A Holiday Gamble: (Secret Fanfiction Santa: MintyRevolution) PG

For MintyRevolution -

Huge apologies for the severe tardiness of this fic. I was away on holiday during the scheduled posting dates and my mother still lives in the world without internet. *gasp* Then there was the added drama of holiday travel and the fact this little fic was started three times due to one software malfunction and one writer malfunction. Thus, this little fic didn't grow to the great lengths I intended. I do hope it's enough.

*hangs head in shame*




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Chloe Sullivan was not a great admirer of Christmas.

It wasn’t that she particularly disliked holidays, she was in all actuality quite the festive type. She enjoyed Thanksgiving. Adored Easter. Loved Halloween. Practically worshipped St. Patrick’s day.

So it wasn’t that she usually disliked holidays, it was just that she disliked Christmas. All that fake cheer and forced goodwill. It got on her nerves and made her want to slap random people silly.

Or, as this particular case would have it, it made her want to slap Lex Luthor silly.

It wasn’t that she particularly disliked Lex, he was in all actuality quite literally her type. She enjoyed his quick wit. Adored his darkly fascinating intensity. Loved his complexity and deep passion. Practically worshiped his lean lines and soulful blue eyes.

So it wasn’t that she usually disliked Lex, it was just that she disliked Lex during Christmas. All that heightened sneakiness and theatrical fakery. It was enough to make her crazy and in her craziness she simply wanted to slap, slap, slap him.

Because she really hated having to intentionally avoid him. She hated not seeing him whenever she felt like it. Hated sneaking off when she knew he was looking for her instead of intentionally wedging herself in a position where she knew he’d find her.

What she really hated was having to raise her level of disgust to a level bordering on outright disdain because the last thing she wanted to happen was for him to take the hint and leave her alone. No, she liked things just the way they were and having him suddenly smarten up and leave her be would ruin all of her holiday plans.

This was, after all, like a little gift to herself; the silly fantasy of having Lex Luthor chase her. She enjoyed the chase, really got into the dramatics of their cat and mouse game. Even went so far as to daydream about what would happen if she let him catch her.

But it was this bit of silliness that had led her to this particular moment. She’d let herself become so distracted by her fantasies she’d underestimated the full depth of his deceitfulness.

He’d intentionally tricked her into arriving at his mansion on the same evening as his annual Christmas party. According to countless folks she’d spoken with throughout the week the party they’d attended the previous weekend had been a success and everyone had enjoyed themselves immensely. Which meant that he’d gone so far as to get everyone else to lie to her about when the lame party had been and he also must have provided them with transportation because not one extra car was anywhere in sight as a warning to her as she pulled up the long driveway.

Thus she found herself standing in the doorway of his ballroom dressed in dark jeans, a low-cut, silky top that hid little and clung to much, and what most women would refer to as fuck-me heels. Because she thought she was going clubbing with Lois right after this impromptu meeting with that back-stabbing bastard, Lex Luthor.

She’d been duped, again. By everyone.

Lex had called her late last night and asked her to meet him, had made it out like he was finally admitting defeat. She should have known better, should have realized that it was all a ruse to get her where he wanted her, but she’d been too busy enjoying her victory to see the warning signs. Too busy in her premature celebration to stay a step or two ahead of him to ultimately outsmart him.

Of course, he didn’t know for sure that she hadn’t been onto him from the start, so there was a chance she could still salvage everything. There was a slight chance she could still win this one and then she’d rub his nose in it and make him suffer the loss.

All she had to do was wait him out. Eventually he’d tire of watching her from his gadgety spy room and he’d come out looking for her. He wouldn’t be able to resist the opportunity to gloat in person. He just didn’t have it in him.

Chloe strolled around the ballroom, taking in the impressive decorations and general merriment of the many guests. Lex wasn’t a very popular guy in Smallville, but his popularity always swelled around the holidays and there were bodies everywhere. She glared at each guilty face as she came upon them, pursed her lips and moved on to the next traitor and the next and the next. She’d get back at all of them. Oh yes she would.

She sighed, stopped at one of the many long tables and got a glass of punch. She sipped carefully, figuring correctly that someone had already spiked the colorful concoction. The alcohol burned a path down her throat and pooled warmly in her stomach.

She continued on her way, her attention caught by a large display on the far side of the ballroom. Her eyes narrowed as she approached, knowing even before she got there what it was.

A giant gingerbread city.

Chloe stopped a few feet from the glittery barrier, shook her head in amazement at the edible replica of Metropolis at Christmastime. It really was impressive, but she refused to look anything but bored. She eyed the lovely revolving Daily Planet atop the center cookie skyscraper then turned her attention to Santa’s workshop set in the middle of the mall courtyard.

He’d really outdone himself this year. She could see all the familiar sights from Met University right on down to the rail station; working trains and all. Most everything was edible, but for the train zooming around the city like clockwork. Lights flashed, miniature people danced, holiday music rose and fell in random order.

It was spectacular and Chloe gave herself a few minutes to enjoy the show. She peered at the Lex Corps building, knowing if she looked close enough there would be a miniature Lex in the penthouse office, likely sitting at his desk surrounded by paperwork.

“Aren't gingerbread houses a little sinister?"

Chloe started at the words whispered near her ear. She hadn’t heard him approach and was silently mortified to be caught unaware, especially when she’d been so obviously engrossed in his stupid gingerbread display.

She turned towards him, her eyes roving over him appreciatively as he pretended to inspect his handiwork. He looked good in his dark suit and silver tie. Really good. Edibley so.

“Yes,” Chloe replied dryly. “They’re very sinister and we both know that’s exactly why you commissioned this great monstrosity. I’m surprised you didn’t go so far as to make little elf clowns just to put me over the edge.”

Lex smirked at her cheerfully then leaned closer and whispered, “Perhaps you should take a closer look...”

She glared at him suspiciously then moved closer to the barrier and leaned forward in order to get a closer look. She squinted as the little elf faces came into focus then grimaced as she took in their creepy painted faces. She shivered, her face twisting in distaste at this very personal inside joke.

She straightened slowly, turning her upper body at the same time so she could whack Lex’s arm with her hand.

He winced melodramatically, clutching his arm in mock pain. Then he abruptly straightened and relaxed, smiled at her in an almost childlike way before raising a brow at her hautily. She had to resist the urge to wipe the look off his face and instead just glared at him.

“You deserve far worse,” she replied huffily. “And don’t think for one second I won’t get you back eventually.”

He smirked at her, said mildly, “Oh, I have no doubt. I’m looking forward to it.”

She turned away from him, fully intending to ignore him until he got the hint and walked away. She couldn’t be bothered to play with him anymore. Decided abruptly that she was tired of the chase and the game and the never-ending race for the winner’s circle.

As far as she was concerned she’d never win the ultimate prize. Him.

She frowned at the thought, spun on her heels and headed for the exit. Felt him moving along behind her and managed to force herself to stop in the doorway. She didn’t want to be there anymore, but she couldn’t bring herself to just turn and leave. Really wished she could come up with an easy explanation that he would just accept.

Knew she’d never get that lucky because nothing was ever easy with Lex.

He shifted beside her and she felt his eyes scanning her up and down. Couldn’t help the rush of heat that rose up her neck. Subtly adjusted her posture in order to display herself at her best.

“Nice shoes.”

Chloe snorted, couldn’t help but laugh a bit as she said, “I bet you say that to all the girls.”

“That would be a wager you’d lose. Bad shoes happen to good people quite regularly.”

“Oh really?” Chloe raised a brow at him. “Do you have a secret shoe fetish, Lex?”

He gave her an amused look. “That depends entirely on whose feet the shoes are on.”

Chloe nodded in agreement, “Good point.”

They stood in the doorway for a few long minutes, neither saying anything. The silence was comfortable, almost comforting and Chloe let herself revel in his still warmth beside her. She kept peeking at him out of the corner of her eye, eating up the sight of him, enjoying him from afar.

Then she saw Lex’s eyes lift upward, the corner of his mouth curling up in amusement as he focused on something above them. He gave her a pointed look then shifted his gaze upward again, blue eyes twinkling with amusement.

She risked taking her eyes off him for a moment, glanced up quickly then zeroed in on his face again. She frowned, her hand clenching at her sides as her mind raced. Mistletoe. Directly above them.

He stepped toward her, leaned forward a bit, his eyes focusing on her lips. She held her breath, leaned back until the back of her head came into contact with the doorjamb. She stared up at him, his face getting fuzzier and fuzzier the closer he came.

She gulped then panicked. Said almost spastically, "Did you know that Mistletoe actually means ‘dung on a twig’?”

She cringed inwardly, mortified by what she’d said. She swallowed painfully then dragged in a harsh breath before she choked. Wished she could sink into the floor and be done with it.

Lex straightened slowly then cleared his throat, a slight frown creasing his brow as he responded, “Is that right?”

“Yes,” she squeaked, her breath catching in her throat as she struggled to not babble incoherently. She swallowed again, her hands twisting together behind her. “Fascinating, isn’t it?”

Lex raised a brow at her, muttered, “Indeed.”

She looked away from him, unable to meet his penetrating gaze. She didn’t know what she was doing, but she didn’t want to do anything that would jeopardize their relationship. And she was certain that letting him kiss her would be an obstacle their friendship didn’t need and the risk wasn’t worth the brief zing a kiss would bring. Or at least she didn’t presume so.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts, straightened her spine and glanced over at Lex. She couldn’t stop the smile that played on her lips nor the shiver that ran down her spine.

He was still standing much too close, his arm brushing hers at the slightest movement. She could smell him, a richly expensive spiciness that she only associated with him. She could feel the heat radiating off of him and had to stop herself from leaning closer.

He wasn’t looking at her when he asked quietly, “What are you afraid of, Chloe?”

She blinked, surprised by his question. “Nothing.”

He looked at her, eyes bright on hers as he replied, “Liar.”

She glared at him, crossed her arms over her chest protectively and wished she could sink into the floor in order to avoid this conversation. She sighed, muttered again, “Nothing.”

Lex continued to gaze at her silently, a deep quizzical expression on his face. She squirmed, unable to stop the discomfort of having his eyes focused on her so intently. Had to fight back the urge to run, hide.

Then Lex shuddered, just the faintest bit and only for the tiniest of seconds, but Chloe saw it. Saw the look of unease roll over him and then the shutter of normal coolness quickly sliding into place. As if it had never really happened at all.

But for that tiniest of moments it was as if he’d been emotionally naked before her. As if all the games and trickery and bad feelings had been stripped away and all that was left was a deep longing for something touchable and real.

Her breath caught in her throat, her hands fisted at her sides. Her mind scrambled for a suitable response, afraid if she let this moment slip by she’d never get the chance again.

Came up with nothing as she stood there gaping at him stupidly. Did the only other thing she could thing of and reached out, grasped his suit jacket on both hands and yanked him up against her.

His body tensed and his eyes widened, but he didn’t pull away and his gaze didn’t break from hers. There was no blinking, no breathing, just the steady thump of their hearts pounding and the music thumping in the background.

Chloe frowned, searched his eyes for the slightest hint of that moment, of that other side of Lex he so rarely revealed to anyone.

Her lips parted and she took a deep breath then exhaled slowly. She shook her head, relaxed her grip on his jacket and started to pull away.

And there it was again, the tiniest glimmer of regretful hope reflected in his eyes.

Her hands on his jacket tightened, a small burst of fierce yearning bubbling up inside her. She leaned in a bit closer, inhaled his scent deeply, unable to stop the sound of pleasure the small act brought her.

His nostrils flared, his eyes sparked and his hands came up and gripped her wrists loosely. He tugged, easily removing her hands from his jacket a he pulled her fully against him. He released her wrists, one hand moving to cup the back of her head and the other to rest easily on the silky curve of her waist.

He bent his head, stopped just shy of touching his lips to hers, gazes locked. She’d never seen him like this, never thought for a moment that his foolery had been anything other than a comical competition between almost friends.

She held her breath, unable to release the tension in her body. She didn’t pull away from him, but she also didn’t lean closer. She wanted to melt against him, wanted to mold her body to his and sink into the hot plains of him.

“Relax.”

“You first ,” she replied breathlessly.

He laughed, the low rumble vibrating through her and she relaxed a bit, her hands coming up to rest on his chest. She couldn’t help but smile, found herself laughing along with him.

Then she met his gaze again and the laughter caught in her throat. He was staring at her, raw need radiating from him and into her. Heat built in her gut, rushed up over her until she was gasping with it and she searched desperately for something to say.

Came up with nothing as she stood there staring at him stupidly. Did the only thing should could think of and grasped his face in her hands and closed the distance between them. She pressed her lips against his tentatively, her heart fluttering in her chest as she let herself melt against him.

He didn’t move, but his hand tightened in her hair and she felt his lips curve beneath hers as he smiled. His breath hitched and a low moan whispered between them as she touched her tongue against his lips.

He opened for her and their tongues touched, retreated. He groaned softly then adjusted his hands on her, his lips and teeth and tongue hungry and firm.

She angled her head to the side, deepened the kiss as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his. She moaned into his mouth, pushed her breasts against his chest, her pelvis against his.

And for the first time in her life, Chloe Sullivan felt weak in the knees. She rubbed her tongue along his, nibbled his lips with her teeth. Resisted the great urge to kick one high-heeled foot back and swoon.

Her heart raced in her chest, her breath ragged as she eased back from the kiss. She pressed her cheek against his, inhaled deeply through her nose and let herself enjoy the brief moment of peace.

“What was that for?” His voice was thick, his breath tickling the side of her neck. He licked his lips slowly and his tongue grazed her pulse.

Slowly he released his grip on her and he stepped back until there was a few inches of space between their overheated bodies.

Chloe paused in adjusting her clothing, used every ounce of strength she could muster to steady her breathing and answer coherently, if not a little hurriedly.

“Merry Christmas, Lex.”

His lips twitched, his eyes twinkled. “Sorry I didn’t get you a present.”

She shrugged, smiling up at him as neutrally as she could muster. Knew she failed even as she said, “That’s alright. It’s not like it really cost me...much.”

“Well, there’s always next year.” Lex murmured, his eyes intent on her lips.

“And you better start looking now,” Chloe stated cheerfully. "There's only 365 shopping days left until next Christmas!"



The End

:blinkkiss

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So it wasn’t that she usually disliked holidays, it was just that she disliked Christmas. All that fake cheer and forced goodwill. It got on her nerves and made her want to slap random people silly.

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Heh. I’ve felt that way before myself.

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Or, as this particular case would have it, it made her want to slap Lex Luthor silly.

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Ha! I’ve felt that way too. Plus, I love the punch of that line.

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What she really hated was having to raise her level of disgust to a level bordering on outright disdain because the last thing she wanted to happen was for him to take the hint and leave her alone. No, she liked things just the way they were and having him suddenly smarten up and leave her be would ruin all of her holiday plans.

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I’m a little confused and quite intrigued by Chloe’s mood here. Obviously, what she’s feeling seems quite contrary and contradictory, but that’s only to be expected, given she’s a woman in a bad mood and Lex Luthor is getting on her nerves. But still, I’d like some details.

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He’d intentionally tricked her into arriving at his mansion on the same evening as his annual Christmas party. According to countless folks she’d spoken with throughout the week the party they’d attended the previous weekend had been a success and everyone had enjoyed themselves immensely. Which meant that he’d gone so far as to get everyone else to lie to her about when the lame party had been and he also must have provided them with transportation because not one extra car was anywhere in sight as a warning to her as she pulled up the long driveway.

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That sneaky bastard! I’m really intrigued now about the state of their relationship.

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“Aren't gingerbread houses a little sinister?"

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Was this one of the challenge lines? It’s a great one, and nicely woven into the story!

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"Did you know that Mistletoe actually means ‘dung on a twig’?”

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This one too?

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“Relax.”

“You first ,” she replied breathlessly.

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I loved, loved this bit! Fantastic.

The kiss was excellent, by the way.

I’m still curious about their whole relationship—how they got that way and what their history is. So the only answer will to be to write a few more stories with this version of Chlex.

Please?

Wow that was both hot and funny. Why don't they just get it over with? LOL:rofl:

Thank you for this wonderful story^^
"Resisted the great urge to kick one high-heeled foot back and swoon."= this line touch me so much.

You have left me intrigued!!!

Can I has more please?

Well worth the wait. It was wonderful.
And funny! And Hot!

You made me feel like Christmas happened again!

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Originally Posted by JosiCuervo

He bent his head, stopped just shy of touching his lips to hers, gazes locked. She’d never seen him like this, never thought for a moment that his foolery had been anything other than a comical competition between almost friends.

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I was reading over this again. I love the bit above. I really appreciate stories where we see that first spark of attraction in a relationship that has previously been without it. I love it! And I really think it deserves a little more development.

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Originally Posted by bklyangel

You have left me intrigued!!!

Can I has more please?

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See! I'm not the only one who believes there's something more to be done with this particular version of Chlex. Valentine's Day is not too far away, you know.

what a lovely story.
Very short and sweet :)

That was lovely.

Wow... Must of been some kiss lol! Great fic!