ignoring Chloe's initial squeak, he shifted further onto the bed until he could lean back against the headboard . With slouched shoulders. “Does this meet Chloe Sullivan's standards for correct relaxation?” he inquired when he'd settled both of them comfortably. Or at least as comfortable as it could get without a pillow in the back.

Lex honestly didn't have a clue why he was doing this, or why he still kept Chloe in his lap when he knew better than to play with fire. The only reason he could come up with was that it was fun and he was reluctant to have it end. So he'd hold on to it, literally if necessary, for as long as time and the other person involved allowed.

If Lex was this relaxed it meant that he must not think anything was up with her. As long as Chloe was certain that Lex was none the wiser that meant that she could relax. Letting out a deep breath she instead focused on Lex’s shoulders.

They were slouched in the proper position…and she thought that it just might be killing him to do so. His body was so conditioned that it was probably pitching a fit, asking his brain just what in the hell it thought it was doing.

She settled herself more comfortably, and gingerly, in Lex’s lap. At the first indication that this was uncomfortable she’d climb off. For now, though, Lex looked content to have her there.

“Yes, that looks just about right. Or as right as your body will allow,” she added. “All you need is a little practice and your back will be as out of whack as the next guy.”

Chuckling, Lex made a grab to his right to find a pillow, since his back was already complaining about the rough wood. Being used to ergonomically designed business chairs, he really wasn't used to sitting around like this for longer amounts of time. Funny to think someone like him had managed to survive three months on a deserted island without Armani, masseuse or at least a shower for that matter.

“So I'm supposed to ruin my perfectly healthy body to fit in with the crowd? Somehow I don't think that's going to work.”

When he'd gotten the fluffy down pillow behind his back he relaxed a little more. He could get used to this, actually. If it wasn't for the fact that relaxing was kind of hard to do when you were around people that might see it as a weakness. And of course there was the whole issue of an old dog learning new tricks and all that.

Chloe watched as Lex hunted for and found a pillow. “Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to happen either, myself. But you’re trying and, therefore, growing as a person. And all of that touchy-feely crap.”

The problem with this position was she didn’t know where to put her hands. She couldn’t rest them in her lap, that was a little too close to a part of Lex’s anatomy that she really shouldn’t be thinking about.

On his shoulders was also a no-no. It seemed a little too intimate. She settled on placing them on her upper thighs. “It hardly seems fair that I get to school you in the ways of a shlub and yet have me learn nothing. Come on, share. Tell me how I can be more upper crust.” She smiled down at him.

Lex contemplated for a second what he could teach her while she was still sitting in his lap. Most things would require her climbing off of him and that was not what he wanted at the moment.

“Let me think, for one, you wouldn't refer to yourself as upper crust, it's called elite,” he started.

What could he instruct her on? There was proper meal etiquette, conversation, dancing, dress code, posture.

“The posture, you should already know. Keep your back straight, your shoulders in a straight line, chin up and look down your nose more than straight ahead.”

He kept his hands on her hips, pursing his lips as he thought of other things concerning proper etiquette that could be taught while sitting in someone else’s lap.

Moving around as little as was possible, Chloe knew a thing or two about friction and its effect on a man, she straightened her back and drew her shoulders away from the front of her body.

She tilted her chin up slightly and then looked down at Lex. “Really, it is so hard to find good help these days. I was thinking of letting go of my whole wait staff. Then I realized that I cannot even identify a vacuum cleaner and thought better of it.”

Lex bit the inside of his mouth to keep from laughing. Chloe had delivered the line complete with fake British accent and a look he'd seen on more than one trophy wife on banquets.

“Perfect,” he managed to say when he'd got the twitch around his mouth back under control. “Now add a haughty sniff and throw a mink wrap over your shoulder, minding your manicured nails and you're ready to accompany me to any banquet.”

He was still trying not to laugh until his gaze shifted a little lower and he found himself once more up close and personal with the Princeton logo and Chloe's breasts behind it. Slouching a little backwards however sent Chloe shifting further towards him. Lex bit the inside of his cheek and tried to ignore the fact that she was now sitting on his groin as opposed to the top of his thighs like she had done before. Looking up, he hoped she was ignoring that fact, too.

Chloe was proud of herself. With a little more tutelage she might be able to snare her own millionaire. Besides the one that was sitting below her, that was. She had already blown any small chance that she might have had with Lex so she had to look towards the future.

“Bottom line, how many more of these personal lessons do I need before I can land a trust fund baby of my own?” For this question, she used her own voice instead of the one she had used previously. “Because that mink you just mentioned ain’t gonna crawl onto my shoulders of its own volition.”

She paused. “Ok, that sounded really creepy.” And it was even complete with the image of the dead animal creeping along on the floor and then flopping its way up her body. Shaking her head of the image she asked, “And how long would I have to keep up the façade before going back to this?”

Chloe dropped the act and her shoulders, along with the rest of her body, relaxed fully.

Lex relaxed along with her, grinning at Chloe's disgusted face and making a mental note to maybe send her a mink for her next birthday.

“Until you're alone behind closed doors where nobody can see you,” he answered honestly.

At least that's what it was like for him. He didn't think the trophy wives were putting up an act so much as they really were like that. It was scary to think he might end up with one of them at some point in the future. Or he could always do it like Bruce and vow to play the eternal bachelor.

”You really want a mink? Somehow I don't think you're the type,” he mused.

Chloe seemed more like the type to show up in expensive but practical suits, the skirt maybe a bit shorter than would be decent, the cleavage just deep enough to use what she'd been given to her advantage. And it was a definite advantage. Lex shifted and kept his eyes focused on her face. 'Remember the reasons.' The problem was that at the moment, he didn't get further than high school, 'She'll be out of it in a few weeks' and that he'd fired her father 'I could always give him his job back or find a better one for him'.

“Yeech, hell no,” she said, making a disgusted face. “Having the dead body of something, complete with eyes, draped around my shoulders isn’t a sensation that I would revel in.”

“So, you are correct in your estimation of my character.” She thought back to his laundry list of what he knew about her. He had hit the nail on the head every time. It was rather unsettling. Especially since she thought that she was pretty adept at keeping things hidden from people.

Apparently she needed some more practice if even Lex could see right through her. Then again, he was more perceptive than your average bear.

Perhaps it could be attributed to the fact that Lex had to keep up appearances as well. That he recognized a fellow fraud when he saw one. Yet another thing that they had in common.

That was one thing that he had scored very high on in the data. The statistics had implied that he would be able to understand her better than any of the other males in the database. All of the sudden Chloe couldn’t wait to get out of Smallville….and meet a fresh crop of men.

She realized that she had been quiet for far too long when Lex cleared his throat and shifted under her a little bit.

“Sorry,” she murmured. She looked down at him and said, “Guess if I’ve got to be proper at all times in public then dating a magnate that expects that isn’t going to work out.”

Lex smirked back at her and nodded in agreement. “There goes your future career as a trophy wife,” he said, infusing his voice with faux compassion, “What a shame.”

He wondered where her mind had veered off to while she'd been silently staring at the third button from the top of his shirt. After he assured that there wasn't a stain on said shirt or something. Maybe he was really to prim for his own good.

In the back of his mind he was still trying to remember the list of reasons he'd given her when she'd pretty much pounced on him yesterday, in front of the Talon. He still didn't get any further than the two reasons he remembered and they didn't seem quite as valid anymore. There had been four others, he remembered that much. If only he remembered what they had been.

Chloe sighed dramatically. “It really is. I mean, whatever am I going to do with my little, old self now?” She did her best impression of Lana. She looked off to her right, not staring at anything in particular. She noticed that Lana did that sometimes when she started on a really good whine.

“Flouncing around and acting all pathetic and helpless is what I’m best at. A man just has to come and marry me.” She pouted her lower lip out and tried her best to get her eyes to fill with crocodile tears.

“I didn’t even get my husband and he’s already left me!” Her voice cracked and she threw herself forward a little, pretending to sob uncontrollably on Lex’s chest.

Lex looked down his nose at Chloe, a little surprised by her impromptu outburst and trying not to break out into laughter, once more.

“Uhm, Chloe,” he spoke into her hair since her nose was still very much buried in his chest where she sobbed overdramatically.

He ran his hand slowly up and down on her back and let himself enjoy the sensation. It was nice to have her snuggled up next to him and technically, she was eighteen so it wasn't like he'd be breaking a law if he... forced himself sternly away from that thought and returned to what he was about to say.

tbc

westwingwolf
27th April 2009, 21:16
Damn it, Lex, forget the damn reasons! It's great how well he knows her, and I love just how comfortable they were being with each other. Come on Chloe, the man is refusing to let you up from his body, I think it's safe to say he wants you. They have such great humor together as well as chemistry...if only Lex would just cross that damn line.

autumngold
27th April 2009, 22:48
I'm so glad that Chloe forgot her plan to run away!! And look how she was rewarded, getting to sit on Lex's lap!! Lucky girl!! I'm jealous!! ;) Thank you so much for the wonderful update!! I really, really love this story!! Lex is trying so hard to be good!! It's so cute!! ;) Can't wait for more!! You guys are incredible!! :)

ThraceC
27th April 2009, 22:58
See that's why I've stuck to reading completed fics in the archives for a year. So I don't spend time wallowing in torture waiting for you to fulfill a cliffhanger while I should be studying biochemistry.

Please post more soon for the sake of my grades ;).

Not that I think that kind of blackmail will work.

Fun update, really, thanks guys.

Kit Merlot
28th April 2009, 23:22
This was a very sexy update!

I like that Chloe has changed her mind about getting a man on her list to sleep with her because it appears that Lex is also starting to change his mind.:P

I like how he is slowly realizing just how attracted he is to Chloe--can't wait to see how Lex handles having Chloe is his arms:D

ChloeLovesLex
28th April 2009, 23:59
Hey if she can change her mind he can change his right???
Of course he can, and I am totally for it when he does :D

Impress
29th April 2009, 02:15
Whoo hoo, Update!

Poor Lex and his self-denial. Though I do like his slow realization that he's attracted to Chloe. I also like that they seem to be building a deeper friendship.

More soon.

hfce
29th April 2009, 16:57
Lex just jump her bones now. You know you want it. :rofl: Fun chapter Chloe you will get your man. :blinkkiss

malugargula
30th April 2009, 08:12
I hope he changes his mind
:)

BlueSabby
13th May 2009, 18:23
A/N: Blue: Here's the rest of the drama and comedy. Have fun with it.

A/N: Sabby: Believe it or not, this is actually a short story of ours. So we've already come to the end. And without sex! Sorry folks! Hope you enjoy anyway.



“Remember what I told you earlier about your acting?”

Her hands clenched the fabric of Lex’s shirt a little tighter when she felt his hand running over her back. She really couldn’t tell but she thought she might have even scooted closer to him. She had to stop this or she was going to really embarrass herself.

She slowly raised her head careful not to job Lex in the nose with her skull. Wiping away her fake tears she looked up at him. She tried to get herself to let him go but was finding it impossible to do so.

Her eyes, with no permission from her brain to do so, went unbidden briefly down to Lex’s lips. Realizing the danger she was putting herself in Chloe was finally able to let go of Lex’s shirt and move back a little from him.

Hoping that her voice sounded normal, she said, “Well, Lana isn’t a particularly good actress herself but people still fall for it. Course, I’m going to have to work on projecting the ‘please protect me because I can’t do it myself unless it’s convenient and/or I have a pitchfork’ to really get it to work.”

Lex had caught her staring at his mouth and if she hadn't opened hers to say something, he didn't know what might have happened just then with her hands fiddling in his shirt and her face so close he could feel her breath on his chin.

“Somehow I'm getting the feeling that you don't like Lana as much as she thinks you do,” he surmised, keeping his hands still on the small of her back.

He had a feeling she was rambling to cover for the fact that the closeness between them was having an affect on her as well. “And you know, you don't have to be weak to be attractive,” he commented, then after a pause added, “Completely transparent faux weakness will do just fine.”

Chloe chuckled at the truth in Lex’s words. Nodding she said, “It’s too bad that I didn’t learn that in my formative years. I think that it just might be a little too late now.”

Leaning back and, more importantly, away from Lex a little more, Chloe was able to clear her head. “And as for not liking Lana, I think that you just may be on to something. If you can keep a secret, I’ve got another bombshell for you.”

She lowered her voice and leaned back in again, mentally berating herself for learning not one damn thing about what proximity and Lex in combination did to her. “I don’t think Jason likes her all that much, either. The other day I got the distinct feeling that I wasn’t the only one who wanted to smack her.”

“Plus, I can’t be sure but I think I caught him staring at my ass the other day.” She had a good laugh over that one with Lois. Those moments had been few and far between since she had started seeing Clark so it had been a nice time for Chloe. Made her think that maybe she’d be able to move past it sooner than she had expected.

Lex's brows arched as he took in that information and fit it into the other puzzle pieces he'd already gathered on the latest mystery he was following. It made his mind drift for a second, as he tried to look at what information he had in that different light, until his thoughts went right back to the fact that Jason had stared at Chloe's ass. That didn't sit too well with him.

“Is that so,” he stated slowly. Getting serious he looked up at Chloe, his arm tightening around her for a second. “Chloe, I realize that's a difficult thing to ask, considering the circumstances, but I want you to stay away from Jason Teague.”

The last thing he wanted was for her to get involved in this mess. She might be able to come up with valuable information, but considering how things had worked out the last time they'd worked together, it wasn't worth the risk. He could very well find out everything he needed to know without her involved.

Chloe’s brows drew together at the unorthodox request from Lex. He wasn’t one to warn someone off of something…unless it was really dangerous. Even though she didn’t like Lana, she had to admit that she didn’t want to see her on a morgue slab, either. And not just because then it would be in poor taste to make fun of her.

“He’s not dangerous, is he, Lex? Cause I might not like Lana but…” She watched as Lex shook his head.

“You don’t have to worry, I hadn’t planned on pursuing anything with him. Even if they did split up, I don’t date other people’s exes. It’s unseemly and, well, wrong.” She shook her head.

“If only everyone else agreed with me.” Looking back at Lex she added, “But one day I am going to ask you to explain your comment.”

Lex chuckled, satisfied for now that Chloe would do as he asked at least in a way. Maybe he'd tell her someday what all this was about, or maybe he wouldn't. In any case, she was safe for the time being. That was what mattered. As for her other comment, “That doesn't leave you much choice with partners, does it. Because you'd have to find a complete virgin if you want to hold true to that adage.”

Made him wonder how he'd ended up top of the list then, with his long list of exes. Then again, she had looked for someone to fuck, not someone to date. It would only make sense that she would have other criteria in that case. But it surprised him that she hadn't even considered finding someone to date instead of a simple fuck.

“When's the last time you were on a date?”

Chloe looked at Lex as if he had lost his mind. She could usually follow his line of reasoning but the question seemed like total non-sequitur. “It depends what you mean by date,” she said slowly.

“If you mean hanging out with someone which they consider a date but isn’t a real date because it’s not formal and all then a couple weeks. If you mean a real date date, well,” she avoided his gaze.

This was an embarrassing topic of discussion after what she had just pulled with him. Then there was the fact that Lex went out pretty regularly. She’d wager that he didn’t screw the women indiscriminately as he had in the past for a variety of reasons but he still had galas so attend.

“It’s been longer,” she finished, vaguely.

Not wanting to dwell on that fact, she switched the subject back to his other comment. “And I didn’t mean I wouldn’t date anyone that doesn’t have an ex. I meant that I don’t want to date someone whose ex is my friend.”

He nodded in answer after he had his theory confirmed. It was surprising that someone like her wasn't one of the popular people. She was pretty, smart and had a sense of humor, there was no reason she should be left on the sidelines. As for the difference she was making between a real date and a non real date, he wasn't quite sure.

“What exactly is the difference between a real date and the other kind?” he asked.

The conversation had taken a left turn, yes, but he was interested. To know more that is. For the time being that was all he would allow himself.

Ok, this was fine. As long as they were talking about her definitions and not her actual dating patterns that was alright with her.

“A real date is what you’re thinking. You pick the girl up, pay for her, go in for the kiss on the front porch or at the front door. It’s probably the only type of date that you’ve ever had being a gentleman and all of that.”

She would wager that Lex was a smooth operator in that situation. Then again it wasn’t fair of her to enter into such a bet after having all of the confirmation data that she did.

“The other type is harder to nail down. It usually involves him picking you up and then going some place that you go every day anyway. The Talon, the Beanery or a diner. As an added bonus sometimes his friends will show up a little later and he’ll invite them to join you. He didn’t invite them along or anything, it’s just that in a town this small…”

She paused and then clarified some of her points. “It wouldn’t happen on a first date. But anything after the second,” she shrugged, “fair game.”

Lex had been with her on the real date as far as picking her up and paying for everything went. That was a given. However, kissing on the front porch, or at the front door. He'd pretty much went from zero to hundred in his teens so there'd never really been the chaste kiss good night deal where he was concerned.

Where the non-date was concerned, he could see it happening, to other people that was. It couldn't be very comfortable when a date turned into a meeting of friends half way through. Not that something like that couldn't be avoided. Simply by not going somewhere you knew your friends, or business associates for that matter, would be.

“Hmm, that doesn't sound too impressive,” he commented.

Chloe laughed a little bit. “Yes, it’s not really at all. So, having one of those non date dates doesn’t really make you want to go out with the guy again.” She sat up a little straighter and wished that she could extricate herself from Lex’s arms easily. Talking about this wasn’t the most comfortable thing in the world.

Unfortunately whenever she leaned too far away from him instead of releasing her, he held her tighter. After her earlier display of clumsiness he probably thought that she’d fall off the bed, break her nose and then sue him.

“It’s also a shame that the non date is exactly the type that the Smallville men, and I use the term lightly, usually take you on.” Chloe ran a hand through her hair and winced slightly when it got tangled. After getting free of her mane, she added, “And none of the chicks seem to mind, either.”

“What is the state of the world coming to?” she asked, feigning great disappointment. “Kids today, I’m telling ya.”

Lex chuckled, as well at her comment as at the state of her hair, since instead of straightening it out, she'd managed to get it even more tangled and now had what looked like a Mickey Mouse ear sticking out from the side of her head.

Reaching up a hand he carefully tugged at the strand trying to smooth it out again.

“Yeah, things like that would never have happened back in the good old days,” he agreed with a wistful sigh.

When he tried to pull his hand back, his shirt sleeve snagged on something, and Chloe winced.

Chloe hissed as she felt her hair caught in what she assumed where the damn minuscule buttons that fastened Lex’s cuff. But at least it distracted her from that other feeling that she had gotten when Lex had touched her. That was one positive thing.

“Ow, ow. Hair caught.” She always found in these situations that full sentences weren’t possible. She knew that she must also sound ridiculous but she didn’t really care at this point. Lex thankfully stilled after realizing what had happened.

However, before he had heard her words he had drawn his hand further back to his body her forehead was now resting against his chest. All in all, it wasn’t the most comfortable position.

Lex kept his arm as still as possible, inwardly cursing the fucking little buttons. If he'd rolled up his sleeves this wouldn't have happened. Chloe's head was back on his chest once more but he'd clearly heard the muttered ow's.

“Sorry, hold still.”

He brought his other hand around her head, pulling the free hair away so he could see on which strand the stupid little buggers had snagged and pull it free. This hadn't happened to him in… He didn't think something like that had ever happened to him before. He didn't have a hair fetish and usually by the time he got to the point of running his hands through a woman's hair there were no buttons left to get snagged.

“I've got it, just one second,” he muttered as he slowly pulled the strand away from the button bit by bit, trying to keep the rest of her hair from falling back over.

Lex was trying to be gentle and it was very accommodating of him. However, taking her hair out of his button strand by strand was more painful that what she usually did. When another one of the probably still dozens of hairs caught snapped she muttered another ‘ow’ along with a curse for good measure.

“Just yank your hand away, Lex. I think that it’ll hurt less than doing it one strand at a time.” She paused, guessing that he hadn’t had to do this very often. “Do it in one movement but not too hard and it’ll be fine.”

Her left hand was on his shoulder with her nails digging into the flesh beneath his shirt. Realizing that she was clawing at him she let up on her grip. Her right arm was somewhere trapped between their bodies. She hoped that the situation rectified itself soon. Her wrist was at a strange angle and there was pain shooting up it.

Lex frowned down at her, wondering if she had some kind of masochistic streak that she was actually expecting him to yank her hair out instead of removing it carefully. Considering however that there were only a few hairs left that had gotten caught, he resigned himself to doing things her way.

“Ok, hold on,” he muttered, only realizing when she removed her hand that she'd been having a pretty tight grip on his arm the entire time.

He pressed his free hand down against her head where the strands were rooted and winced in sympathy as he yanked the other hand away.

Chloe cursed one more time for good measure when her hair was freed.

Chloe put her left hand to her head and started to rub at the spot where the stinging sensation seemed to be stemming from. It was an awkward move but her right wrist was killing her now so she couldn’t use that hand.

“Stupid hair,” she muttered. “Should shave my head and be done with it.”

Hearing the sound of her voice she knew that she sounded a little bit like a pouting child but she didn’t care. When she was in pain she often forgot to try to sound like an intelligent human being.

Lex winced in sympathy and brushed his hand over the spot, careful not to get his button snagged again.

“I'm sorry,” he apologized once more.

He couldn't remember apologizing so many times in the last few years either. It definitely surpassed his annual quota already. “But I think shaving your head might be a bit over the top, I think one hairless freak is enough for this town, don't you agree?”

“I suppose you’re right,” she said, taking her hand away from her head when Lex started to stroke the area. “I wouldn’t want to take away some of your mojo.”

“Bald and sexy really is your thing.” The sentence just hung there in the air so Chloe had to keep talking. “And stop apologizing, it’s not your fault.”

There, that was a better thing to say to Lex. Breaking eye contact with him, Chloe gently rotated her wrist. Which was a big mistake. She hissed in pain.

After their fight she’d been delaying her departure because she was enjoying her conversation with Lex. Plus, she wanted things to not be too weird when she left. She didn’t want to leave Lex on a bad note.

But now it really was time for her to go. The wrist had started to swell. Maybe she had pulled it the wrong way during her hair freakout and exacerbated the injury. A doctor was sounding like a pretty good idea to her.

“Lex, I should…” she let her sentence trail off as she gestured to the door.

“Oh, yeah,” he answered, disappointed even though he'd known it had to happen sooner or later.

Casting his gaze down for a moment, it fell on her wrist, which looked like it wasn't only purple, but slightly larger than it should be. “If you want I can take you to the Medical Center, this looks like it definitely needs some attention sooner rather than later,” he offered.

Lex wasn't quite ready to let her go yet. It had been too long since he'd had somebody that close and felt comfortable with it. And the last time it had ended with attempted homicide, which he didn't see happening in this case. Another reason why he shouldn't just let her walk out and away right now.

Chloe smiled appreciatively at Lex. “That would be great, actually.” She wasn’t going to be proud now and beg off, telling him that she could make it on her own. One of Lex’s drivers could take her but she was a wimp when it came to doctors and hospitals, even with all of her experience with them, and thought it would help knowing that someone was waiting for her outside the office.

She turned around and attempted to get off of Lex. It was harder than she thought without her dominant hand. As she slid back, she could feel herself losing her balance. “Help?”

Feeling like a damn fool would take a backburner to actual pain any day. Besides, Chloe didn’t have much pride left where Lex was concerned. It actually made things easier. It meant that she could just cut through the bullshit and be honest with him.

Lex ignored the slipping and sliding motions over his groin as best he could and helped Chloe to her feet. From there it took him a moment to find his shoes. He'd actually managed to catapult them half way across the room.

“Where's your jacket,” he asked as he put them on.

Chloe was still wearing his sweater and track pants, but looking at her wrist again, having her try and change clothes wasn't necessarily a good idea. Added to that, it actually looked cute on her, even with the pants being around three sizes too big. He grinned.

When Chloe looked up at Lex he had a strange smile on his face. She looked down at herself and realized how ridiculous she must look dressed in his clothes with a wrist that was getting to be twice the size that it usually was. “OK, I look like a madwoman. You’re going to have to get over it.”

“And I think I left my jacket out in your study along with my bag. Can you grab them both, please?” She looked around the room and finally spotted her shoes. Thankfully, they didn’t have laces or anything. It would be too undignified to have Lex tie her shoes for her.

Lex left the room to retrieve her things but when he didn’t return after two minutes she walked out of the room, which was a big deal in and of itself, and walked to the study.

Lex had been about to go back to the other room when his eyes had fallen on the binder poking out of the top of Chloe's backpack. He'd been contemplating taking a look at whatever information she'd garnered on him, who knew what it might come in handy for and stuff the rest of it in the shredder.

However, before he got to do any of that, he heard someone step into the room and knew Chloe had come looking for him because he'd taken too long. Taking out the binder, knowing he'd been caught, he turned around.

“You won't need this anymore, will you?”

“No, I won’t.” She looked at the binder. It was stuffed to the brim with information. A part of her thought that it would be a terrible shame to throw something with so much information in the trash. But she knew that having it around wouldn’t be good for her. Or anyone in the binder for that matter.

“If you want, you can take out your pages before I destroy it.” Chloe knew that she’d need the mother of all shredders to get the job done and that it might take hours but it needed to be completely destroyed.

Lex nodded and threw the binder on his desk. “In that case, let me take care of it,” he answered with finality. “Or at least, offer you the services of my shredder.”

Stepping up to her, he carefully wrapped the jacket over her shoulders, mindful of the wrist cradled against her chest. “I know from experience that's the best way to get rid off things and burn some aggressive energy while you're at it.”

Placing a hand on the small of her back, he carried her backpack and led her out the door.

~~~~
“OW!”

She hoped that her yelling in pain wouldn’t cause Lex to barge into the office. Again. For the third time. She thought that if he did the doctor was liable to sedate him.

Lex had been asked to leave when he questioned the way that her wrist was getting wrapped. He had come back in once when he thought it was taking too long and then again when she had cried out in pain. The man really could not stand not knowing what was going on behind a closed door.

When she had explained how she hurt her hand, she had told them she had gotten mad and smashed it against a door, she watched as the doctor and the nurse had exchanged a glance. She had wanted to ask them about it but hadn’t thought it was the proper time what with her being at their mercy and all.

Once the doctor had left the room in order to speak to Lex about her condition, though, all bets were off. The nurse was tiding up the room and Chloe asked, “What was with that look the good doctor and you shared when I explained my injury?”

The nurse turned around to look at the young girl in what was obviously a man's outfit and answered as noncommittally as she could. “What look do you mean, sweetie?”

Of course she knew what the girl meant. When the blonde had given that rather thread-bare explanation of hitting a wall for kicks, it was obvious that she'd been lying. Both Dr. Manson and she knew a lie when they were faced with one, having heard enough of them through the years, especially here in Smallville.

If it was her guess, she would bet that Lex Luthor, who was probably not barging in this moment for the sole reason that he was giving the good doctor hell, and this girl were involved. She knew from the data given that Chloe Sullivan was in high-school. And everybody knew that Lex Luthor had spent a very wild year as an undergraduate at Princeton. Therefore it wasn't rocket science to put two and two together.

“Don’t give me that down home country bullshit, Nurse,” she looked at the woman’s nametag, “Attel. You know exactly what I mean. When I explained my injury I saw that you and the doctor looked at one another. I’d appreciate an explanation of it.”

She hated being patronized. And she was cranky after waiting in the ER for so long. And she was tired. And she was in pain. And she was looking for someone to take it out on.

Sighing at the attitude that she hadn't been getting from a patient for the first time, she stepped up to Chloe and handed her a bottle of pills. “Take these twice a day, for the next week. If the wrist isn't better until then, come back and have it checked,” she ordered as pleasantly as she could.

When she could see the young woman was about to blow up in her face she added. “And you and your boyfriend should be a bit careful the next few days. A sprained wrist and hematoma are not something to be messed with.”

With that she turned around and opened the door into the hallway. As she had expected, the boyfriend in question was jumping down Dr. Manson’s throat, in a silent, threatening sort of way. She remembered Lex Luthor from the time he'd dated that other doctor. A horribly thin brunette from the big city who'd deemed herself something better and too good to work in the medical center. She'd never liked that woman.

“Dr. Manson, I forgot to tell you, you have to check in with room 332, Mrs. Jansen complained that something isn't right with her drip and she insists on you checking it personally.” Nurse Attel to save the day.

If she got a dollar for every time she had to do that, she'd be as rich as the bald man turning to glare at her. Elmyra was smart enough to make herself scarce before he could round in on her.

As the Nurse hit and run Chloe found herself just staring after the closed door. She couldn’t believe the assumption that the woman had made. Though it was probably better that she hadn’t known that earlier. If she had, she might have turned a deep shade of red. Which she and the doctor would have misconstrued as embarrassment at getting injured during a sexual act.

She looked at the pills and muttered, “At least they gave me the good stuff.” She heard a knock at the door and couldn’t get out the words, ‘come in’, before Lex came stalking into the room. The words royally pissed weren’t even close to describing his mental state.

Lex was not pleased with the situation at large. And that was an understatement. The doctor had had the audacity to send him out of the room and moreover had proven to be highly incompetent if the screams he'd had to endure listening to from the other side of a closed door where anything to go by.

“Knew I should have just called Tobey,” he muttered as he stalked into the room, immediately honing in on Chloe.

“You alright?”

Her hand was wrapped all the way down to mid forearm and in her good hand she was holding a bottle of pills. Taking them from her, he read the label and gave a satisfied 'hrm'. At least they'd given her the good stuff. He looked up, waiting for Chloe's answer as he put the pills back in her hand.

“Yes, I’m fine,” she muttered. She was, physically at least. But she was still thinking about what the Nurse had said and whether she should tell Lex or not.

On one hand it wasn’t of much consequence. Unless, of course, the Nurse had a big mouth and kept blabbing her incorrect assumption all over the place.

Chloe didn’t want to upset Lex anymore but she didn’t see a way out of it. “The Nurse thought I got injured having sex with you.” After the long day that she had there wasn’t much tact left inside of her.

Besides, she was sure that Lex would appreciate the direct route. He didn’t seem to be into people pussyfooting around a situation. Especially one such as this.

“I just thought you should know in case you want to have a word with her,” she added.

Lex took a deep breath and reigned in the urge to hit something. Great, this was exactly the last thing either of them needed. “What was her name?” he enquired calmly.

He'd take care of it, if he had to fire the entire staff of this damn town hospital and replace them with ones handpicked by himself. There would be no rumors going around about him fucking Chloe Sullivan and injuring her while he was at it. That was exactly the situation he'd tried to avoid. Having to walk the shady side of legal to secure Chloe's reputation. He couldn't give a shit less about his own. For him it wasn't anything new to be called every name under the sun.

Chloe cursed herself for dragging Lex into this. Sure, he had shanghaied her to his house and then locked her up…..when she remembered that little tidbit it was hard for her to press on.

He had only been trying to help her, she reminded herself, and this was where it had gotten him. “Nurse Attel was her name,” she said, simply.

All she wanted to do was get away from Lex. At this point them being together was doing him more harm than was necessary. “If you want to go and take care of that I can get home on my own.” Her words were somewhere between a statement and a question.

Lex shook his head. “It's alright,” he answered without thinking.

He'd brought her here in his car, hers was still parked in front of the Talon. So reasonably, there was no way he could just leave her here, not to mention there'd be some explaining to do with Gabe concerning her injury and it wouldn't look good if he just let him pick her up in the hospital and tail it before the man arrived.

“Come on, let's get you home.”

He held out his hand to help her down from the exam table. If it hadn't worked to convince her, Lex would be feeling considerably worse about locking her up in the guest room. Looking at the huge bandage around her wrist and forearm, he felt like an asshole as it was, anyway.

Chloe took the offered hand and carefully got down from the table. She knew that once she was out of his hair, so to speak, that he’d be making some calls back to the hospital. She sighed, imagining how much money he was going to have to shell out in order to buy the nurse’s and doctor’s silence.

“Ok, Lex,” she said, placidly. He opened the door for her and she walked out into the hallway. Nurse Attel nodded at her and she felt Lex tense up next to her. She looked up at him and saw that he was scrutinizing the nurse.

Looking at the nurse, he was sorely tempted to threaten her within an inch of her life right this moment, but thought better of it. Instead, he merely glared and inclined his head before turning his attention back on Chloe. The nurse wouldn't be too big of a problem. He was convinced, having taken one look at her, that she could be convinced to keep her mouth shut, if she thought it the best for all parties involved. He had means to make sure she thought that.

Lex led Chloe out into the parking lot and helped her back into the car. Once he was settled himself, he tried to put the issue out of his mind until further notice.

“What do you want to tell your father about the injury?” he inquired as he peeled onto the street.

Chloe shrugged as well as she could in her current condition. She hadn’t taken a pain pill yet and she felt the ache from her wrist radiating up her arm. “I was thinking as close to the truth as possible is the best way to go.”

She took her pills out of her pocket and was able to get the top off without too much trouble. Popping one of them she swallowed it while making a face. She should have taken it with liquid but the setting of her arm had increased her pain.

“That I was trying to make my point and thought that it needed some dramatic punctuation.” Her father would definitely believe that one, no problem.

“Besides, he’s got a hot date this Friday so I could show up with three heads and he’d just ask each of them for their opinion on the tie he’s planning to wear.” She chuckled at just how much of a woman her father was acting like.

But it was nice to see him excited about getting out there again. She was finally making progress with him.

Lex chuckled at the mental image, even though it was quite bizarre. “It's a good thing he's dating again. All the time he was working for me, I got a little worried that he never once mentioned a date or even a non-date date,” he used Chloe's earlier description, “It seemed a little weird considering how much he always shared about his private life.”

He wondered if the same could be said in reverse. Not that Lex had shared much about his private life, but it was a given that people would pick up on the fact that he'd never really 'dated'. His advances didn't make it into the press much these days, if they did it was usually smaller rags that weren't sold out here in Smallville. The only times he'd officially 'dated' someone since he was in Smallville where Victoria, and later Helen. Everyone knew how that went. Lex liked to enact a little selective amnesia whenever possible.

“I was worried about him, too,” Chloe admitted. “It’s been years since my mom left us both.” She paused, mulling over all of the times that she tried to convince him to ask out various women that had expressed interest. “But, he was very stubborn about doing it.”

She looked out the window at the landscape that was flying by. She noticed that Lex was going far slower than he usually drove. “I guess it runs in the family,” Chloe remarked, trying to beat Lex to the punch.

“And I’m sure that my father will be enough of a man to ensure that it’s a real date, too.” She had been giving him useless pointers all week. Her father was attentive and considerate, he’d do fine on his own.

Lex nodded, not really listening to what Chloe was saying anymore. He was caught up in his own thoughts, trying to figure out if he'd ever once had had what was considered as a real date. He'd gone out with daughters of business associates of his father's. That had been business. Later, he'd been out with potential female business partners. Again, business.

He'd had a list of one-night stands longer than your usual roll of toilet paper. He hadn't dated a single one of them. Remembering back to his early teens. Painful, to say the least. No dates there, either. College? Frat parties, one night stands, illegal lab, expulsion. No dates. Okay, so he really never had a date. Why was this important?

“Hmm,” he made a noncommittal noise to at least give Chloe the impression that he was listening to her.

Why was it important that he'd never gone on a real date? It wasn't like he'd missed anything vital there, was it? But it irked him. It just seemed wrong on some level, that he who'd had everything at least once in his life had never managed to end up having a real date. He wanted to be able to say he'd had that, too. Just to know what it'd be like.

Sadly, it wouldn't be easy to find someone to have that kind of date with. He'd end up running into the same type of woman that he'd usually have in the one night stand category, only he'd have to pay for dinner and a movie before they went down on him to become part of the illustrious 'Diamond Earring Club'. Lex didn't want that.

Casting a glance at Chloe, he called himself insane, but made his decision anyway. And just in time, as well. They were pulling into the Sullivan's driveway.

“Go out with me,” he stated bluntly, after he'd brought the car to a stop and pulled the parking break.

The drugs must have been even quicker acting than Chloe thought. She was now hearing things. When she turned to look at Lex, though, she knew that her ears hadn’t been playing tricks on her.

Chloe was now faced with a few options. The first seemed the most likely. She could ask Lex if she had heard him correctly, see what his motivations were. However, that would lead to a long drawn out conversation that would most likely end with Lex rescinding the offer. And, really, they had already talked enough for her liking.

She could turn him down. He had given her a laundry list of why they weren’t compatible yesterday. True, she had shot most of them down. But she knew that the only reason she would be turning him down would be out of fear.

And, she was done living her life like that. At least, she wanted to be. She knew that her fear usually held her back from doing and saying what she wanted, along with the rest of the human race. She had a chance to change her pattern though.

That left the third option.

“Ok, Lex. When is good for you?” She tried to sound casual and as if it was perfectly natural for Lex to demand to go out with her after returning from the hospital because she had hurt herself as he had held her hostage in his house after she had asked him to sleep with her. Yup, just another pedestrian night in Smallville.

Lex thought about it for a moment. Considering that it was Saturday today and he didn't really want to wait for the next weekend to come around until he could find out what it was like to be on a date.

“Is Tuesday ok with you?” he inquired, mentally already going over the changes that needed to be made in his schedule when she said yes.

He couldn't believe himself. After spending the last roughly twent-four hours trying to convince Chloe Sullivan that she shouldn't date a man based on statistics. After locking her in a room to make sure she wouldn't sleep with random strangers, possibly meteor mutants. After bringing her to the hospital with a sprained wrist, where people now thought they were sleeping together. He'd asked her on a date. Maybe he should consult a psychiatrist. Funnily enough, he didn't give a damn.

Chloe thought about the work that she had to do. But, being that she was a senior, there wasn’t much. There were a few outstanding stories that needed to be finished but she would tweak the ones that were almost done, push some back and farm out the rest. It shouldn’t be too difficult.

“Tuesday will work for me.” God, this seemed so normal but it was anything but. Lex didn’t date. Period. Well, at least he hadn’t in the past few years. She hardly considered what he did with either Victoria or Helen dating. The first was purely physical and the second had been too rushed. As if he had been in a relationship just to prove that he could.

Then there was her own track record to look at. Meteor freaks and guys that didn’t appreciate her. The two of them really were an interesting pair.

Lex nodded, satisfied that he'd gotten what he wanted. “Ok, I'll pick you up around six.”

That would leave them enough time to take the chopper to Metropolis, because there was no way he was going to take her out inside of Smallville. He'd think of something. Definitely not something too ordinary.

Only one more thing left to clear up, “I still won't sleep with you.” That needed to be cleared right away so she wouldn't get the wrong idea.

In all honesty, Chloe hadn’t even been thinking about that. She’d been thinking about explaining this to her dad, getting something to wear, making sure that she didn’t make a fool of herself on the date, finding a way to make her bandage as unobtrusive as was possible on Tuesday. Not about getting Lex into bed. But now that he had mentioned it, it had to be dealt with.

“I wouldn’t sleep with you on a first date.” Of course, Lex would have no way of knowing that being that she had already propositioned him before she had really even said a proper hello to him yesterday. But this was different.

That scheme had been about sex, plain and simple. But now that what was going on between her and Lex had changed, so had her plans. Well, actually her plans had changed again because her second plan had been to crawl under a rock and die where Lex was concerned.

“I promise that I won’t be trying to figure out a way to get you into the sack.” If Lex was worried about what she was up to she couldn’t see the date going very well. And that was important to her now for some reason that she didn’t want to dwell on.

Lex accepted Chloe's promise with a smirk. “Alright.”

And with that he'd arranged his first date. Huh, awfully simple. Except that it wasn't when he let himself think about the implications, so he'd better not do that until next Wednesday. However, he wondered if it might be wiser to inform Gabe beforehand. Maybe have a talk with him.

“Do you want me to come in with you?” he asked.

He could at least make an effort to explain why he brought Gabe's daughter back with an injured arm and wearing his clothes.

It was sad to say that her father was used to her coming home worse for the wear. She didn’t think that this current situation was anything that would cause her dad much alarm so she didn’t need Lex to accompany her.

“No, I can handle my father. He’ll probably just give me a lecture on being more careful.” Chloe rolled her eyes. It wasn’t that she didn’t see her father’s point, or agree with some of the principles of safety they had discussed in the past. It was the fact that she and her father had had this talk more times than she could count.

Chloe knew that she was stubborn and didn’t look before she leapt. That wasn’t going to change. But her father kept at it, it was his job. The clothes would be a little more difficult to explain, as would the date, but her father was a reasonable man. Thank god.

“I’ll see you at six on Tuesday.” She saw Lex start for his door and she said, “Keep your seat, I’ll see myself inside.”

She got out of the car and then after a moment of thought she turned back to the car and knocked on the window. Once Lex had rolled it down, she bent over and said, “Thanks for, well, our little chat. I promise that the sexual harassment portion of our friendship is over.”

“You're welcome.” Lex flashed her a grin, shaking his head. “And I'm glad you let go of that stupid plan.” With that, he rolled the window back up and executed a flawless three point turn out of the driveway.

This weekend had started out entirely insane. He would spend the rest of it in his office, playing pool and ignoring the phone. Lex would be happy to play hermit until Monday. Then on Tuesday, he'd have a date. Just because he could. And well, he liked Chloe, so who knew?


Fifteen dates, two break ups and an uncountable amount of sex later, they finally got their shit together and fell in love.


THE END

westwingwolf
13th May 2009, 21:05
I absolutely loved it! I think dating was a good start for them. Chloe's assurance that she wasn't go to sleep with him on the first date or try to get him in bed was hilarious as far as plans for first dates go. And I loved that Lex went crazy over protective at the hospital. And then the excellent little glimpse into how things worked out for them. So perfect for Lex & Chloe.

superag
14th May 2009, 01:43
You know, I actually liked the simple ending of nothing complicated but just getting to know you. Sometimes, that is the easiest and best way.

hfce
14th May 2009, 02:16
That was so sweet. I am glad it worked out for them in the end. :)

ThraceC
14th May 2009, 04:13
That was absolutely adorable. Even without sex. Perfect conclusion.

autumngold
14th May 2009, 04:55
Fabulous ending to your incredibly fun story!! Lex was so cute, deciding to try to date!! Thank goodness he chose Chloe, he was right about what other women would try to do!! Who else would be able to date Lex without jumping all over him?!! I wouldn't!! ;) And it wouldn't be for stupid diamond earings either!! ;) I have so enjoyed reading this fanfic!! Thank you Blue and Sabby for this, and all of your amazing stories!!

Kit Merlot
14th May 2009, 23:28
This was an awesome ending to a wonderful fic!

Good for Lex for deciding that he wanted to go out on a "real" date and that Chloe was the girl he wanted to go out with:grin3:

Well done:D

Impress
16th May 2009, 04:16
Good job.

~*~Tasha~*~
10th September 2009, 03:06
Fifteen dates, two break ups and an uncountable amount of sex later, they finally got their shit together and fell in love.

Interesting story. {Smiles}

Tanschana
15th September 2009, 20:07
Very nice piece of work!
Slightly unconventional ending, because at the first I didn't register it as an ending.... then I thought...ok, slightly rushed....BUT 2 seconds later I decided it fits! It's different, but it fits!

Emch
4th October 2009, 15:20
I Just finished reading this wonderful fic, and I can't believe I missed it for over 4 months. Well just tell to the both of you that I love all of your stories. You're the best.

manny
11th October 2009, 12:54
Love this story.Read it from start to finish.Only wish there was more.

Flyingwoman
30th June 2010, 06:15
Man, that "show threads from" option really rocks. Found this & had to bump it. Would be wonderful if we could see the side-by-side Lex Luthor vs. Jonathan Kent spreadsheets.

merdeliquesce
10th March 2011, 07:34
To be honest, I didn't think I would like this as much as I did. The plot seemed a little too out there for me, but you write so well and the dialogue and characters were so spot on that I loved it!

ryuuko
17th March 2011, 12:40
Lovely story ^_^ Thanks!

phoenix_173
21st March 2011, 07:55
I love it. It's been a while since I've read a bluesabby fic. I'm glad I re-found this site! :D

G

FroggyJump
9th April 2011, 15:47
Just re-read this quickie and still laughed as much as when I first read it.

Ami Rose
8th September 2012, 06:04
Lmao that was great

HotCrossedBunny
29th September 2013, 12:56
Yet another brilliant story. I loved it, so romantic and funny and lovely all in one. :D