A/N: I´d posted this fic in the Angst section because it is rather angsty, but then I re-evaluated my decision since I´m a romance writer and this fic is essentially a romance.
I have to warn you that, unlike the rest of my fics , it is pretty much plotless. I´ve been saving this one for the moment I ran out of fresh stories to post. I´m on holidays now so I hope my muse will inspire me again to finish the fics I have in the works. Some of you might have read it elsewhere.
To put it in a nutshell, this fic was aimed at playing with my readers´ minds- it was a piece for me to have some fun. Moreover, its structure is quite original for its purpose was to be read and enjoyed by more than one ship. Needless to say, I had to do a minor adjustment for this forum.
Sorry for my long speech! Enjoy!
Summary:Lex loves somebody he thinks is in love with Clark. Lana loves a guy she thinks is in love with Chloe.Chloe loves a guy she thinks is in love with Lana. Who will win this lottery of hearts ?
Title: Addicted
Rating: PG-13
Author: lexie
Disclaimer: all Superman and Smallville characters belong to DC Comics and Gough & Millar. No Infringement's intended.
CHAPTER 1: The One in my Thoughts
LANA'S POV
Today's Friday and, as every week, I'm heading to Luthor Mansion to go over the numbers of The Talon with Lex. I'm particularly pleased with the figures this time and can't wait to see his reaction when he reads about the results of my new promotion scheme.
I miss these weekly meetings with him while being away at MetU. Chloe's a great friend and room mate but Lex has always been my confidant and guide. I know I can ask him almost anything and be sure he'll have an answer for it. I need his advice because I have no adult to turn to- Nell's away and she has never really understood me- and besides, his self-assurance provides me with the confidence I lack most of the time.
Although I was angry with him for a while for interfering in my relationship with Jason, I understand now he was just trying to protect me. Lex's the only one who sees me for whom I truly am and that is scary at times.
I arrive at the mansion and Lex's butler, Stevens, opens the front door to let me in. He no longer accompanies me to the study for this is an established routine, and he's aware that Lex is expecting me. As usual, I find Lex sitting at his desk checking something on his laptop and- as customary- he folds the screen down when I come into the room. I've always wondered what it is he's browsing- e-mails maybe? The stock market? Some confidential reports? However, nothing has ever prevented him from devoting this time of day to our weekly meetings, and I appreciate that in a busy businessman like Lex. He always has a free slot to go over the numbers and discuss strategies for the least profitable of his investments.
I had always wondered why he had accepted my business proposal, knowing it wouldn't be a multi-million dollar deal, and he surprised me once when he said he had only done it for me. That was the moment I realised how much he cares about this friendship and what's important to me.
“Good evening, Lana. How was your day? “ he greets me with a warm smile.
“Hi! Busy but very satisfying, Lex, “ I answer, accepting his hug and chaste kiss on my cheek. “I've brought these figures for the new coffee vouchers, “ I say, handing him over the printed information.
“Very impressive, Lana. I thought your idea was worth pursuing but, let me tell you, I wasn't sure it'd work with the usual customers of The Talon. “
“Well, you were right, Lex. It has attracted some of the regular customers from The Beanery. “
“Then, you'll have to watch out. They'll try to come up with something more attractive to counterattack. “
“I have some tricks up my sleeve, Lex. “
“What are you thinking of? “
“My ideas aren't mature yet, but you'll be the first one to know, of course. “
“ Whether you like it or not, I'm a partner in this business. So the question of your not consulting me before putting the plan in motion has never crossed my mind, “ he adds with a smirk.
“I don't resent having to consult with you first, Lex. After all you're the businessman. “
“Well, you're turning out to be a terrific businesswoman, Miss Lang. “
“You're the best partner I could have wished for, Lex. “
When Lex finishes signing some cheques, I veer the conversation towards Clark. His poker face doesn't give much away, but something- call it a sixth sense- tells me he's not pleased, but he's too polite to say it aloud. I almost withdraw my question, but I can't help myself. I'm too confused about my feelings and I need him to help me sort out my problems.
At about seven I leave the mansion and get in my car. I thought talking things over with Lex would put my mind at rest about what's raging inside of me, but it's no use. I can't get the guy out of my head.
CHLOE'S POV
It's the end of the week and I'm travelling home to Smallville. I know I'm supposed to be on holidays but my column at The Daily Planet isn't on hiatus and, unless I want some upstart to step into my place, I have to keep up my good work. So far, the editor's pleased, and I'm happy to busy my mind with thoughts other than those of a certain guy.
As I approach the town limits I can make out the lights of Luthor Mansion. I haven't been there for a year, not since the trial. Things are rather strained between Lex and me now. If anybody asked me how we've arrived at this point, I wouldn't be able to give them a straight answer. We barely exchange pleasantries now and, the only news I get about him are through Lana- who, judging by the time it is, must be with him right now going over the weekly numbers. Clark's as pissed off with Lex as I am, though I don't know the reason. We've never talked about that. He's too busy again with thoughts of Lana, and I'm aware of what he's like when she's around.
I try not to think about the guy that's constantly in my thoughts, but I can't help myself and being in Smallville certainly makes things even worse.
LEX'S POV
Lana has just left and, as usual, ended our weekly meeting asking for my advice on her rapport with Clark. I haven't got the heart to tell her I don't want to talk about him. I saw the look in his eyes when he arrived at the airport the day Lana was leaving for France, and I could read the hurt in them. I tried to talk with him before he gave his testimony in court, but he cut me short and... What the hell ! I'm tired of asking for forgiveness.
I went to the airport because I couldn't let her go away like that- Clark should have set his priorities straight. If I could make the time to see her off, even when I had to be in court at the time, so should he. He was the boyfriend then, not me!
These weekly meetings invariably turn out to be about Clark and, although I try hard not to resent him, I can't help myself. He's constantly in the thoughts of two women while I'm here alone, pining for a girl who I think I don't deserve and who doesn't know I love her.
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