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Thread: More than Meets the Eye (R) Update: 5/1/08 (Alternate S7)

  1. #91
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    Re: More than Meets the Eye (R) Update: 2/28/08, Ch.12 (Alternate S7)

    AN: This update is brought to you by Cinnaburst, because I miss that gum. Also, it was the one of the few gums that teachers allowed students to chew if only during standardize tests, something about the cinnamon helping concentration or increasing intelligence. Now that is a super power I can get behind. Buy all the Cinnaburst you can find and ship it off to the Smallville writers. And since it’s now hard to find, Big Red works well too. Also, I have nothing to do with the band One Republic, but I did listen to “Apologize” nonstop as I wrote this.


    The Problem
    Episode: Hero

    Chloe stood just a foot away from Lex as they watched the One Republic concert from backstage at Metropolis’ Concert Hall. The couple was in a private darkened corner away from anyone else standing backstage. No one would see when Chloe casually leaned into Lex’s chest. They couldn’t see as Lex smoothly slid his hands to rest around Chloe’s waist. Didn’t see as the two slowly swayed back and forth to the music.

    After a bout of new tests to discover the limitations of Chloe’s power and despite Lex’s constant urging for results, both were told that the information would take some time to gather. So Lex had decided that the two needed a break from thinking about the possible ramifications. Needed to do something where they could be a somewhat normal couple. Thus, the concert.

    Lex had been with Chloe during her entire examination, just as he had been the last time. The difference being that she knew of his presence and welcomed it. This time her eyes weren’t full of fear but of gratefulness and Lex stayed near her, even held her hand when she deemed it necessary.

    After the kiss in her apartment, they had agreed to some terms. The most important being that, for now, the relationship had to remain a secret. No one, especially not those close to her would understand. Another agreement is that each had to respect the other’s choices. Lex participated in certain acts that Chloe wouldn’t agree with because it was the best way he knew how to live his life. Chloe had her friendship with Clark that she wouldn’t give up because it was important to her. More often than not, moments would occur where they had to be on opposite sides, and they both knew that eventually it would come to a point of no return. But for now, they were going to try to start something. They loved each other. They both knew where the other stood, and still their feelings remained. When the time came, one was going to have to make the huge sacrifice. There was no getting around that inevitability. But neither was willing to forego their desires just because difficult times were ahead. What was the point in loving if one always expected the task to be easy?

    Chloe tried to remove Lex’s hands but he was putting up a fight and it turned into a playful struggle. “Lex, it’s sweet that you don’t want to let go and I know we’ve been through a lot, but I don’t want to be one of those couples who follow each other where we go. Especially, when the place I need to go is the bathroom.”

    Lex made a show of immediately releasing her, and she laughed as she went to find the nearest restroom. She sensed that Lex’s eyes didn’t leave her until she had turned a corner.

    Finding the bathroom through the labyrinth of hallways wasn’t that hard, but when she was done, she was finding it difficult to find her way back toward the stage. She noticed a uniformed roadie speaking to a young man and was about to ask for directions when she recognized the man with whom he was speaking.

    “Pete!” At that moment, Pete Ross turned around and immediately smiled when he had seen it was Chloe calling him. He finished his conversation and turned back to her. “What are you doing here?”

    Chloe took a moment to come up with a reasonable excuse. “I’m covering an interview with the band for the Daily Planet.”

    Pete looked perplexed with an added factor of knowing something she didn’t. “Strange, I don’t remember the band agreeing to an interview.”

    Genuinely confused Chloe asked, “How would you know?”

    “Because I’m an intern at Interscope Records and I’ve been assigned to work with the band’s publicist. Now, do you want to try again?” He folded his arms in front of his chest and dared her with his eyes to lie to him again.

    They had lost touch and she didn’t know about his new job or she would have would have been more careful. In her defense, she didn’t expect to meet up with an old friend while on a date with someone said friend would have hated. She and Lex had talked about what to do if anyone saw them together. They were just two people who knew each other and happened to coincidently be at the same concert because they enjoyed music. “Man it’s been a while since we last spoke. You caught me. I’m trying to get an interview with the band.”

    Pete seemed to accept this excuse because he gave her a knowing smile. “Still the same Chloe from the Torch.”

    “More or less.” She smiled to keep up the pretense. She didn’t like lying to friends, but she it had to be done. It was about time that she got to do so for her own sake instead of protecting someone else.

    “Well, I think I can help you with that interview.”

    “Great! But right now I just need to find my way back to the stage. I think the article would be a lot better if I actually listen to the concert. So I’ll meet up with you when it’s over.” She had to get back to Lex. He knew she could handle herself, but he would worry, especially in this city. If nothing else, he would wonder if she had some kidney disease.

    “I’ll escort you, and we can catch up until the band is done.” Pete looped his arm in hers and started walking down a corridor.

    Chloe knew she’d have to accept or risk explaining everything. “Sounds good.”

    When they arrived backstage, they were across the way from where Lex had remained. She caught his eye and gave him a silent apology as she jerked her head toward Pete. He saw her companion and obviously wasn’t pleased that there date had to abruptly end but he gave a slight nod. He didn’t remove his frown as he tried to pretend to watch the concert. Every few seconds he would look back at Chloe and Pete.

    Chloe had caught Lex staring a few times. He often looked as if he wanted to come over and punch Pete out before taking her back in his arms. At this point, she wasn’t so sure she’d object. She loved Pete dearly, but she knew her time with Lex would be far and few in between if they were going to be successful in keeping quiet about the change in their status.

    Pete had noticed Lex staring as well because he pulled Chloe closer to him so he could mention it to her. “What doe Luthor keep staring at you?”

    Chloe turned back to look at Lex as if this was the first time she had even noticed he was around. By that time, Lex had his eyes on the band. “Um, I don’t know. Are you sure he was?”

    Pete’s voice was urgent as he said, “Yes and he didn’t look to happy.”

    “Well, you know Lex and Clark aren’t friends anymore.” That was the truth and she didn’t need to say anymore. He would come to his own conclusions.

    Pete nodded his head in understanding. “Probably disgusted that the little people got the same privileges as him.”

    She knew that she couldn’t give away anything yet, and she was trying to calm Pete’s suspicions, but it would be good if one friend was at least okay with Lex. “I don’t think Lex is that petty. The lighting isn’t the best back here. He was probably trying to figure out why we looked familiar and who we were.” That made some sense. Why couldn’t she have thought of that excuse first?

    Pete scrunched his forehead in thought. “I bet I’m right. But just in case he’s up to something, I’ll stand on the other side to block his view of you.”

    Chloe tried to protest but knew it was futile. She watched the rest of the concert with Pete and tried to sound as him with they spoke about the past. But her mind was with Lex. She got an interview with the band, and the resulting article couldn’t make up for the fact that Lex wasn’t the one who took her home.

    She said goodbye to Pete at her door and agreed to meet up for lunch the next day. As she turned to open her door, Lex made her aware of his presence behind her. She let out a sigh. “I’m so sorry. That wasn’t how I wanted the night to end.”

    Lex agreed with a soft smile. “I know but we agreed to keep this between us for now.”

    She opened door and didn’t have to ask for Lex to follow her. As she shut the door, she said, “Pete saw you staring at me.”

    “What did he say?” Lex asked even though he pretty much knew the answer.

    “He believes you were disgusted with our mere existence in your space.” Chloe followed with a ‘What can you do?’ shrug.

    Yep, that was more or less what he had expected. “Well, he wasn’t entirely wrong about himself.”

    “I don’t want think about Pete right now and what he may or may not think. And I know you don’t. I just want to salvage the rest of this night.” She put her arms around his back and pulled him close.

    He ran his fingers through her hair before lowering his head toward hers. When he was close to her lips, he quietly said “Agreed.” Then, he kissed her and lowered his arms to her back. Together they awkwardly walked to her bedroom as they kissed.
    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    The next day, Pete made an early morning trip to the Kent farm. He wasn’t pleased to see Lionel there. He was surprised to learn that Lionel, Lana, and Chloe all knew Clark’s secret. While he and Clark played basketball, he let his feelings known.

    “Look, I don’t trust Lionel and I don’t think you should either. I’d list several reasons why but I should think they’d already be obvious.” Pete said as he threw Clark the ball.

    Clark knew Pete was looking out for him, and if Clark had to admit that he was never absolutely certain where Lionel’s loyalties lied, but he needed the man’s help from time to time. “Things have changed since you left Smallville. You can’t expect any of us to be the same people you left.”

    “Amen to that. I never thought Lana would have married Lex, and I’d certainly never thought you would take her back after she did.” Pete grabbed the ball back from Clark and made a shot as Clark stared in disbelief.

    “Lex did some bad things to Lana that I won’t discuss with you, but she’s not at fault at here.” If he were honest, it got more and more difficult to say that each time the subject came up.

    “I don’t want anyone saying that I stood up for baldy, but what could he have possibly done that was so bad and made her want to date him at the same time. I am assuming they dated before she married.” Pete stared Clark down as he waited for an answer.

    “Yes, they dated. But I push her to him.” He tried to finish that sentence as if he fully believed it.

    “How did you do that?”

    “I wasn’t honest about my secret.” That was true. He was certain of that.

    Pete nodded his head as if to contemplate this answer, but he didn’t hide the cynicism in his voice. “And she became so pissed at your dishonesty that she ran right into the arms of your greatest enemy?”

    That always seemed to be the point where Clark had trouble rationalizing Lana’s actions as well. He stiltedly answered, “Yes.”

    “But she still loved you?”

    Clark balked, “Yes…well I think…yes!” He finished with more intensity then he actually felt.

    “So she loved you, but her love for you wasn’t greater than her disgust for you lying to her? Not even a lie, you just didn’t tell her everything about yourself.” Pete didn’t even try to hide his displeasure. He intended to make his point.

    “Pete, why do you have to come here and drudge up stuff that has been dealt with?”

    He knew that an outside perspective was exactly what Clark needed now. He wasn’t there for all of the mess and could see everything with fresh eyes. “Because I’m not convinced that it has. I know that all you ever wanted was Lana Lang, but is it all that you thought it would be? I’ve just spent twenty minutes with you two, and I felt more love between my parents right before they announced their divorce.”

    Clark took the ball back from Pete. “We love each other. We are happy. Yes, we have problems but what relationship doesn’t.” He may have lost his advantage in believability because in his anger, he slammed the ball into the ground and it burst on impact.

    Pete let what happened to the ball go, but he wasn’t going to drop this argument. “And when you have to do something that she doesn’t like, she’s not going to run off to someone else?”

    Truthfully, the thought scared him. Clark was almost certain that that was exactly what Lana would do. Still he answered, “No.”

    Pete knew the truth and he knew that Clark knew it too. But if Clark didn’t want to say it just yet, then they’d move on. He had something else he wanted to discuss at the moment. “If that belief makes you feel good, then fine. I’m just trying to help. There might be something else that you need to be more concerned about.”

    “What’s that?”

    “I was at a concert last night, and I reunited with Chloe. While we watched the band, I noticed Lex there and he seemed…angry about me be there.”

    Chloe hadn’t said anything to him about going to a concert, but that wasn’t anything to be worried about. She had her own life. And he knew all about Lex’s intentions with him and his loved ones. “That’s not odd. Chloe and I aren’t his favorite people. But we are careful and keeping a close eye on his dealings.”

    “No, I’m saying. He seemed more upset with the fact that I was with Chloe, then that she was there at all. I didn’t want to alarm her, but I swear it almost seemed as if he was jealous. Is it at all possible that Lex is after Chloe for some reason other than you?”

    Clark had been worried about the possibility since he walked in on Lex’s memory. But that time was before everything that had happened in the last few years. It was possible that Lex also had some pleasant memories of their friendship as well. It didn’t mean anything. And the anger from the Lex in his mind could have been residual from any of the problems that he and Lex had. It just didn’t make sense for Lex to have romantic feelings for Chloe. He was certain that Lex still harbored a love for Lana. And he had to worry about Lex trying to get his secret from an amnesiac Kara. That’s what he’d seen from Lex over the last few months. That made sense. A love for Chloe didn’t, and he couldn’t risk splitting his focus three ways. He worried for Chloe. He worried she would over-exhaust her power. He knew Lex would want her for that power, for his secret, for a chance to hurt him, but not for anything else. “I’m sure that it wasn’t what you think. Yes, Chloe is at risk as long as Lex is after my secret, but so is everyone else who knows, and Chloe isn’t scared. She’s not going to stop living her life while we wait for Lex to take action. None of us are. And don’t worry; I’m sure Lex doesn’t want to do anything personal with Chloe.”

    He could almost say with complete certainty that he had nothing to fear when it came to Lex and Chloe becoming involved.

    TBC

  2. #92
    NS Full Member marcy2401's Avatar
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    Re: More than Meets the Eye (R) Update: 3/19/08, Ch.13 (Alternate S7)

    Great Chapter! Loved how Pete was tell Clark what he thought Finally Lex and Chloe are getting so where in thier relationship.

  3. #93
    Spunky Chick Senior Member hfce's Avatar
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    Re: More than Meets the Eye (R) Update: 3/19/08, Ch.13 (Alternate S7)

    What a great update. I am so glad they are giving a go at being together. But can I say Clark you are a dumb ass. Pete can see it as clear as day but like your relationship with Barlana your are naive as a box of rocks.
    "Everyone seems normal until you get to know them. "

  4. #94
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    Re: More than Meets the Eye (R) Update: 3/19/08, Ch.13 (Alternate S7)

    This story is really good.
    The last chapter was great.

  5. #95
    NS Full Member tatie87's Avatar
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    Re: More than Meets the Eye (R) Update: 2/28/08, Ch.12 (Alternate S7)

    Great update I love the dynamics between the characters. Clark needs to open his eyes and smell the CHLEX possibilities!! Can't wait for more.

  6. #96
    NS Full Member Gaia's Avatar
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    Re: More than Meets the Eye (R) Update: 3/19/08, Ch.13 (Alternate S7)

    Well of course, Lex could never have feelings for Chloe!

  7. #97
    looking for updates Senior Member somethingeasy's Avatar
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    Re: More than Meets the Eye (R) Update: 3/19/08, Ch.13 (Alternate S7)

    After a bout of new tests to discover the limitations of Chloe’s power and despite Lex’s constant urging for results, both were told that the information would take some time to gather. So Lex had decided that the two needed a break from thinking about the possible ramifications. Needed to do something where they could be a somewhat normal couple. Thus, the concert.

    Lex had been with Chloe during her entire examination, just as he had been the last time. The difference being that she knew of his presence and welcomed it. This time her eyes weren’t full of fear but of gratefulness and Lex stayed near her, even held her hand when she deemed it necessary.
    I loved the idea of Lex and Chloe working together to figure out her mutant powers and deciding how best to deal with them. It’s wonderful to see that they both trust each other to the extent where Chloe has allowed him full access to her abilities, and even submitted to being examined in one of his labs… because she knows that he has her best interests at heart.

    And I REALLY loved the idea of the two of them finally going out on a real live date together, at a fun, lively concert no less. Good choice! LOL! But it was amusing how they ‘needed’ some kind of excuse for the date. ‘They decided to go out because they deserved a break’… they needed to make up some rational reason for going out for a fun evening rather than telling themselves ‘let’s just go out for a fun evening’.

    After the kiss in her apartment, they had agreed to some terms. The most important being that, for now, the relationship had to remain a secret. No one, especially not those close to her would understand. Another agreement is that each had to respect the other’s choices. Lex participated in certain acts that Chloe wouldn’t agree with because it was the best way he knew how to live his life. Chloe had her friendship with Clark that she wouldn’t give up because it was important to her. More often than not, moments would occur where they had to be on opposite sides, and they both knew that eventually it would come to a point of no return. But for now, they were going to try to start something. They loved each other. They both knew where the other stood, and still their feelings remained. When the time came, one was going to have to make the huge sacrifice. There was no getting around that inevitability. But neither was willing to forego their desires just because difficult times were ahead. What was the point in loving if one always expected the task to be easy?
    heh, it’s interesting to know how very careful they are being with each other. They are treating this relationship as if it’s a delicate and fragile thing… that might end up destroyed from the slightest change in equilibrium. It’s a pretty scary basis for a relationship, but it seems like they are both determined to enjoy this for as long as possible.

    Hmmm, it IS going to be interesting to see what happens during that ‘time of choice and sacrifice’. Personally, I think they both are going to have to compromise a little bit, but Chloe is right in her thinking that one person is probably going to have to end up making bigger changes than the other. I can’t wait to see how that day of reckoning goes.

    When they arrived backstage, they were across the way from where Lex had remained. She caught his eye and gave him a silent apology as she jerked her head toward Pete. He saw her companion and obviously wasn’t pleased that there date had to abruptly end but he gave a slight nod. He didn’t remove his frown as he tried to pretend to watch the concert. Every few seconds he would look back at Chloe and Pete.
    I was VERY pleased to see Pete make an appearance. It’s been a long time, and it was lovely seeing Chloe re-connecting with an old friend. I guess he showed up in ‘Hero’? I’ll HAVE to check out that episode and see what kind of a role he played. LOL! I was pleased to see Pete, even though it cut into the Chlex date that was taking place during this chapter. Poor Lex… and he was getting all cuddly and snugly with Chloe too. It was SO cute how he was refusing to release her, until she mentioned she had to pee, LOL!

    Pete scrunched his forehead in thought. “I bet I’m right. But just in case he’s up to something, I’ll stand on the other side to block his view of you.”
    awww, dear sweet, protective Pete. Granted, I know he’s getting in the way of Lex and Chloe gazing soulfully at each other across the concert crowd, but I loved how someone was bristling with protectiveness over Chloe. It’s been a long time since anyone has made caring for her their top priority.

    “I don’t want think about Pete right now and what he may or may not think. And I know you don’t. I just want to salvage the rest of this night.” She put her arms around his back and pulled him close.

    He ran his fingers through her hair before lowering his head toward hers. When he was close to her lips, he quietly said “Agreed.” Then, he kissed her and lowered his arms to her back. Together they awkwardly walked to her bedroom as they kissed.
    Oooh, was that a hint of smut? Have they both gotten to the ‘sleeping together’ stage of the relationship? I’m glad that they were able to come back tonight even though the date had been rudely interrupted. But there might come a time when Lex (or perhaps even Chloe) become too frustrated with this secrecy and insist on going public.

    Pete nodded his head as if to contemplate this answer, but he didn’t hide the cynicism in his voice. “And she became so pissed at your dishonesty that she ran right into the arms of your greatest enemy?”

    That always seemed to be the point where Clark had trouble rationalizing Lana’s actions as well. He stiltedly answered, “Yes.”

    “But she still loved you?”

    Clark balked, “Yes…well I think…yes!” He finished with more intensity then he actually felt.

    “So she loved you, but her love for you wasn’t greater than her disgust for you lying to her? Not even a lie, you just didn’t tell her everything about yourself.” Pete didn’t even try to hide his displeasure. He intended to make his point.
    Oh YES, Pete! It’s about time someone started spouting out some common sense and hone truth realities about Lana’s despicable behaviour. All these things are so OBVIOUS, but I can see how it can take an outsider’s view to bring it into proper perspective. Did this conversation take place on the show? Oh PLEASE say it did!!!

    Pete let what happened to the ball go, but he wasn’t going to drop this argument. “And when you have to do something that she doesn’t like, she’s not going to run off to someone else?”

    Truthfully, the thought scared him. Clark was almost certain that that was exactly what Lana would do. Still he answered, “No.”
    Heh, I can perfectly understand that this would be a major issue with Clark with regards to Lana. After all… look at the girl’s track record. For the past seven years she’s flitted, flirted and gone through EVERY single available guy under Clark’s nose, even though she and Clark carried on an on-again-off-again relationship during that whole time… Clark kept his eyes faithfully fixated on Lana, and Lana only came to home when she was in between boyfriends.

    And do we really need to mention the whole ridiculous debacle that happened with Bizarro… when Lana said that she actually preferred the psychotic phantom as a companion and lover as compared to Clark?!?! For heaven’s sake! The girl is not capable of being faithful! She has a pattern of disloyalty and flightiness! WHY is Pete the only one voicing out this particular concern out loud?!?!

    Clark had been worried about the possibility since he walked in on Lex’s memory. But that time was before everything that had happened in the last few years. It was possible that Lex also had some pleasant memories of their friendship as well. It didn’t mean anything. And the anger from the Lex in his mind could have been residual from any of the problems that he and Lex had. It just didn’t make sense for Lex to have romantic feelings for Chloe. He was certain that Lex still harbored a love for Lana. And he had to worry about Lex trying to get his secret from an amnesiac Kara. That’s what he’d seen from Lex over the last few months. That made sense. A love for Chloe didn’t, and he couldn’t risk splitting his focus three ways. He worried for Chloe. He worried she would over-exhaust her power. He knew Lex would want her for that power, for his secret, for a chance to hurt him, but not for anything else. “I’m sure that it wasn’t what you think. Yes, Chloe is at risk as long as Lex is after my secret, but so is everyone else who knows, and Chloe isn’t scared. She’s not going to stop living her life while we wait for Lex to take action. None of us are. And don’t worry; I’m sure Lex doesn’t want to do anything personal with Chloe.”
    oh Clark, you selfish, self-obsessed, self-serving BASTARD! How DARE you!! I seriously hate him at this moment. I can see he has some real misgivings about the possibility of Lex focusing his attentions on Chloe, but he’s actively shoving aside these misgivings and thoughts because he doesn’t WANT to worry about Chloe as well as Lana. He doesn’t want to split his attention three ways over Kara, Lana AND Chloe too!

    The bastard! I know Chloe is safe, because Lex is madly in love with her. But Clark doesn’t know that Lex doesn’t mean Chloe any harm. What if Lex had been planning some kind of horrible, torturing, manipulative plan for Chloe, and Clark was wilfully closing his eyes to it? Clark is being a AWFUL friend to Chloe. He literally only acts like her friend when HE needs something, and makes himself ‘conveniently unavailable’ whenever she needs help. I am very angry and disappointed in Clark about this, and I hope Chloe gives him a good talking to about ignoring her whenever SHE needs help.

    I look forward to the next update. Good luck and best regards!

  8. #98
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    Re: More than Meets the Eye (R) Update: 3/19/08, Ch.13 (Alternate S7)

    AN: Okay, I’ve been watching several The West Wing episodes so that had a tiny influence in this chapter. But it’s not any quote that’s word for word, so I doubt anybody would be able to tell where it is.

    The Fight
    Episode: Traveler

    Chloe and Lex once again stood in Lex’s laboratory. The preliminary testing had gone well and now the doctors wanted to administer the final examinations. They were certain that if Chloe could harness her power and focus it so as not to use an excessive amount of her life force, then she’d be able to save a victim without risking her own health.

    Each volunteer had an increasing level in which he or she needed medical attention. Lex assured that all were volunteers had received their injuries through no fault of LuthorCorp. All participates were left unaware of Chloe’s involvement so as not to give away her ability.

    At the moment, she was taking a break from helping a young man who had received a head wound injury from a fall. He’d been in a coma for a little over a month. His mother had been reluctant to take him off life support. With Chloe’s help, he was not to full capacity, but the damage was repaired. He would need a few more weeks of care to be returned to the man he was before, but he was alive, awake, and the doctors assured her that this was more than could have been thought possible.

    Chloe had not collapsed. She felt a little faint, but nothing worse than car sickness. The practice to restrain her ability had helped. The doctors had monitored her during the early trials and noticed a significant falling in her heart rate. During the next series of testing, they stopped her just before her heart reached that level. Through repetition, her body eventually learned and would stop her from channeling the power any further on its own. Sometimes, Chloe made a conscious decision to stop without her body making the choice for her.

    She wouldn’t be able to completely heal people again like she had done with Lois or Lex. But she could restore them to a point where their own bodies would be able to heal themselves. Chloe agreed that this compromise meant she’d be able to help more people as long as she still lived.

    Lex was sitting next to her. When she didn’t have her head between her legs to prevent throwing up, she was leaning on his shoulder. “What do you say that when we are done with this, the two of us go back to the penthouse and have a movie night like we used to, hmm?”

    Chloe took a moment to check if she was feeling up to speaking, then replied, “Can’t. Kara and I made plans to have our first dinner together as temporary roommates. And before you complain, remember it was your idea for her to move in with me.”

    Lex was just about to make such a complaint, but he wasn’t going to admit it to her. “As much as I love any chance to piss off Clark, I know better than to anger you by allowing a strange female stay in my home. Strange in that I barely know her, not strange in that she’s weird…though considering that she’s an alien…”

    “I got what you meant.” She was getting more comfortable with the idea that Lex knew about Clark’s and Kara’s origins. Lex was a smart man and she couldn’t control what he found out on his own. “But that didn’t stop you from inviting Lana to move in with you.”

    “Actually, making Clark crazy wasn’t the only reason for that. I was hoping to spark some kind of jealous reaction in you. I wasn’t positive that you had any feelings for me, but I thought it couldn’t hurt. Plus, I never expected her to agree to move in without some kind of buffer. In fact, I suggested she ask you to move in under the guise that she’d be more comfortable.” Lex felt Chloe pull back from his embrace. Her face showed that she was completely surprised by his declaration. “It’s true. I wasn’t sure that you’d agree, but I thought maybe you’d do so to keep an eye out for Lana and make sure I didn’t get near Clark’s secret. I imagined you’d run interference between the two of us; do whatever possible to keep Lana and me from being alone. Then one day I’d questioned you about your actions, and you and I would have one of our infamous arguments and it would end with us having sex on my desk…or the pool table. I could never really decide.”

    Chloe went into a full blown smile followed by laughter. “You had a plan. I bet you even had a secret code name for it.” Feeling much better, she leaned in and kissed him.

    Glad that she was taking the revelation so well, he didn’t feel quite so stupid confirming “Persephone.”

    Trying to contain her laughter, she added. “I’m sorry your plan was ruined.”

    Wrapping Chloe in his arms and pulling her so she was practically on top of him, he said “So I am. Thanks to Lana, I had to go with plan B, and we both know how much grief that cost us.”

    “I wonder why she didn’t mention this to me.” Chloe retreated into her mind to try to find an explanation.

    Lex shrugged, “I’ve stopped questioning Lana’s motives. Other than that, there isn’t anything she can do to mess with me. Unless, she sought me out so I’d be force to listen to her whiny voice again. And I doubt that will happen often. I’m just glad that everything worked out.”

    Chloe decided to let it drop for the moment, but she would find a way to ask Lana about this when she had the chance. “Me too.”

    Tired of dwelling on the past, Lex changed the conversation. “So how much longer do you plan on Kara staying in your company? Doesn’t Clark have a plan to get her memory back?”

    “I’m sure he does. He’s still worried that you’re trying to get to her. Little does he know that you…” She stopped not wanting to reflect on where the rest of the sentence was going.

    Lex knew she was uncomfortable knowing he knew and not informing Clark that the jig was up. “You know you can feel free to tell him. I don’t know how you would without outing us, but if you want him to know. Whether it’s just about that or about us, I’m okay with him knowing.”

    She smiled at him gratefully. “No…no, I’m not sure what he’d do if he knew you knew. I don’t think he’d be able to handle that shock well. Probably freak out and try to over-compensate in the name of protecting loved ones. I don’t want risk him coming after you.”

    “I do know how to protect myself from him, but it’s your call. Just promise me, that if Kara says she’s being a burden and wants to move out; don’t try too hard to convince her to stay.” He hoped his joking tone would ease her, even if he was being serious for the most part.

    “Deal, but you should know that having Kara around, keeps Jimmy from bugging me. I can’t believe he actually thought I’d be willing to date him again. After he dumps me for her, he then wants to dump her because she’s…out of it. Of course the spark in the relationship is gone if someone can’t remember who you are. That doesn’t mean you ditch them.” Jimmy could be sweet but during that moment, Chloe wanted to beat her head against a wall for ever agreeing to date him.

    “Yeah, can’t say I’m too worried about him stealing you back." His actions betrayed his words because he pulled her even closer. "You are way too good for him. Too good for me too, but I’m going to let that slide.”

    “You are, are you?” She gave him a teasing smile.

    “Well, I have to because I love you. A more magnanimous guy would be willing to give you up, but I love you so much that I want to stay with you. No matter what anyone might say is better for you.” He stared into her eyes, waiting for her response.

    She couldn’t stop the tears forming after his profession. “I love you too, and that is exactly the kind of love that I want.” She kissed him again, and the two didn’t part.

    Not even when one of the doctors returned with the results. Said doctor was not stupid enough to interrupt and instead chose to step away and give them some more privacy.
    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    Meanwhile, Clark had entered the barn to retrieve the key for the fortress. However, he only had a moment to grab the book before a strange probe appeared out of seemingly no where. The probe was filled with kryptonite, and before Clark had a chance to remove it, he was consumed with pain. Soon more probes his him and he passed out. The book fell beneath the rafters and into the dark. A company of soldiers picked up his body and threw him in the back of an army truck. They did some quick repairs to make sure that nothing appeared out of place, per their employer’s request. However, all of them missed the book and ever important key.
    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    The next day, Chloe went to the Kent farm to have brunch with Lana. She found the brunette in the barn, feeding the horses. “I thought that was Clark’s job.”

    Lana turned toward Chloe. “He went to the fortress to ask for Jor-El’s help in restoring Kara’s memory and powers.”

    “Isn’t that dangerous considering what happened the last time?” Chloe noticed that Lana still went rigid to the slightest mention of her time with Bizarro Clark.

    “He doesn’t know what else to do.” Lana seemed to avoid eye contact as she concentrated on feeding the horses. They wouldn’t need to be fed for another month after she was finished.

    Chloe wasn’t a farm girl by any means, but if work meant that she wouldn’t have to listen to Lana’s troubles, she was all for it. She went to grab a brush for the horses; passing by a nook, she took noticed of something on the ground. She recognized the item as the book that Clark used to hide the key. Fearing the worse, she started searching the ground with her hands and found the octagonal disc. “Lana, Clark didn’t go to the fortress.”
    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    Lana and Chloe visited with Lionel, hoping he might have some insight into what happened to Clark. Chloe felt certain that he wasn’t being honest with his knowledge. He told them that Lex might have taken Clark, and while Chloe knew that Lex was aware of Clark’s secret, no one else knew that. Lex liked that Lionel had some false sense of security thinking his son wasn’t as smart as he was. And while Lex did hate Clark, at present he didn’t have a reason to show his hand. She knew Lex was waiting, even though he gave her permission, she knew he felt better keeping the knowledge to himself.

    Plus Lionel was behaving oddly. She could tell something was troubling him and he was too quick to give Lex as an explanation. She knew he was trying to keep the blame off himself, but she needed to have proof if she expected to find Clark.

    When Lana and she were far enough away from the LuthorCorp building, Chloe voiced her concern. However, Lana remained resolute in blaming Lex. “I don’t think Lionel can be completely trusted either, but I’m sure Lex is behind this. I know him better than anyone.”

    Chloe just barely resisted rolling her eyes, but she didn’t hide her scowl. “We can discuss just how well you think you know anyone, later but right now I’m certain we should focus our attention on Lionel. His behavior makes me believe he knows more than he’s telling us.”

    “No! I’m not wasting my time when I know Lex did this! And when I find him, I’m going to kill him.” Lana schooled her features into the best look she could for determination.

    “I don’t want to waste anymore time, but let me ask you this. Are you doing this to get Lex or find Clark?” Chloe knew the answer when Lana chose to turn and walk away.
    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    After an exhaustive search, Chloe found that Lionel had created a project which needed a Kryptonite-lined cage. Once she knew where the building was located, she went back to her apartment to get Kara. She wasn’t sure how she had managed to convince Jor-El to give Kara her powers back, but whatever she said, he most have known that she spoke from the heart and trusted her. Even after all their troubles, she still loved Clark like a brother and wanted to remain loyal to him. She hoped that love could remain as her relationship with Lex progressed, but she knew that would depend on Clark’s feelings.

    A knock at the door surprised her. She hadn’t had a chance to tell Lex that Kara had moved out. She had never really moved in. After everything both, Clark and Kara felt it would be best if Kara stayed on the farm, and between the two of them, they had everything out of Chloe’s apartment within minutes. Chloe asked Clark what he was going to do about Lionel, but he didn’t know beyond the initial confrontation. Maybe it was Clark at the door now to strategize what they would do about the elder Luthor.

    Unfortunately it was Lana, and Chloe doubted telling her she wasn’t in the mood for visitors would do any good. Wasn’t moving to Metropolis supposed to keep the surprise appearances down to a minimum and didn’t people still call before a visit? Opening the door, she asked “What do you need, Lana?”

    “What did you mean when you inferred I didn’t know Lex?” She crossed her arms and did her best stance and stare combination.

    “Just that. You don’t know Lex.” Chloe shut the door and moved to the couch. She didn’t need height to gain an advantage in an argument with Lana. Instead, she had a feeling this wouldn’t end soon and she wanted to be comfortable.

    “I was married to him, Chloe. I know exactly who he is.”

    “First of all, you and Lex never had a real marriage. So don’t pretend you ever cared about getting to know him. I know. I was the one you spoke to when you wanted to complain about your relationship. Second, you also claimed you knew Clark better than anyone, but that didn’t stop you from sleeping with his double.”

    Lana couldn’t answer that. If she said that she couldn’t tell the difference between the two, then she was an idiot. If she admitted that she noticed the change but liked him better, then she was a bitch. Her only hope was misdirection. “What is your problem? Are you still in love with Clark? I bet you’re still jealous that he chose me over you.”

    Chloe didn’t need to hear Lana’s defense. She had just wanted to say that for several weeks now. And now was her chance to admit what she had been thinking about Lana for years. “I stopped wanting Clark when I knew wishing wouldn’t make a difference. I moved on and for some unknown reason he still wanted you. So I’d try to be your friend and see what was so great about you. And for a while I thought I could see it. You can certainly play nice when it’ll get you somewhere, but the second things don’t go your way, you bail.”

    Lana actually backed away a bit, fearing an invasion of her comfort zone, even though Chloe hadn’t moved from her spot on the couch. “That’s not true.”

    “When Clark ran away and I told you I knew where he was and why I chose not to say anything, you got mad at me instead of respecting my decision. But I was right. I knew Clark needed space, and pushing wasn’t going to get him back. When I was the one who worried about the experiments Lex was doing, you didn’t care. Not until you supposedly got caught in one.”

    So what if she did get mad those times. That was her right. Even if things turned out exactly as Chloe said. That wasn’t really bailing out. “I did. My life was ruined because of what Lex did to me.”

    Chloe wanted to laugh if it didn’t seem so sad that Lana believed her life destroyed. Damaged, yes, but it was nothing so horrible that her life didn’t pick right back up where it had left off before her relationship with Lex. “Ruined how? You still have Clark. You aren’t married to Lex anymore. Admit it, you no longer care about what Lex is doing, you just want to make him pay.”

    So what if she did? Lex was a bad guy. He deserved to be punished for what he did to her. “Okay, yes I do. You happy now? Is that so wrong? Should I hate myself because I want to hurt him like he hurt me?”

    “It is when that becomes more important than helping people. What good did you do for Clark today by trying to find a way to blame Lex? What did you find that would have helped Clark?”

    She had searched and searched Lex’s records but found nothing that would have hurt Clark. She couldn’t even find out any more information about the meteor infected projects that he had been doing. She wondered when Lex had gotten so good at hiding his dealings; it was so easier when she had first started the Isis Foundation. The information practically fell into her lap but she believed that was because she had become so good at hacking, so Lex had recognized her worth and stepped up his game. She would have to purchase more self-help books. She hadn’t tried An Idiot’s Guide to Hacking yet. “Nothing, but that doesn’t mean I was wrong. Someone should be watching him.”

    “I’m not going to deny that Lex does and has done questionable acts. I know he’s done horrible things.” That knowledge had Chloe asking why she loved him every day since she admitted her feelings. But the answer always came that no matter she couldn’t stop. She would always love him, just as a believer would continue with his faith even though he may deal with unanswerable doubts every day. “But there are priorities in all of our lives. And though I have my own need for retribution, that’s put aside when the people I care about are in danger. I’d make a deal with the devil himself, if I thought it would help someone I loved.”

    Lana was really starting to get annoyed at people thinking she wasn’t good enough for Clark. She missed the times when all she’d have to do to get sympathy was talk about her parents. “What do you want from me? Do you want to hear that you’re better?”

    “I want answers. You seem to be on this kick about how Clark has put you on a pedestal and you can’t live up to his vision of you. If that’s how you feel, then I want to know what you think you’ve done wrong.” Chloe knew admitting her own faults and living with them had helped her accept that she didn’t have to be perfect. Many of her faults were things she couldn’t change and wouldn’t change even if she could. Her mistakes had given her valuable lessons. But she thought Lana wasn’t in it for the lessons, instead it was just another excuse.

    Truth is that no one is perfect. But when perfection is all you want to be and all you are known for, your only defense is to claim ‘no one is perfect’ and hope people accept it without looking closely at your imperfections. It was Lana’s ‘Get out of Jail Free’ card whenever she did something wrong, but it wouldn’t help her where Chloe was concerned.

    “Fine, I’m wrong because I can’t turn the other cheek. I can’t live my life as if the last year didn’t matter. I want to see that Lex is destroyed and I will make sure that it happens. But I promise you that it’s not going to ruin my relationship with Clark.” She was almost certain Clark would forgive her when she put her needs first, he always had before.

    “I don’t need your promises. And I understand that you want to hurt Lex. I do. I wanted to hurt Lionel so much these past years for what he nearly cost me. But Clark needed him so I put it aside. Turns out, I shouldn’t have done that.” She wasn’t going to let Lionel get away with anything anymore. And Lex knew all about Lana’s plans, so she didn’t need to fear for him where Lana was concerned. He knew exactly what he was doing when he started this whole ordeal, and she knew Lex didn’t go forth without considering every possible outcome.

    “Good we’re on the same level. So why the lecture?”

    “Because I don’t understand why you went to Lex in the first place. I don’t get why you stayed with him as long as you did when everyone including Lex knew you wanted Clark.” She knew Lana was naïve, but even she had to know that going to Lex would hurt Clark. Chloe worried about just how much she would hurt Clark by dating Lex. But she continued because she loved Lex, and Lana couldn’t make that same assertion.

    “Did you forget the part where I thought I was pregnant?” Lana asked in an exhausted tone. Did she need any other excuse besides that?

    “No, but I also didn’t forget when you agreed to move in with him. Or when you thought about having sex with him.” Chloe snapped back. She wasn’t tricked into those actions.

    “I needed a place to live, and as for the sex… well I told you I felt pressured.” What was she supposed to do?

    “You could have lived with me. You could have asked Lex to let me move in to the mansion so you’d be more comfortable. And as for pressured, did you really need the after school special about how sex doesn’t equal love?” She knew Lana wasn’t as stupid as she often pretended to be in order to avoid blame.

    Lana averted her eyes as soon as the comment about Chloe living in the mansion came up. Her eyes widen with fear that Chloe might actually know how possible the idea was, but she quickly calmed herself by asserting that there was no way Chloe could know unless she spoke to Lex, and Lex had no reason to speak to Chloe unless scare information out of her. “Lex would have never gone for that. He never would have liked a reporter living in his home.”

    Chloe had been carefully watching Lana; she knew that Lana hadn’t forgotten to speak to her about living in the mansion. She certainly didn’t keep it to herself so Lex wouldn’t be bothered. Nor did she do so to keep Chloe safe. She didn’t want anyone around when she was with Lex. “Even still, moving in and having sex with someone while being in love with someone else, doesn’t seem like the best decision to make.”

    This was not what she signed on for. All she wanted was a simple answer as to why Chloe was angry with her. Normally, it wouldn’t matter, but with her and Clark’s precarious as it was, it wouldn’t do to have a rift with his best friend, especially if she couldn’t come out looking the better person. “I made a mistake. It happens to everyone. But that doesn’t excuse Lex for forcing me into that marriage. Or Lionel for that matter.”

    “Right, your pregnancy. Excuse me, your fake pregnancy.” Chloe had actually done the research that Lex had suggested months ago. Lana was indeed pregnant, but it wouldn’t matter now if Chloe brought up that fact. More likely than not, Lana knew that she was meteor infected and even if she didn’t, she probably wouldn’t accept it. And Chloe knew that if Lana knew the truth about her pregnancy, it wouldn’t change her opinion. She didn’t want a baby and was much happier with blame she could dish out and sympathy she could hoard. Chloe wasn’t happy with the actions that Lex took that night which led to Lana’s pregnancy, but the truth wasn’t going to help any. It wouldn’t change the significance of Lana’s actions since that night. “You know I always wondered why you were allowed to bemoan your relationship with Lex, but the second anyone else brought up your problems; it was all ‘You’re wrong. We couldn’t be happier. You’re just jealous.’ Guess you just wanted to preserve some dignity. And that makes sense if you really do feel forced into a relationship. But were you really forced?”

    What was Chloe talking about? Of course she was forced. Anybody could see that. “Yes, I was forced. I thought I was doing what was right for the baby when I agreed to marry Lex.”

    “Right by whose definition? Lex’s? Do you think if Lex had a choice, he’d have chosen the life where he parents’ marriage was so unhappy that it drove his mother crazy? Or would he’d rather his parents divorce and have his mother happy and healthy? What about your mother? For whatever reason, she chose not to try to raise you with your biological father? Maybe because she knew in the long run, it would be better for you to see her living with a man she loved then a man who would make her resent her life? I don’t know if that’s why, but ask anyone and they’d tell you it’s better to raise in a family that has love then one that’s just together because it looks right.” Chloe took a moment before she continued. Her throat was dry as she made her confession. “I love my mother and sometimes I still wonder what it would have been liked to live with her. But somehow she knew that it would be best if she wasn’t around. And I’m so grateful that she made that sacrifice, because I couldn’t have asked for a better life with my dad. It wasn’t easy but it was right. And you can’t tell me that you never gave some thought to not marrying Lex.”

    They had been down this road before. Everyone knew this history. Lana used it to back her actions, but for the life of her, she couldn’t figure out where Chloe was heading with all of this. “You know I was going to leave Lex, but Lionel stopped me. He threatened Clark’s life. Did you want me to tell him to go ahead? I chose to be unselfish and put Clark first. Isn’t that what you’ve been telling me to do?”

    Chloe paused as she got a mental picture of Lana grasping for life preservers when each of her reasons was popped with every argument Chloe made. “So why didn’t you tell Clark that Lionel was threatening him? That information would have been helpful especially in light of recent events. Did you honestly think that Clark would have lived as long as he did if he didn’t know his own weakness and how to protect himself?”

    That was it. Lana had reached the point where she no longer answer Chloe’s questions in a way that would help her. If she could actually remember her past life, she believed that Isabel’s witch trial was just like this. “What are you getting at?”

    “You took the easy way out! No one can force anybody into doing anything. You either comply or you do what you want to do and deal with the consequences. Instead of choosing to side with Clark and fight whatever problems you might have had with Lex or Lionel, you gave in. Not because it would help Clark, but because it wouldn’t hurt you. And now here you are. You’ve got Clark. You’ve got some of Lex’s money. You’ve got your plans for Lex and Lionel. But I worry that if it gets too difficult to love him, you are just going to leave again. And then where will he be?” When Chloe finished, she didn’t lose eye contact with Lana. Even though getting everything out of her system was important, more than anything she wanted an answer. She wanted to know that Clark would have some security when it came to love.

    Lana didn’t have an answer for that. Certainly not one that Chloe would like. Because the truth was she didn’t know how much longer she could stay with Clark when it appeared their relationship needed more work than ever. Life was so much simpler when she didn’t have to deal with his secret. “Don’t worry about what I will do. It’s my life. And I have no doubt that if Clark’s in trouble; you’ll be there to save the day. You could never resist being Clark’s go-to-gal.” With that, Lana exited the apartment.

    Chloe knew that Lana’s comments were meant to hurtful. To emphasize how much of Chloe’s life had been about being there for Clark and rarely having moments just for herself. And that was true before, but not anymore. Chloe knew the moment would come when she’d have to walk away from Clark. She’d have to make a life for herself where Clark’s interests didn’t come before her own. She just needed to know that she wasn’t leaving him completely alone when she did.

    TBC

  9. #99
    Spunky Chick Senior Member hfce's Avatar
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    Re: More than Meets the Eye (R) Update: 3/27/08, Ch.13 (Alternate S7)

    BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!!! What a great update. I am so glad that Chloe gave it to Barflana. She let Blana know enough already yes!! I love how her and Lex are keeping it real and just going by it day by day. I can't wait to see where this goes next.
    "Everyone seems normal until you get to know them. "

  10. #100
    NS Full Member Gaia's Avatar
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    Re: More than Meets the Eye (R) Update: 3/27/08, Ch.14 (Alternate S7)

    Why can't they have these storyline is the show- I mean these are at least logical and brilliantly written!

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