Andariel's Journal

New year, new job -- yay!

Tue, 13 Jan 2004 22:55:50 GMT

I meant to post this last week, but things got away from me, as they have been wont to do recently.

The reason I've been mostly absent since November is that I was interviewing for several jobs in December. The last week of the year, I got an offer, and I'm going to be starting at a new company at the end of this month *dances*.

I'm really excited about the new job. It's more money, a better working environment, the whole nine yards. To those of you who are currently looking for work, I offer some measure of hope -- I received more offers/interviews/hits on my resume in the month of December alone than in the previous nine months I searched. Looks like that economic recovery is *finally* coming to pass.

Anyway, with all of this change comes the inevitable lack of free time, which is why I've been pretty much invisible here of late. I'm guessing that will continue while I'm doing the weekly travel/temporary housing shuffle, as well as settling into the new job, new home, etc.

Just wanted to share my excitement, and explain myself so no one would think I'd been kidnapped by gypsies or anything *g*. If y'all need to get in touch with me, I'll be reachable by email *hugs*

Fic -- Smallville Holiday Challenge

Mon, 05 Jan 2004 17:41:00 GMT

I've been away from LJ again (did'ja notice? LOL) due to RL stuff. I have more news to post, but it'll have to wait until after work since I'm just doing this quick-like over my lunch break.

This story was for the Smallville Holiday Challenge. Requested by svmadelyn: "Lex is tired of spending Christmas alone" (Clark/Lex). Hope you liked it, Madelyn! *hugs*

A Long December

It's been a long December and there's reason to believe
Maybe this year will be better than the last
-- A Long December, Counting Crows --

The ballroom of the Metropolis Grand Marquis swarmed with the power elite. Lionel Luthor's annual Christmas Ball attracted the cream of society, all of them dressed to the nines and schmoozing as though it were a professional vocation.

Being surrounded by people didn't prevent Lex from feeling completely alone.

He took a sip from the glass in his hand and moved around the edge of the dance floor. While most people anticipated this event, his was a command performance. Lex longed for the days when hiding in the coat closet wouldn't precipitate another round of enforced "quiet contemplation" at Belle Reve. The drone of voices mingled with the sound of schmaltzy Christmas music being performed by the demi-orchestra at the far end of the room; Lex couldn't decide which was more irritating.

Lex slipped back over to the bar for a refill, confirming the bartender's query that he still didn't want anything stronger than the mineral water with lime he'd been drinking the entire party. The dulling buzz of alcohol might make the soiree more tolerable, but he needed to keep his head clear. More than ever, Lex knew better than to drop his guard around his father.

Speaking of the devil... Lex scanned the room and spotted Lionel in deep conversation with Senator Hodges on the far side of the dance floor. Knowing those two, the posturing would consume his father's attention for at least long enough for Lex to get some air. He casually moved toward the doors, stopping a few times on the way to make small talk when he couldn't avoid being cornered.

Setting his glass on a side table, Lex strolled out into the lobby and took his first unencumbered breath in hours. Just a breath of freedom before he had to resume his pretense, but it suddenly didn't seem to be enough. The exit doors of the hotel beckoned silently, lightly falling snow shimmering through the thick glass. He decided almost subconsciously and began walking when the ballroom doors opened behind him. "Lex? Where are you going?"

So near and yet so far. Lex didn't turn around to answer his father's query. "To get some air."

His father stepped around him to look him in the eyes. Something in Lex's expression made Lionel hesitate before speaking. "Fine, but don't be too long. Representative Logan is heading a study on the effects of encroaching industry on agricultural communities, and I want you to talk to her about the Smallville plant."

"I'm trembling with anticipation," Lex replied. His father's face stiffened, and Lex sighed with resignation. "I'll take care of it. I just need a little time to myself first."

Lionel nodded and headed back into the ballroom without another word. Lex continued toward the doors and stepped out into the crisp December air. He spent a few minutes watching the snow coat the trees and street signs in a powdery glaze and breathing deeply.

Once the tightness in his chest felt bearable, he signaled for the valet.

--*--

The smell of hospitals in winter
And the feeling that it's all a lot of oysters, but no pearls

Lex's car greedily ate the miles of highway as he continued talking himself out of turning around. He could have gone to the penthouse, but that would have been the first place Lionel would have looked for him when he realized Lex had deserted the party. His habit was to spend the entire week between Christmas and New Years in Metropolis, but Lex needed more than a change of scenery.

When he arrived in Smallville, Lex stopped briefly at the mansion. While he hadn't figured out exactly where he was going or what he was planning to do, he could at least get an errand run before he made the decision. As he neared the Kent's driveway, he doused the headlights. He pulled in slowly and placed the car in park without turning off the engine.

Taking the small pile of gifts from the passenger seat, he walked up the steps and placed them on the porch before turning away. Someone would find them soon enough. Lex was on the bottom step when he heard the door open. "Your Santa imitation could use some work, Lex."

Lex smiled in spite of himself and turned to look up at Clark. "How's that?"

Clark bent to retrieve the boxes, then straightened up and shot Lex a grin. "Delivery via fireplace, not porch. And Santa wears red and white, not black and purple."

"I'll make a note," Lex replied. Realizing that he needed to make a quick exit, his smile faded a little. "Merry Christmas, Clark. Give my best wishes to your parents."

He didn't even get turned halfway around before Clark spoke. "You're not getting away that easy. We're just about to sit down to dinner. Come on in and join us."

Lex swallowed against the impulse to say yes. The thought of spending the remainder of Christmas with people he cared about made the idea of leaving feel hollow and lonely. "I shouldn't, I..." He gestured vaguely toward his car and continued, "I need to..."

Clark walked down the steps, juggling the packages under one arm and using his freed hand to clasp Lex's shoulder. "You need to stay. Santa always has milk and cookies."

Lex laughed in spite of himself. "You're very persuasive, Clark."

The hand on his shoulder tightened briefly. "Good." Clark shot a somewhat nervous glance over his shoulder at the door before turning back to him. "There's a present I wanted to give you before we go inside."

"That's rather cryptic," Lex replied with a smirk. "Just let me turn off the car, and-"

Lex's words stopped when soft, warm lips covered his. Just lightly pressing at first, wordlessly asking until Lex got over his shock and responded. Clark's hand left his shoulder and closed around Lex's nape as he deepened the kiss, softly rubbing their lips together until Lex's mouth opened to him on a sigh. Clark's kiss was deeply sensual and slow, not demanding, offering whatever Lex would take from him. Their tongues twisted together like river reeds, caressing and stroking until Clark released him.

They both drew shaky, harsh breaths. Lex watched Clark's throat work as he swallowed hard and licked his lips before speaking. "I want you to know that I realize I've made mistakes, but I'm going to do better this time. I won't let you down again."

Lex had no idea what the speech was about specifically, but the sentiment was clearly heartfelt. "I believe you, Clark."

A brilliant smile crossed Clark's face. "Merry Christmas, Lex."

"I think it's safe to say it will be a happy New Year, too," Lex replied as he pulled Clark down for another kiss.

If you think that I could be forgiven... I wish you would

-- End --

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the entries from the Challenge. I haven't even read what was written for me yet *shakes head*. Anyway... more from me later. Missed you guys! *hugs*

Gayest. Toys. EVER.

Tue, 09 Dec 2003 04:19:22 GMT

I've been on LJ vacation again. The holidays always kill my free time in a big way. Hope everyone in the states had a great Thanksgiving!

I found something tonight and have to share it, because dude... *boggles*. I went looking for information on Justice League toys (because I am 12 *g*) and found out that Mattel has designed the gayest. Toys. EVER. for release in early 2004.

Check. This. Out.

happyminion and I had a chat conversation that went something like this:

andariell: Bats in PURPLE?????
happyminion: whoa, must go see.
andariell: He looks terribly gay in that
andariell: And check out Clark's BOOTS
happyminion: okay, bats in purple looks stupid...but Andy...look at those green...square things behind Supes.
andariell: *giggles hysterically*
happyminion: Ummm
happyminion: Do you see penises on them?
andariell: DUDE
andariell: Bwahahaha!
andariell: OH GOD
andariell: Yeah
andariell: Phallic as all hell
andariell: KIDS TOYS
andariell: *boggles*
andariell: That's like the penis castle on the movie poster for The Little Mermaid
andariell: And dude, the accent colors on Bats... that is dark pink
andariell: *giggles hysterically*
happyminion: PENISES!
happyminion: Andy, you have uncovered filth!
andariell: Bruce would not be caught DEAD in that
happyminion: *giggles*
happyminion: These are the gayest toys EVER
andariell: Look at Supes's launcher thing
andariell: MORE PENISES
andariell: Is the little tube thing pumping lube into the launcher?
happyminion: Bahahaha
andariell: Good god
happyminion: *falls out*
happyminion: oh my GOD.
happyminion: *shrieks*
andariell: GAY TOYS
happyminion: So so so so SO wrong.
andariell: *laughs hysterically*
happyminion: Oh my god, this is the dirtiest toy ever. *still giggling.
happyminion: You must email this to Lyra and Nifra. Or maybe even put it in LJ as your contribution.
andariell: Dude, it IS
happyminion: I will pimp it.
happyminion: I swear I'll point the world towards it.
happyminion: As I wheeze and sputter.
andariell: *giggle*
andariell: Well, I haven't posted in eons. May as well return with GAY TOYS
andariell: *giggle*
andariell: *goes to post*
happyminion: You so should! Tiny green peni!
andariell: HEEEEEEE

I'm still cracking up, man. Heeeee!

Popping in quickly at lunch

Fri, 14 Nov 2003 17:50:37 GMT

Just a reminder -- svmadelyn is still taking submissions for the Smallville Secret Santa challenge. You need to sign up today, so don't wait! You want SV fic or manips for Chirstmas, don't you? Go here for details.

On another note, I've been mostly absent from LJ since Sunday -- a new project has been eating my brain and I needed "LJ time" to work on it. I seriously doubt I'll be able to catch up with all the posts from nearly a week, so if there's something I really need to check out, leave me a link, please? *hugs*

Sat, 08 Nov 2003 04:23:16 GMT

I owe people replies, and I'll get to those soon (sorry!). This can't wait, though.

Run, don't walk, to lyra_sena's journal and read Fall Into. This fic is just... wow. Words escape me. I left barely coherent feedback for it, and I'm still lacking in words to say how much I adored it. For one thing, Lyra wrote one of the best first kisses I have ever read, in any fandom. Everything that should be there -- the hesitancy, the slow build, the sinking in and just... guh *loves*. More than that, though. The characterization is fantastic, too. Here's my favorite line, just to tempt you without revealing too much.

Clark's voice breaks into him, cloudy and full. "Lex, sometimes life doesn't look at all like how you've decided it should."

Go read -- you won't be disappointed.

Also, I'm realizing that I don't do recs often enough. Usually, that's because I'm reading things eons after everyone else has. I've decided that I'm not going to let that get in the way anymore. It's my journal, so I get to be tardy here LOL.

And! svmadelyn is looking for your opinion about an upcoming fandom project. Go speak your mind in the Smallville Secret Santa Challenge Poll!

*runs off to play in traffic*

SV

Thu, 06 Nov 2003 01:17:41 GMT

Ieeeeee!!!! You know what? I can completely ignore the barf-fest of the flashbacks because they gave us a Chloe/Lex scene!!!! SQUEEEEEEEEE!!! *bounces around*

Yes, I am easily pleased. SQUEEEEE!!!

Tue, 04 Nov 2003 22:58:27 GMT

Item the First -- My email is down right now, because illuminatedtext.com is switching servers. If you need to send me something, use this address for the time being: andariell AT yahoo DOT com

Item the Second -- I urge you all to watch 24 tonight. You are not behind! They are replaying the premiere episode tonight at 8:00 PM EST right before the new one airs at 9:00 PM EST on FOX. I cannot recommend this show strongly enough -- great writing, great acting, great production values. You don't need to have watched the previous seasons to understand what's happening, and I'll certainly be happy to answer any newbie questions if you have them. Watch it! (please?)

Tue, 04 Nov 2003 02:49:33 GMT

SQUEEEEEEE!!!

*loves on semisuper lots and lots*

You are the best, sweetie! Thanks so much for the present *dances*. I'm going to have to come up with a proper thank you gifty *hugs and smooches*

ETA: Sorry I haven't responded to comments yet. I'm trying to get another story done, but I'll try to get back to you all later this evening or tomorrow. *hugs*

Happy Birthday, goss!

Sun, 02 Nov 2003 20:33:49 GMT

You share your gorgeous manips and your enthusiasm. You give us SmallPark which makes all of us squee with love and laughter. I hope you have a day as lovely as you are, sweetie *hugs goss*

A little present, from me to you.

Title: Impressions
Pairing: Clark/Lex
Rating: NC-17

Impressions

Clark reached into the chip bowl and glanced over at Lex. The flickering light from the wide-screen television cast colored shadows across Lex's face in the darkened room, and Clark grinned. He reveled in quiet nights like this -- no urgent business for Lex, and Clark already had his assignments done. Rather than watching the show, he took a few minutes to observe Lex watching it. A faint smile lingered on Lex's lips, and it broke into a full fledged grin when one of his favorite lines came up.

Clark stretched his legs out, accidentally kicking the coffee table in mid-sprawl. He caught the glass of Coke before it fell over, taking a sip before putting it back on the coaster.

"Nice save," Lex snickered.

Clark flopped back against the couch cushions. "I thought so." He munched on a chip, then turned his head to look at Lex again. "Who's your favorite character?"

Lex glanced over at him, taking a sip of water before returning his gaze to the television screen. "It's impossible to choose. With a show like this, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. A true ensemble."

"Uh-uh, no coping out. There has to be one you like better than the others. Come on, Lex. Spill."

"Why do I get the feeling this information will be held against me, Clark? The last time I answered one of your random pop culture questions you used it to psychoanalyze me."

Clark grabbed one of the throw pillows and thwapped Lex with it. "That was a magazine quiz. This is just curiosity."

"Chloe does realize I haven't forgiven her for leaving that Cosmo within your reach, right?"

Clark rolled his eyes. "I'm sure Chloe is trembling in anticipation of your rage." When Lex nodded in clear indication that he didn't notice -- or more likely, chose to ignore -- Clark's sarcasm, Clark tossed the pillow at him. Lex snatched it out of the air without a word and stuffed it behind his back. "We had fun with that quiz, remember?"

Lex did look at him then, all shrewd smile and quirked eyebrows. "I'm not likely to forget it."

Clark flushed, heat running under his skin at the memory. He could do with a repeat performance of that night, maybe later on, if he got lucky. "You didn't answer the question."

"Which was?"

"Favorite character?"

Lex gave a nod, acknowledging Clark's return to the previous topic. With a glance over at the screen, he angled his head and replied, "Cartman. He says what he thinks and does what he wants. I admire that in a cartoon character."

Clark chuckled. "It doesn't bug you that the other kids hate him?"

"Not at all. It shows an independence that's admirable." Lex was clearly warming to his topic -- turning on the seat to face Clark and gesturing with his hands for emphasis. "When his friends told him to get rid of the evil Trapper Keeper, he stood up to them and did what he wanted."

"As I recall, that didn't end so well, Lex."

"Totally beside the point. I'm also a big fan of the 'screw you guys, I'm going home' speech." Lex had slipped into a passable Cartman imitation when he quoted the line, which left Clark stifling a laugh and Lex looking a bit surprised at himself. Lex cleared his throat and turned his eyes the screen, where the denizens of South Park were in the midst of battling a gigantic Barbara Streisand robot. "How about you, Clark? Who's your favorite character?"

Clark didn't even have to think about it. "Kenny."

Lex almost did a spit-take with the sip of water he'd taken. He swallowed hard and looked at Clark like he had more than a few screws loose. "Kenny?"

"Yep."

"The kid who no one can understand and dies every episode -- that Kenny?"

"Got it in one."

Lex shook his head. "Why Kenny? I mean, I'd understand Kyle. Even Stan, since you can identify with him."

"Huh?"

"Puking every time the pretty dark-haired girl shows up. Ring any bells?"

Clark frowned. "Not funny, Lex."

Lex smirked. "You're the one who confessed that you originally thought you were in love with Lana because her necklace made you nauseous." Clark threw another pillow at Lex, which he caught and dropped on the coffee table out of Clark's reach. "Okay, so tell me -- why Kenny?"

Clark shrugged. "Like you said, no one understands him. I get that. And... well, he dies every week, but he's alive again by the next episode. I like the idea of death not being permanent."

Lex scooted closer to him on the couch, hooking a hand behind Clark's neck and tugging him in for a kiss. Gentle brushing of lips against his and then Lex pulled back. "Good point."

Clark felt Lex's fingers slip up into his hair, playing with the curls, and he leaned into the touch. He shifted both of them, leaving Lex leaning back against the arm of the couch and Clark braced over him. Clark took one hand off the couch and started undoing the buttons on Lex's shirt. He whispered, low and with intent, "Do the voice again."

Lex groaned when Clark licked a nipple, then bit it lightly. "Voice?"

Clark's tongue trailed down Lex's chest to his abs, pushing the opened shirt plackets out of his way and thumbing open the button of Lex's pants. "The Cartman voice."

Lex arched up against Clark's mouth, urging him on. "You're kidding, right?"

Clark lifted his head, focusing on freeing Lex's cock from the opened fly of his trousers. He stroked several times before responding. "Not kidding."

Lex rolled his lip into his mouth and tried to pull Clark's head down with the hand cupping his scalp. Clark didn't budge. "Cartoon voices turn you on?"

Clark grinned, laving the head of Lex's cock and tonguing the slit. He lifted his mouth but continued the slow stroke of his hand down the shaft. "You turn me on. The voice is just for fun."

Lex stared down at him, amusement and frustration warring on his expression. "Clark..."

Clark stopped the movement of his hand, mimicking Lex's tone of voice. "Lex..."

Lex dropped his head back against the couch arm, bouncing it there a few times before lifting it again. "All right, Clark, I'll-" His voice broke off in a hiss when Clark removed his hand and licked stripes up and down Lex's cock. Clark started fisting the slicked flesh faster than before, and gave Lex an expectant glance. "Christ, Clark... okay... 'You will respect my authoritah' -ah! Fuck!"

Clark's cheeks twitched, aborting a reflexive grin around the hard flesh stretching his mouth. He ran his tongue along the underside of Lex's cock and sucked harder, his cheeks hollowing with the effort. His hand still gripped the base, and Clark lowered his head further until he kissed his fist. Lex thrust up against him, wanting more, but Clark closed a hand over his hip to prevent it. Keeping Lex in his mouth, his words came out muffled and unintelligible. Lex's hand tightened in his hair, trying to arch into the humming sensations despite Clark's grip, and Clark repeated the question, saliva escaping his mouth and slipping wet across his hand. He lifted off with a wet pop and looked up at Lex. Breathing hard, face flushed with heat, Lex returned Clark's gaze with hunger sparking in his eyes. "What do you think of my Kenny impression?"

Lex blinked, then a choked laugh-groan escaped him. "I'd say perfect, but I need a repeat performance to be sure."

Clark quirked a brow, grinning wickedly. "As you wish."

"Oh, God... we're going to have to watch The Princess Bride again very soon. I can't-" Whatever Lex had been about to say vanished into a sharp inhalation when Clark took him back into his mouth. Clark slid down all the way, removing his hand and burying his face in Lex's groin. He breathed deep through his nose and released his grip on Lex's hip. The silent signal registered, and Lex began pumping his hips. He fucked into Clark's throat hard, fast, perfect. Clark pushed air past his vocal cords, nothing resembling words leaving him, but the vibrations drove Lex over the edge. He pushed into Clark's mouth and came hard, body shuddering with the force of it as Clark sucked and swallowed throughout.

Lex collapsed back on the sofa, boneless and spent. Clark tucked Lex's cock away in his pants and crawled up Lex's body, sharing a kiss before nuzzling up underneath Lex's chin. Lex absently petted Clark's hair as his breathing returned to normal. "Perfect imitation. I was right the first time."

Clark chuckled, pressing a kiss into Lex's chest before replying, "I guess that means I don't have to practice anymore, then."

Lex tilted Clark's head up and nipped at his lips, pressing his thigh up against Clark's erection. "Bite your tongue."

Clark thrust his cock down against the pressure, increasing the friction. "I'd prefer if you bit it for me."

Lex kissed him forcefully, hot and wet, before pulling back. "I think that could be arranged." He slid a hand between them and cupped Clark's cock, giving it a squeeze and stopping his rocking motions. "Let's go up to the bedroom. I have a better idea in mind for taking care of this."

Clark's eyes flared. He leapt off the couch, holding his hand out to Lex and pulling him up. He purposely pulled just a bit too hard, tumbling Lex into his arms for another kiss. His hands closed over Lex's ass, squeezing there suggestively. "As you wish."

Lex kissed him again, then started backing toward the door. "Just remember, Clark -- You will respect my authoritah."

-- end --

Justice League

Sun, 02 Nov 2003 04:33:10 GMT

Holy. Shit.

Best. Episode. EVER.

*loves on Flash*

I should post something coherent, but I'm guessing LaT has already done that. I'm just going to be a pile of squee.

SQUEEEEE!

audio post

Sun, 02 Nov 2003 00:08:43 GMT

audio post powered by audblog

Productive!

Sat, 01 Nov 2003 17:24:11 GMT

Well, I finally did it. I got my website updated with all the Smallville fic I've written since the last update (February??? *groan*). Here's the reverse-chronoligical list:

Directory Assistance
When Chloe Met Eric (in Celli's Babysitting 'verse)
One Day Out of Life
My Best Friend's Girl
Massage Therapy
Present Tension (Flash Fic challenge)
More Than Paper
Thank You
Let Go (for Tara's Screw Clark challenge)
Going Under
Silicon
Breakable

*wipes brow* This is what comes from leaving nine months between updates. Not letting that happen again. I also updated the fic memories here in the LJ.

Still to be done:
Creating a page for other-fandom fics (since I dabble elsewhere occasionally)
Putting up the image gallery
Making a page for LJ icons
Put up a links page (the old one is horrifically out of date)
Submit some fic to the archives
And... probably something else I'm forgetting

Now that the update is done, I'm going to go read some LJ. Reward! Then, I really need to get some writing done... if I can figure out which WiP wants to talk today.

Wed, 29 Oct 2003 03:24:52 GMT

Oh...My...GOD!!!

Just watched 24

Am freaking out.

My poor Kiefer!! How could they do that to my Jack? *cries*

I'll be coherent eventually, promise.

But dude... dude, my show ROCKS (even when it makes me blither like an idiot).

Umm... any other 24-philes out there? I so need to talk to someone about the ep. I'm still shaking...

JA-AAAACK!!!!!!

Happy birthday, _nepthys_!!!

Thu, 23 Oct 2003 23:13:07 GMT

Before the season started, several Exile pics showed up at K-site. One in particular was of Clark in a phone booth (you know the one; the pic that launched a thousand LJ icons *G*), and it sent my mind to a very dirty place. The chat chicks seemed to like this, so I figured I'd finish it and share. While inspired by the pic, this has no spoilery content from Exile.

Title: Directory Assistance
Pairing: Clark/Lex
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Um, it's a PWP. Phone sex.
Spoilers: None
Notes: Happy birthday, _nepthys_ -- hope you like! Also for semisuper's Talk Dirty To Me challenge (if it's still open). Thanks to lyra_sena for the beta.
Feedback: Makes me smile. Please click the comment button, if you are so inclined.

Directory Assistance

"Unbutton your shirt."

Clark blinks. He holds the phone away from his ear and looks at it as though it's just grown tentacles. "Lex, I told you, I called your cell from a phone booth. I can't-"

"Yes, you can. Look around. Do you see anyone?"

Clark turns his head, and the street does seem deserted. Not surprising at 4 AM, just off campus. He'd wanted to call where he'd have a little privacy, because whining to your mogul boyfriend that he’s been away too long on his business trip isn't something that's done with anything resembling cool. And Clark's roommate is a light sleeper.

"No, but-"

"Then unbutton your shirt, Clark. Now."

Clark glances down at his shirt, and he could... His face heats, just thinking about it. Stripping in a phone booth. Who the hell does that? "Okay, Lex."

"You unbuttoned it?"

"Yeah." Clark shifts, a little uncomfortably, and tugs at his collar.

Lex's voice ices over slightly. "No, you didn't. I've told you you're a bad liar, Clark. One of these days, you'll believe me. Now... unbutton it. And don't lie again."

Clark flushes and takes another look around. Why not? There's no one to see him, right? He wedges the receiver between his cheek and shoulder, slips the buttons through the holes quickly, and blows out a nervous breath.

"Okay, Lex. My shirt is unbuttoned. Now why-"

"Is it tucked in?"

"Yes, I-"

"Un-tuck it, and undo the rest of the buttons."

"Lex? This is-"

"Do it, Clark."

Lex's voice commands in low, silken tones, and Clark doesn't know why Lex is doing this, but he's just going to go with it. He jerks the shirt out of his waistband and undoes the bottom buttons, leaving the tails of the midnight blue silk resting on his thighs. He'd worn this because it made him miss Lex less to feel the fabric on his skin. Lex had bought Clark the shirt for his last birthday, but it always felt too decadent to wear to class, so he'd only had it on twice before this. The last time he'd worn it was to a dinner at Lex's penthouse, and he hadn't gotten to the dry cleaners afterwards. Lex's cologne still clings to the fabric, and if Clark were to close his eyes, he could almost imagine Lex is with him, not in Madrid closing a deal.

"Okay... shirt's un-tucked."

"Good, Clark. Now, close your eyes."

Clark shoots a nervous glance at the street behind him. Still no one there, but that could change any instant, and a guy in a phone booth with his shirt open and his eyes closed? "Lex, you do remember the part where I'm in public, right?"

"Close your eyes, Clark."

Just a hint of steel under the smooth tone, and... okay, so it's a little weird. He misses Lex too much to piss him off and end up talking to dead air. He lets his eyelids drift down and finds his voice dropping for some reason. "They're closed, Lex."

He feels the warmth of Lex's approval through the phone line. "I'm with you now, pressed into that tiny space. Just the two of us. Nothing but four walls of glass between us and the rest of the world. Do you feel me, Clark?"

Clark's breath shudders when he exhales, and the moist heat of his breath brings the renewed scent of Lex's cologne to him when it hits the shirt's fabric. "Yeah..."

"What am I doing, Clark? Tell me."

"You... your hands are sliding up my chest, and you lean in and lick my neck."

"I know you like that, what else?"

Clark rolls his lip into his mouth, wetting it, his own hands coming up to finger his nipples. "You're kissing my neck now, biting down lightly, sucking. Then you move up to my mouth-"

"You can't talk if I'm kissing you, Clark."

"Right, so... you nibble across my jaw, and..." Clark pants out a frustrated laugh. "Lex, you're such a fucking tease."

"But I'm right there with you, Clark. I'm not teasing. I'm getting you ready. We're so close in the booth, almost claustrophobic..."

Clark picks up the thread, losing himself in the images behind his eyelids. "So close, it's almost like there's no clothes between us. I can feel every inch of you pressed against me, but I wouldn't let you any further away, even if there was more room to move."

"I wouldn't go anywhere. And I'm unbuttoning your jeans."

"Fuck... Lex, come on-"

"Unbutton your jeans, Clark."

He's not even going to pretend he can say no to that voice. Clumsy fingers unfasten the button, brushing against his erection and making him groan. "You... they're unbuttoned."

"And I'm slipping my fingers along the waistband, just inside, running across your skin. Do you feel it?"

Clark's fingers move without thought, mimicking the motions Lex murmurs into his ear. "Yes, I ... God, Lex. I can't take any more of this."

"You can, Clark. You will."

Clark leans his forehead against the wall of the booth, his sweat smearing the glass, stealing some of the heat from his skin. Lex's voice through the phone makes him even hotter, and Clark's waiting for steam to start rising off his skin. It's going to happen any second now. "Lex..."

"I'm touching you, now. Outside your jeans. It's so close in here, so tight, I can barely get a hand between us, but I know you need it, so I manage it. I'm pressing the heel of my hand on your cock, giving you something to rock against. Do it, Clark. Now."

And there's a tiny portion of Clark's brain that realizes it's his own palm cupping his erection, that he's humping his hand in a phone booth at 4 AM in the morning. Most of him is lost, living in the twilight world Lex is building with his voice. Clark pants heavily into the phone, writhing against the too tight denim of his jeans. "God, Lex... I'm gonna-"

"Stop, Clark. Now."

His body and mind both scream no, and he's seriously considering what kind of torture will be recompense for Lex doing this to him. "Lex, I-"

"Don't come, Clark. I mean it."

Clark lets his hand fall away, his cock swollen to near pain. He drops his head back against the glass wall of the booth, banging it a few times while he catches his breath and tries to contain his frustration. "Why, Lex?"

"Turn around."

When he does, he sees Lex leaning against the fender of the limo, closing his phone with a flick of his fingers. Clark bolts out of the phone booth and presses Lex against the side of the car before the call disconnects.

He needs Lex too much for talk to be the first consideration. Clark cups Lex's face in his hands, giving him a desperate kiss, sloppy and a little rough. Lex's hands slide around his waist, under the open tails of the shirt, and he's clinging to Clark as tightly as Clark is holding him. When Clark finally comes up for air, he breathes harshly against Lex's mouth, only moving far enough away to allow them both to draw oxygen. "You're not due back for two days."

So mundane, but he's not really thinking straight just yet and probably won't be for quite some time. Lex's hands wander on Clark's skin, as though he needs reassurance that the separation is over as much as Clark does. "I can go, if it's a problem."

Clark growls under his breath, and moves his hands to Lex's hips, pulling him in closer. "Not funny, Lex." Clark starts moving against Lex, needing the stimulation too much to stop himself. "How did you find me?"

Lex chuckles, nipping at Clark's lips before he answers. "I've found a new use for my reverse phone number directory and the limo's GPS system." He pushes Clark back a step, moving with him, and reaches for the door handle. "I think we should take this inside." He tugs Clark after him, ducking into the limo and sliding across the seat to make room. "There are some activities that a phone booth can't accommodate."

Once the door shuts behind Clark, Lex's hands do the talking rather than his mouth. He pushes the shirt off Clark's shoulders, and while Clark is shucking it the rest of the way off, Lex slides to his knees on the floorboard. He makes quick work of the zipper, reaching inside Clark's boxers and pulling out his erection. Clark moans, arching up into Lex's hand. Lex leans down, lapping at the precome pearling on the head of Clark's cock, and Clark yelps, his hips jerking off the seat.

Lex takes him in, and that's all the stimulation it takes to trigger Clark's orgasm. He comes in hot bursts into Lex's mouth, muscles jerking spasmodically. Black spots taint his vision before it blows white with sparks of light.

When he can think again, he sees Lex stripping down. The belt, socks and shoes already discarded, he's working on his pants. Clark catches Lex's eyes, and the expression in them makes his pulse accelerate again -- pupils blown wide, a slight flush in his skin, and Clark knows what's next. He inhales deeply, biting at his lip as a renewed rush of lust rolls through his system. He shimmies out of his jeans, dropping them and his socks to the floor.

Clark turns on the seat, coming up on his hands and knees, spreading his thighs until one knee is pressed to the back of the seat and the other is at the edge of it. He feels the cushion dip behind him when Lex kneels on it, then the press of a slick finger into him. Clark pushes back, feeling the pressure, spreading wide for it as another finger intrudes. They're both impatient -- Lex swearing under his breath, the stretch of his fingers in Clark's ass rougher and less skilled than normal; Clark ramming himself back against Lex's hand, trying to force his body to adjust faster.

When Lex finally withdraws his fingers and lines up the head of his cock, Clark's half erect again. He focuses on the grain of the leather seat beneath him as Lex slowly pushes in, a fraction of an inch at a time. So slow, but the hand applying pressure to the small of Clark's back reminds him to be patient, to not drive back the way instinct screams at him to do. Inexorable possession as Lex buries himself within Clark, agonizing delay until he's in to the hilt.

The hand moves out of the way, and Lex leans down, covering Clark completely. His chest to Clark's back, Lex turns Clark’s chin with his hand. Licking his way into Clark's mouth, tongues tangling with the awkward angle, before Lex leans back. His hands clasp around Clark's shoulders as he straightens, and using the hold for leverage, he starts to thrust. Hard, almost punishing in the intensity of the strokes, and Clark pushes back into it. The slap of sweat-drenched skin colliding; grunts of exertion mingle with groans of pleasure. Clark balances on one hand and licks the other, bringing it down to his cock and fisting himself in the same rhythm that Lex strokes into his ass.

Lex's rhythm becomes erratic, and Clark can't follow it anymore. Lost in the dual sensation of his own hand and Lex's cock, he's teetering on the edge of a second orgasm. Lex stiffens against him, calling his name, and Clark feels the heat as Lex comes inside him. Lex collapses against him, mouth breathing humid air across Clark's back. When he pushes himself up, he reaches one hand around Clark's hip, joining their fingers together around Clark's cock. It's more than enough, and a few more strokes take Clark over, come spattering their hands and the black leather below him as Lex gentles him with his other hand, caressing Clark's back and hips.

After Lex pulls out of Clark, they collapse next to each other on the seat of the limo. Heavy breathing gives way to quiet kisses and touches not meant to stir but to calm. When they've recuperated enough, they pull their clothes back on, the act of redressing interrupted by the occasional brush of fingers or lips. Lex tosses Clark a cloth to clean up the seat as he intercoms the limo driver to head for the penthouse.

With the quiet hum of the engine and the wheels on the pavement lulling him toward sleep, Clark stifles a yawn with the backs of his knuckles. Lex runs his fingers through Clark's sweat damp hair, smoothing the curls back from his forehead and not doing much of anything to dissuade Clark from letting his eyes drift shut. "I can't believe you didn't tell me you were coming home tonight."

Lex's quiet chuckle rings in Clark's ears, half-mocking his petulance, half-reveling in it, and Clark feels a sleepy smile spread slowly on his own lips. "It's called a surprise, Clark. Some people happen to like those."

"Not complaining." A yawn interrupts his words, and Clark snuggles down into the seat, resting his head on Lex's shoulder. "Just missed you."

"I missed you, too," whispers across a kiss to Clark's temple as he drifts off to sleep.

--- end ---

Gah... I need to update my website. Weekend project *nods*

Thu, 23 Oct 2003 00:27:33 GMT

Chatting with echoskeleton during "Slumber"

echoskeleton : And when will Lex show up?
andariell : Oooh
andariell : SOON
andariell : PLEASE
echoskeleton : Yes!
andariell : IEEEEEE!!!!
andariell : LEXY
echoskeleton : Yay!
echoskeleton : I'm psychic!
andariell : I wanna screw you Clark
andariell : That's "what's up"
echoskeleton : I'm watching this all closely.
echoskeleton : It'll hold me through the Lana scenes
andariell : Yep
echoskeleton : How does Clark know this?
echoskeleton : Sword?
echoskeleton : His dreams about Lex involve them holding swords.
andariell : PHALLIC MUCH?
echoskeleton : Okay...
echoskeleton : That holds no meaning whatsoever.
echoskeleton : Totally non-gay.
andariell : Not at all
echoskeleton : So Clark dreams of the Matrix special affects.
andariell : LOL
andariell : OH GOD
andariell : It's a FANFIC SCENE
echoskeleton : I love this sequence!
echoskeleton : IT IS!!!
echoskeleton : We need to be on the credit!
andariell : YES!!!
andariell : *loves this ep despite massive Lana*
echoskeleton : Yes!
echoskeleton : This has made up for all that Lana.
andariell : Oh HELL yes

Heeeeee! *goes back to watching*

Love to the Betas!

Wed, 15 Oct 2003 00:49:06 GMT

In honor of Beta Appreciation Day, I'm passing out some thanks to the current crop. They listen to me grumble. They correct my faults. They are more appreciated than I can express in words *loves on the betas*

happyminion who always says yes when I cry for help and never lets me get away with writing an easy ending that doesn't work.

lyra_sena who doesn't listen when I say "It's just porn." She makes sure I don't cut corners, ever.

nifra_idril who knows where and when to cut my disturbing abuse of descriptive phrases. Ahhh, simplicity.

tstar78 who makes me giggle by teasing me about my typos as well as correcting them.

Thanks also to the audiencers (including the four ladies above), who suffer through my tense shifts and bizarre typos when I write in AIM: kormanfan, celli, mistiec, and others I know I'm forgetting, since I'm currently brain-dead.

The betas of the past are also thanked and sent much love *hugs and smooches*

Sun, 12 Oct 2003 23:10:36 GMT

Thanks to the weird work hours this week, I feel like I've been squished by a steamroller. No energy and minimal brain function. One day I will feel human again. Despite that, I cannot wait any longer to do this:

Happy Birthday _nepthys_!! I hope it was all you wished it to be and more *hugs hugs hugs*. Thanks for all the sharing you do with us. Your fannish generosity is a marvelous thing to behold.

Umm... when my brain comes back, I will make you something *nods*. Drop me a comment if there's anything specific you want and I'll see what I can do, kay? *smooch*

Fri, 10 Oct 2003 22:23:06 GMT

I've been really remiss in doing the birthday greeting thing on LJ, but I think I've found a solution. I've made the portal my default home page, so that I see upcoming birthdays whenever I log in. Yeah, I just figured this out. Quick on the uptake am I, no? *snerk* Anyway, we'll see how long I manage this without missing someone.

First up! Happy birthday valisme! I hope the day gives you all the bright, shiny things you desire *smooch*

In other news, working this off-shift schedule is starting to catch up with me. I woke up 2 hours ago and have been consuming a constant stream of caffeinated beverages (side note: LJ thinks I mean "decaffeinated" here. Um, no; spell checker knows the derivative word but not the word itself? *rolls eyes*), but my head is still all fuzzy and unable to focus properly. If I told you the number of typos I've made so far while writing this entry? It is to laugh. Or groan. Or... whatever. Like I said, mucho fuzziness. I'm not sure how much I'll be able to accomplish at work. Eleven PM tonight to seven AM Saturday morning...

I volunteered to cover graveyard shift? Someone send the men in little white coats, because I am clearly overdue for consignment to the cracker factory.

While at work last night (8PM-4AM), I flirted with cute maintenance dude. Upon waking earlier, I had to wonder if the cute factor stemmed from the fact that I was sleep-goggling (similar to beer-goggling except not alcohol induced) rather than there being actual cuteness. Will have to look for him tonight for verification.

I have about a zillion fannish things I should be doing right now, so I'm really hoping the brain shifts into gear sometime soon. Gah...

Apologies for not answering comments yet. It's on the list for when I have mental functions back, promise.

I need new icons. I need a Chloe/Eric, a Chloe/Faith, a new CLex, probably some others. I really should pull out the image maker, but anything I made right now would be undoubtedly hideous with the being unable to see clearly thing. Most of my icons have been the same for eons, though I doubt I'll remove my Jennifer any time soon *points to default icon*. She's so pretty *happy sigh*

Good lord, I've slipped into complete randomness now. Will go have more coffee and stop spamming LJ.

Thanks!

Wed, 08 Oct 2003 15:35:04 GMT

I had a great day yesterday, and it's all because of you! My birthday fell at a very stressful time (work-wise) for me this year, so all the LJ wishes, the e-cards, the emails, and the gifts made the day even more special than it would have been otherwise. Thank you to everyone who took the time to give me a smile yesterday! *hugs smooches adores*

I'm going to post a list of the wonderful things people gave me. I'm doing this in order of their postings, and I'm hoping I don't miss anything. Feel free to poke me if I mess up *G* (Sekrit message to my chat girl -- I don't care about late! It's worth the waiting for! *nods a lot*)

nifra_idril surprised me big time with a tasty bit of Chloe/Faith in Statement of Intent. Wheeeee! Sparring and snark and I love it! This is a scene from the Crash Into You universe that Nif and I are writing, and this ficlet provided me with many happy images and much inspiration.

hackthis wrote me a wonderful poem that made me giggle and smile and go "awww!". Pure Z genius and hilarity, right there.

lapetite_kiki made a beautiful MR manip and icon that I adored and drooled over.

lunaris_ sent the geek squad over with birthday wishes. Squeee!

digitalwave wrote a wonderful

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I had a great day yesterday, and it's all because of <a href = "http://www.livejournal.com/users/andariell/friends">you</a>! My birthday fell at a very stressful time (work-wise) for me this year, so all the LJ wishes, the e-cards, the emails, and the gifts made the day even more special than it would have been otherwise. Thank you to everyone who took the time to give me a smile yesterday! *hugs smooches adores*

I'm going to post a list of the wonderful things people gave me. I'm doing this in order of their postings, and I'm hoping I don't miss anything. Feel free to poke me if I mess up *G* (Sekrit message to my chat girl -- I don't care about late! It's worth the waiting for! *nods a lot*)

<lj user = "nifra_idril"> surprised me big time with a tasty bit of Chloe/Faith in <a href = "http://www.livejournal.com/users/nifra_idril/26151.html">Statement of Intent</a>. Wheeeee! Sparring and snark and I love it! This is a scene from the <a href = "http://www.livejournal.com/users/andariell/49141.html">Crash Into You</a> universe that Nif and I are writing, and this ficlet provided me with many happy images and much inspiration.

<lj user = "hackthis"> wrote me a <a href = "http://www.livejournal.com/users/hackthis/141133.html">wonderful poem</a> that made me giggle and smile and go "awww!". Pure Z genius and hilarity, right there.

<lj user = "lapetite_kiki"> made a beautiful <a href = "http://www.livejournal.com/users/lapetite_kiki/23770.html">MR manip and icon</a> that I adored and drooled over.

<lj user = "blunaris"> sent <a href = "http://www.livejournal.com/users/blunaris/225380.html">the geek squad</a> over with birthday wishes. Squeee!

<lj user = "digitalwave"> wrote a wonderful <a href =
http://www.livejournal.com/users/digitalwave/31335.html
">Martha POV ficlet</a> for me (contains Exile spoilers). Martha is a wonderful mom, and this story stands as proof of that.

<lj user = "happyminion"> made me cry. Me! The person who can count on one hand the number of SV stories that have made me cry, but Wendi did it. <a href = "http://www.livejournal.com/users/happyminion/153741.html">Kiss The Rain</a> shows Lex post-Exile, vulnerable and struggling to cope. The ending started my tears falling *sniffles*.

<lj user = "goss"> sent a <a href = "http://www.livejournal.com/users/goss/85361.html">cupcake by special delivery</a>. Very special delivery. *licks again*

<lj user = "dolimir"> gifted me with <a href = "http://www.livejournal.com/users/dolimir/156599.html">the latest segment in the Mercy Chronicles</a>. Bedtime story -- heee!

<lj user = "celli"> (with an assist from <lj user = "tstar78"> *winks at Caro*) gave me a wonderful surprise! Eric fic! *dances* <a href = "
http://www.livejournal.com/users/celli/242200.html">Imperfectly Human</a> joins the <a href = "http://fanfic101.com/babysitting/">Babysitting'verse</a> crew on the night of Lex's election to the Senate. I adore Eric, and having a gift of fic from his POV written by Celli makes me so very giddy.

Go give these creative, generous folks some love, kay? And wow... that's a lot of links LOL. You all seriously rock my socks off. I have the best friends ever! *loves all over everyone*

I hope you all enjoy Phoenix! I'm sure I will when I finally see it around 1:30 AM *smites job*

Just curious...

Wed, 01 Oct 2003 01:35:57 GMT

Am I the only person who is too far from any of the gatherings to be able to go? Will anyone else be watching the SV premiere alone tomorrow night and be available for AIM chat?

*hears crickets chirp*

Yeah, that's what I thought

Fic post (when I should be doing other things...)

Tue, 30 Sep 2003 22:23:45 GMT

I should be beta-ing fics for celli and tstar78. I should be making clips of Tom on "The View" and "TRL", which have been promised to a website-running friend. I should be posting about the adorable-ness of one lyra_sena, with whom I got to watch the Alias premiere and squee like a wild thing. (I'm dead serious on the adorable factor of Lyra -- wanted to put her in my pocket and take her home with me. Only the fear of Nifra-retribution for a Pod kidnapping saved Lyra from my clutches. *winks and loves on both members of The Pod*)

But! I have a story done and past the beta testing phase. Knowing full well that no one on LJ will be reading anything but SV meta posts tomorrow night, I'm putting it up now *g*.

Y'all know about Celli's Babysitting Universe, right? If not, go now! Funness and BYO subtext for everybody! *grins*

Anyhoo, I was doing some catch up reading recently, and I fell in love with this universe. One night in chat with Caro, I brought up one thing I noticed. "Umm, does Chloe get any action in this universe?" asked I.

Caro simply grinned at me. By the end of the night, I'd been grated admission to play in the sandbox with Celli, Caro, and Shell. What follows is the first story of mine that is set in the Babysitting 'verse.

In her most recent story for the 'verse, Right Man: Right Job?, Caro introduced the character of Eric Daniels. You'll be getting to know more about him here and in future stories *g*. If you're curious what Eric looks like to us, go here for a peek. This story is set about one week after "Right Man: Right Job?" in the overall time-line.

And now, on with the fic.

Title: When Chloe Met Eric
Rating: PG-13 (Language)
Summary: You only get one chance to make a first impression.

Copious Thanks To:
celli for letting me play in your world
tstar78 for a phenomenal (and funny!) beta
elvisneedsboats for helping me grasp the time-line
*hugs the entire BSV clan*

When Chloe Met Eric

Before the cab had braked to a complete stop, Chloe had already shoved cash through the slot in the plexiglass divider and turned to open her door. The heels of her boots clacked a staccato rhythm on the marble steps outside the building that housed Lex's campaign headquarters. She rushed toward the glass doors, pausing for a second outside them to smooth the bottom of the brown suede jacket she wore over her earth-tone patterned peasant skirt. Yanking the door open, she moved as swiftly across the lobby as she could without drawing undue attention, finger fluffing her hair as she went. Chloe was late for lunch with Pete, and considering how busy he was these days with settling into his new job, she uncharacteristically cursed an interview for a story that had lasted longer than she expected. Finding time to see her friends had become a challenge, given the hectic nature of all their schedules.

Striding into the outer office, she offered a wave to Lex's assistant, who was on the phone. Since she knew Pete expected her arrival, she mouthed, "I'll let myself in," to Kira and shoved the door open. "Sorry I'm late. My appointment ran long and my stupid cell battery died and-"

Chloe cut off her rambling apology when she noticed the only occupant of the room was definitely not Pete. For a moment, she thought she'd walked into the wrong office, but no, Pete's name and title were on the door. So that left the question -- who was this guy and what was he doing sitting behind Pete's desk like he owned it?

The man in question stood up and walked around the desk toward her, giving Chloe time to quickly appraise him; he was about Lex's height and age, very nice suit, dark blond hair cut short and styled into that professionally mussed look, blue-green eyes behind a pair of wire rimmed glasses. His voice resonated low in her ears, slightly clipped, as though he might be trying too hard to hide an accent.

Oh, wait. Voice. As in a conversation she should probably be paying attention to rather than scoping him out. "I'm sorry, can you repeat that?"

He'd stopped a few steps away from her, and his expression bore signs of irritation. "I said, can I help you with something?"

Chloe swallowed the urge to reciprocate his borderline snide tone of voice. She *had* just barged into the office without being announced, and that had to look bad to someone who didn't know that she and Pete were friends. "I'm here to meet Pete for lunch. Kira was on the phone and I... I didn't know Pete had company."

He seemed to relax a bit upon hearing her explanation, though it was hard to tell. Chloe was going strictly on facial expression -- his jaw unclenched, which had to be a positive sign -- but his posture remained ramrod straight. He took another step forward and extended his hand. "Eric Daniels, Lex's press secretary."

Okay, that rang a bell -- the new guy. She remembered Lex talking about bringing in someone from the East coast who'd previously worked for some state senator. And he'd used Lex's first name. Interesting.

Chloe shook his hand and replied. "I'm Chloe, long time friend of Pete and Lex." She figured leaving off the press credentials for the moment was the best way to keep the conversation going. Eric Daniels seemed like the type to stiffen up even more once he found out that she was a reporter, and she feared that if he became any more rigid, the broomstick lodged up his ass might break and rupture some vital internal organs. She bit back a laugh and forced her smile to remain blandly cordial. "So, how do you know Lex?"

He released her hand and studied her, looking a bit intrigued. "What makes you think I know him?"

Chloe gave a quick shrug. "I've seen how most of Lex's employees behave around him. No one who's worked here for as short a time as you have would call him anything other than Mr. Luthor."

His expression remained neutral, other than a slight quirk of his lips. Chloe wondered what that meant, but chose to interpret it as him being reluctantly impressed. "Lex and I attended Princeton at the same time. We were in a few Poli-Sci classes together."

Chloe nodded. Eric Daniels being a trust fund baby fit with the attitude he wore along with his expensive cologne and tailored suit. "How long have you been in Metropolis?"

He folded his arms across his chest, which pulled the suit jacket taut across his shoulders. Not that Chloe was looking. "About three weeks."

"I'm sure Lex is fast-tracking you on the social scene, but if you like Chinese food, you need to check out The Asian Garden down on Front Street. It looks like a hole in the wall, but their Pad Thai is the best in the city." Chloe clamped her mouth shut and hoped the heat in her face didn't signify a full-fledged blush. What the hell? She certainly hadn't opened her mouth with the intention of offering dining tips. Something about this guy had thrown her seriously off her game.

Eric's arms unfolded, and he tilted his head as though he were searching for a hidden motivation behind her outburst of Zagat's Guide nonsense. "I'll keep that in mind, thanks."

Chloe pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, just to have something to do with hands that suddenly wanted to fidget. "So... where's Pete?"

"He had an emergency come up. That's why you found me at his desk when you came in. He asked me to forward some information to his palm pilot account."

The word "emergency" sent all of Chloe's thoughts racing to Lana and Laura. She took a step forward, eyes widening. "What happened?"

She couldn't have been more surprised when his expression curled into a derisive smirk. "Sorry, Ms. Sullivan. You're not getting the story any sooner than the rest of the press corps, despite your 'connections' in this office."

Chloe realized the significance of how he addressed her almost instantly. She hadn't given him her last name. "Look, I just want to know-"

He held up a hand. "Please, I'm not an idiot, and I'd appreciate you not treating me like one."

Chloe's eyes flew wide, anger flushing her cheeks deep pink. "I'm not. This has nothing to do with-"

"With the fact that you're a reporter and chose to not mention that minor detail when you introduced yourself? I knew who you were the second you walked in the door. It's part of my job to know."

If looks could kill, Chloe would be much happier at the moment. "Pete is my *friend*, you arrogant jerk! When you said 'emergency', I-"

"Thought you could take advantage. I got that part on my own, thanks." He advanced on her, and Chloe was too busy seething with rage to say anything before he continued. "I must admit to being amused by your little tap dance -- asking questions about me, offering advice on restaurants. You're quite charming, and it probably would have worked on someone else, so..." He clapped his hands in a slow rhythm that screamed sarcasm. "Bravo."

Chloe shot daggers at him with her eyes, closing her hands around his to stop the clapping before the sound drove her to do something more drastic. Nerves tingled up her arms upon making contact. Chloe decided that restraining herself from judo flipping him to the ground had to be the source of the sensations. Her voice shook in her throat, rasping out low and angry.

"I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt since you're new here and whatever bio you have on me can't possibly have given you all the facts, but you need to back off right now. No matter how highly Lex thinks of you, or how much better than me you *think* you are because of that silver spoon you've got stuck up your ass, I don't put up with being treated like this. Who the hell do you think you are, anyway?"

He leaned in closer, bringing his face level with hers, his sea colored eyes glinting angrily behind his glasses. "You want to know who I am, Ms. Sullivan? I'm the man in charge of making sure that Lex Luthor is elected Mayor of this city, despite his unfortunate knack for befriending reporters. I knew about you and Clark Kent before I took this job, and I looked on it as a challenge, but let's be clear on one thing -- I don't trust anyone until they earn it, particularly people with access to potentially destructive information and the means to disseminate it."

That did it. The last thread of control Chloe had reining in her temper snapped. Suddenly realizing that her hands still gripped his and that the clasp had tightened, she flung his hands away from her, poking one finger into his chest to emphasize her words. "You son of a bitch. You have *no* idea the kind of stories I've buried out of loyalty to both Lex and ... others. I could have written an exposé *years* ago detailing the things I know, some of which I'm certain you don't have the first clue about. Regardless of what you seem to believe, some reporters think there are more important things in life than Pulitzers. No one, *no one* questions my loyalty to my friends, you got that?"

Without waiting for a response, Chloe turned on her heel and stalked to the office door. With her hand on the knob, she spun around and shot him an acerbically saccharine smile. "And do me a favor. If you decide to give a version of this speech to Clark? Please let me know ahead of time so I can get a jump-start on your obituary."

Back in the outer office, she saw Kira hanging up the phone and approached her desk. "Hey, Kira. Can you tell me if Pete's emergency was family related?"

Kira shook her head, holding out a message pad slip to Chloe. "No, it's a problem with a speech Lex has to give this afternoon. That was Pete on the phone."

Chloe scanned the note, which said that Pete would call her about rescheduling lunch late next week. Part of the tension she'd been holding drifted away.

"Good. I was worried it had something to do with Lana or the baby." Movement caught her eye, and her peripheral vision revealed Eric Daniels leaning in the doorway between the offices, listening to them. She didn't bother acknowledging his presence. "Thanks, Kira."

Chloe walked out the door, refusing to look back or respond when his dryly spoken words followed her.

"Interesting meeting you, Ms. Sullivan."

--*--

Chloe spread the Chinese takeout containers on the kitchen table in Lana and Pete's apartment. Laura had gone down for her afternoon nap a while ago, so she and Lana had a little free time while the baby slept. Despite knowing they were okay, she'd felt compelled to call Lana and ask if she was available for lunch. Just seeing them had made her feel better, and she figured some of her lingering tension could be blamed on low blood sugar. Three cups of coffee do not an adequate breakfast make. Chloe's stomach snarled in knots over being empty and filled with additional bile from her encounter with Lex's most arrogant employee.

Lana set two glasses of lemonade on the table and took the chair next to Chloe's. "I'm glad you came over."

Lana's tone of voice made it clear that the comment was a vast understatement. Chloe giggled and opened the container of Kung Pao Chicken, fishing out a peanut with her chopsticks. "Yearning for conversation with people who no longer schedule their days around airings of Sesame Street?"

Lana had a pea pod held up to her mouth and popped it in, answering after she swallowed. "That obvious, is it?"

Chloe set her lemonade down and gave Lana's free hand a quick squeeze. "Don't worry. It's our secret." She delved into her lunch again, coming out with a large piece of sauce covered chicken. "So, have you met Lex's new press secretary yet?"

Lana shook her head. "Eric? Yeah. I've put in a little time with him at campaign headquarters since he started. Pete invited him over for dinner on Thursday. Why?"

Chloe snorted quietly. "He's about as much fun as a train wreck, isn't he?"

Lana blinked. "I get along with him fine. Pete seems to like him, and he and Lex are old friends from college. I didn't realize you'd met him."

Chloe rolled her eyes. "It wasn't planned. I went to see Pete, and Daniels was there skulking around Pete's office."

Lana's eyes widened, and she choked on the sip of lemonade she'd just taken. "Skulking? Maybe you'd better tell me everything that happened."

By the time Chloe finished the story, she'd eaten two thirds of her lunch and didn't want more of it. She dropped her chopsticks into the box and shoved it away. "So, there you have it. He was a complete jerk, and I loathe the fact that I'm going to have to deal with him. It's the first time I've regretted having the secondary city beat assignment at The Journal."

Lana sat back in her chair and folded her arms across her chest. "Chloe..."

Chloe knew that tone of voice. "What? I didn't do anything and that... that windbag attacked me. For no reason!"

Lana didn't look appeased. "And not mentioning that you're a reporter was completely innocent. You're not mad because he happened to be more clever than you?"

"No!" Lana raised a brow, and Chloe slumped back in her chair. "Maybe. A little. But that still doesn't excuse him treating me like Mata freakin' Hari just for walking into Pete's office."

"No, but let me be the devil's advocate here. Pretend you're him-"

"I'd prefer pretending to be Marilyn Manson."

"Chloe."

Chloe sighed, knowing she probably had a pout on that would rival one of Clark's finest. She started gathering the containers and putting them into the empty takeout bag. "Okay, I'll pretend that I'm a stuck-up blowhard who blurts out insults without cause."

Lana censured Chloe with her eyes and continued. "So, you're new on the job, and someone bursts into your superior's office. You know this person is a reporter, so you might be suspicious right off the bat that she feels comfortable letting herself in without knocking or having the receptionist announce her."

Chloe dropped the bag into the trashcan under the sink and returned to her chair, suddenly a bit uncomfortable. "I suppose, but-"

Lana interrupted her attempted defense. "And then, she introduces herself, leaving out the fact that she's a reporter. She doesn't even mention her last name." Lana stood up and walked over to the sink to rinse out her empty glass. "Now, considering what you know, are you inclined to trust her?"

Chloe knew this, had said something similar to herself, in fact. But she'd gotten so angry over the rest of the conversation that the legitimate source of his suspicion laid obscured under her hostility. She followed Lana's path to the sink and turned on the tap. "No, I'm not."

Lana gave her a look and walked out of the room. Chloe blew out a heavy exhale and ran the glass under the water. She put the cup in the drainer and started speaking again when she heard Lana's footsteps returning. "It's just... I'm going to have to *work* with this guy, Lana. And he's such an egotistical as-"

The sound of Lana clearing her throat had Chloe turning around. Laura was perched on Lana's hip, sleepily scrubbing her eyes with a fist.

"-tronaut. Astronaut," Chloe improvised, mouthing an apology to Lana before walking toward them.

When Laura saw Chloe, she gurgled and reached for her, little fists closing on empty air in a "gimme" gesture. "Co-ee!"

Lana handed the baby over, and Chloe swung her up to blow a raspberry on her round tummy. Laura giggled happily, waving her fists in the air, until Chloe brought her back down. The baby immediately reached for the earring dangling from Chloe's left ear. "Oh, so it's not me you wanted, it's my jewelry. I feel so used."

Spotting a stuffed toy on the counter, Chloe fetched it and got Laura's attention away from the earring. While the baby cooed at the toy and kissed it, Chloe slipped the earrings off and secreted them in her jacket pocket. When she dropped the toy, Laura suddenly found something new to play with, batting at Chloe's hair with a chubby fist. Chloe took the hand and kissed it, making a smacking sound that had Laura grinning and gurgling with laughter again.

"You're going to make a great mom one of these days, Chloe."

Chloe whipped her head around and stared at Lana, not sure how to answer at first. "Maybe." She looked away, choosing to fix her eyes on Laura, who had caught a bit of Chloe's hair with her fingers and was toying with it.

"One of these days."

-- the end --

*runs off to work on to-do list*

Fic -- One Day Out Of Life

Sun, 21 Sep 2003 01:24:08 GMT

I'm back from Detroit, and hooo-boy did I love sleeping in my own bed again last night. *worships Serta mattress and perfect firmness pillow*

I didn't post last night, so here I am, late again...

Happy Birthday, latxcvi!!!

You're a beacon of reason in fandom, and I'm so glad I got to meet you this year in Philly! I love your wit, your intelligence, and the spot-on ability you have for dissecting SV (and now, The OC, too -- yay!), while I sit around just being dazzled at The Pretty and The Sexy *G*.

I wanted to write you a little something for your day, so I thought (a lot) about what you might like to see. Then I remembered that you liked "Tranquility", so I decided to try something like that. It started out as just a moment in the life of Clark, but then Future!Clark poked his head up and... well, it got a little angsty. I hope you like it anyway *hugs*

Title: One Day Out Of Life
Codes: Clark, Gen
Spoilers: Post-Exodus fic (aka will be Jossed in ten days)
Notes: Thanks ever so much to nifra_idril for the very helpful beta. *hugs*

One Day Out Of Life

Clark lies on his back under a large tree in the back yard, watching summer stagger away slowly. The sunlight plays hide and seek with the still green leaves over his head, and Clark makes a game of chasing it with his eyes. Quietude sparkles like diamonds on black velvet -- rare and longed for, but seldom had -- so Clark forces his mind to blankness so he can relish it properly.

His pinpricks of memory taunt him; thoughts about his family, his friends, where he goes from here. Clark scatters them with an abrupt brush of his hand. The slate is clean, just for this moment, and he can breathe.

Ten years from now, he'll wonder how he ever managed to find these moments of peace that will elude his adult life so effortlessly. He'll ascribe it to many incorrect sources -- teenage self-absorption and ignorance-is-bliss syndrome, among others -- never realizing the true reason he can't find that tranquility anymore.

Clark will look back on this day, and other days like it, with a melancholy ache and irrational jealousy.

The skin on Clark's ankle tickles, and he lifts his head to glance down his own body. An ant progresses along the slope of his bare foot until it reaches the ground. The insect carts a prize on its back -- a large piece of crust from the ham sandwich Clark had finished eating several minutes ago.

Facts from last year's bio class pop up in Clark's brain, reminding him that ants have the ability to carry several times their own bodyweight. A feeling of kinship to the tiny creature rushes through Clark as he watches it plod across the grass, fascination lighting his eyes. This miniature titan makes Clark's own ability to lift the tractor engine over his head seem less freakish.

Tracking ahead of the insect's path, Clark's eyes find the small hill of dirt surrounding a hole in the ground that is the objective of the ant's laborious journey. As he focuses, more information comes back to him. The worker ants submit to the will of their queen, seeking her favor above all else in the world. Clark wonders if the workers ever get tired of obeying.

Fifteen years from now, Clark will be wearing spandex and flying from one disaster to another across the globe. He won't recall his thoughts about the worker ants on this day. He'll be too busy responding to the desperate pleas of the world, answering to his own version of the queen.

When his mother calls him into the house, Clark rises to his feet reluctantly. By the time he walks in the door, he's closeted all remnants of his brooding. More obedient and eager to please than ever, and he wonders a little desperately if it will ever make a difference. He thinks that with enough time, things will go back to the way they were before. His mom's eyes will stop looking so haunted, and he'll stop catching his dad watching him with a combination of weariness and concern. Clark won't always feel like a stranger to his own life; he has to believe that much.

Mom holds out a basket of banana nut muffins and reminds him to take them along with his delivery to Lex's. Ever since Lex got back, Clark's mom has been trying to fatten him up with various baked goods that she sends along with the organic vegetables. Clark wonders if this is her way of trying to get things back to normal, like maybe she thinks if the hollows under Lex's eyes and cheeks disappear that it can erase the summer for all of them.

Clark hopes that it works, for all of their sakes. Few of the changes even resemble something positive. He reflexively scratches at the raised scar underneath his shirt, not realizing he's doing it until he catches his mom watching the motions of his hand across his chest. He stops his hand, and she drops her eyes, turning to grab a clean dish towel from the laundry basket and covering the muffins with it. Neither of them says a word as Clark gives her an overly bright smile and takes the basket from her hands.

Twenty years from now, Clark will stand in front of a dual grave plot and put flowers against the headstone of the freshly interred one. He'll remember naively wishing away the events of that summer rather than dealing with the consequences, as he should have. He'll curse the avoidance that had seemed like a lifeline, and he'll wish he'd only realized sooner that dreaming about going back would prevent him from moving forward.

Clark drops off the vegetable delivery in the kitchen, taking the muffin basket with him, and traverses the halls to Lex's study. He passes a man, walking out as Clark walks in, and realizes without being told that this is one of the investigators that Lex has commissioned to search for his wife. Clark enters the room with a small smile on his face. "Mom sent muffins this time."

Lex glances up and favors Clark with a look of shared understanding. "Then we shouldn't disappoint her." He gestures for Clark to sit and rings the kitchen for a delivery of coffee and plates.

When the tray is delivered, they both move to the sofa, and Clark pours the coffee while Lex breaks a piece off a muffin top and chews it slowly. Clark hands him a cup before asking, "Any news on Helen?"

Lex chases down the bite of food with a sip of his coffee. "Some leads. Nothing definitive yet." Lex's tone of voice resonates flatly, the words almost perfunctory, but there's a fevered gleam in his eyes that Clark recognizes. He's seen it in the mirror, recently.

And he probably shouldn't ask, but that's never stopped Clark before, where Lex is concerned. "What are you planning to do? When you find her, I mean."

Dangerous tension skates across Lex's eyes, tightens his jaw. Clark's not sure he's going to answer, at first, but then Lex takes another sip of coffee. "It depends on a lot of factors, Clark. I'll do whatever is necessary."

*Necessary*. Clark turns the remark over in his mind, wondering what Lex means by that, but the tone of his voice explains what the word doesn't. The threat hangs in the air between them, and it's far from an idle one. Lex turns his eyes away, the slight shake of his head indicating more than words would that he regrets revealing even that much to Clark. Clark feels a reply hovering on the tip of his tongue -- about two wrongs not making a right, about Lex being better than this. Clark doesn't speak them; they taste too much like his father's voice.

He considers not saying anything at all, but that doesn't feel right either. He doesn't know how Lex will interpret Clark's lack of response, and he doesn't want the silence speaking for him. "Lex..." He waits until Lex is looking at him to continue. "Just promise me you'll be careful."

Lex blinks, and suddenly the purple shadows underneath his eyes seem a little less deep, less painful to look at. Clark can only hope that Lex feels it, too. A hand closes over Clark's, squeezing briefly, and Lex smiles. It's small, but it's the first unguarded one Clark has seen since they both returned home, and Clark finds himself returning it without reservation. "I promise."

Twenty-five years from now, Superman will be well into his second decade of all-out war with Lex Luthor. Countless times over those years, they both will have come upon chances to end the conflict with one decisive action; neither of them will follow through on those opportunities.

After each of those occasions, Clark will sit in his apartment and force himself to remember that he'd decided to see the world in black and white. He'd had a choice, and he'd made it, believing that it would make Superman's job easier. It will be a decision he questions only on nights after he's faced Lex and they've both walked away.

Superman's life will be easier with morality clearly defined in binary terms, but Clark will always remember being the boy who could still see things in shades of gray, and he'll miss it.

Because that boy got to see Lex smile.

-- end --

Okay, time to catch up on the f-list from the past 3 days. Yay!

OC giggle

Mon, 15 Sep 2003 23:42:58 GMT

From TVGuide.com's Watercooler:

We come back from commercials. A camera pans in - closer and teasingly closer - on bare-chested "brothers" Ryan and Seth, lounging side-by-side in the pool. How homoerotic! Who knew a raging heterosexual like McG could direct such a perfect Bravo moment. Is this a bid to get the gays watching or what? And love the Melrose Place-style bed hopping! Posh Spice lookalike Marissa catches Ryan in bed with his grandpa's slutty twentysomething girlfriend. Naturally, she runs off to have revenge sex with Ken doll Luke. And loses her virginity like a bad habit in the process. Perfect. Just one problem: Peter Gallagher needs an eyebrow wax bad.

*giggles more*

Teaser eg

Sun, 14 Sep 2003 03:14:25 GMT

For a while now, nifra_idril and I have been plotting out a Smallville/Buffy the Vampire Slayer crossover fic. The other night, we got brainstorming again, and well... it lead to this.

Coming Soon...

Sometimes Chloe Sullivan feels like she's been waiting her whole life to be chosen.

She's about to get her wish...

The collapse of the Sunnydale Hellmouth and the events leading up to it continue to ripple through the world. With hundreds of Potentials suddenly in possession of Slayer abilities, it is up to the core group of survivors of the Sunnydale battle to deal with the consequences. They fan out across the country, and the globe, searching for the Chosen Ones. Guided by Willow's locator spell, they find the new Slayers and offer them information, training those who are ready to join the fight.

And so, one afternoon in early June, Faith steps off a bus into the streets of Smallville, in search of a slayer...

**** Teaser Scene ****

The school echoed with silence on summer nights. Luckily, Chloe worked well even without the bustle of student activity around her. Searching through articles in the Metropolis papers for any sign of Clark led exactly nowhere, but at least she'd tried. There was a reason she did this particular activity at the Torch rather than at home. Chloe preferred to not have Lana looking over her shoulder while she worked and getting false hope, only to be let down again.

Sounds out in the hall alerted Chloe to the fact that she no longer had the school to herself. The noises got closer, catcalls and banging on lockers, and the hair on Chloe's neck stood on end. Too many funerals in the past few weeks for her to think anything other than the worst -- some janitor finding her lifeless body, sucked dry of blood by some meteor-poisoned whackjob.

She turned off the computer, not even bothering with a proper shutdown in her haste. Sneaking to the side door, she peeked out the window in the wood frame and saw nothing. No noises either, so maybe whoever it was had gone. Chloe eased the door open and slipped into the hall, letting out a heavy breath when she found the corridor empty.

"Boo!"

The cackling laughter behind her had Chloe spinning around, and the horrific visage of the creature standing there made her knees shake. Even in the dim lighting of the hall, she could clearly see that he wasn't... normal. Ridges in his forehead, pallid skin, yellow eyes... but no weirder than Greg Arkin, when she thought about it. The meteors strike again.

"Well, what do we have here? Nice, tasty thing like you shouldn't be wandering around all alone at night." He stepped closer, and Chloe steeled herself to run, to fight if she had to. "You never know what might happen."

"I really wasn't wandering," Chloe said, laughing uncomfortably as she edged away. "I was kind of sitting. Working." She waited until he reached for her to make a move. Grabbing his arm, she used his momentum to spin him around, slamming him into the bank of lockers.

She stared in abject shock when one of the doors collapsed inward, hinges shattering under the force. How the hell...?

She didn't have much time to think about it, because he sprang back to his feet, shaking his head and rubbing it. "Well, that was... unexpected."

Deciding she didn't have time to wonder how the locker had collapsed or why, Chloe ran. She made it to the stairwell before he caught up with her. His momentum took them both tumbling into space, and Chloe knew whatever chance she'd had to get away had vanished. There was no way she'd be able to move, let alone run, after tumbling down a flight of steps.

Chloe's shoulder impacted first, but it didn't hurt nearly as much as she expected it to. Neither did any of the glancing blows to her ribs and legs as she continued to obey the laws of momentum and gravity on the way down. When they reached the base of the steps, she moved on pure instinct rather than thought. Pushing off him, she rolled away and rose into a crouch.

"Nice dismount," said a sardonic, throaty voice from behind her.

Chloe whirled, eyes wide. "What? Who --" she began instinctively, before recoiling from the fist that impacted her jaw. She reeled backward a few steps, ducking the next blow by luck.

"You gonna take this one or should I?" the voice asked.

Chloe's back came up against the wall, and the weird looking guy who she'd been fighting with grinned widely, showing pointed fangs. Before she knew what she was doing, she brought her knee up into his groin and ducked under his arm.

"Ooh, hit a man where he lives." A woman stepped out of the shadows, reaching inside her jacket. She tossed Chloe a wooden stake. "Go for the heart."

"You've *got* to be kidding me," Chloe muttered, staring, open mouthed for just as long as it took for the man to stand up and launch himself at her waist. She hit the ground hard.

He pinned her hands down, and the stake fell out of her fingers. "Are you going to *help*!?" Chloe shrieked as the man opened his mouth and started moving slowly toward her neck.

And suddenly... he wasn't there any more. There was just a cloud of dust that covered her in a chalky film.

The woman stood over her, lips curving up into a smirk, and it clicked. "Hey, you're --" Chloe began, picking herself up.

"Faith," she nodded, cocking an eyebrow. "And you're a slayer. Welcome to the club, girlfriend."

In the midst of brushing dust off her clothes, Chloe froze in place. "I'm a *what*?"

"Slayer, capital S, as in slays things," Faith said looking over Chloe's shoulder. "Like the things coming down the hallway. Catch," she tossed Chloe another wooden stake. "Let's do it," she grinned, striding down to meet to meet the group of kids stalking toward them.

Chloe stared at the piece of wood in her hand, and then at Faith's back. "Look, I don't know what you're..." She stopped when she saw the large group of disfigured teenagers heading toward them. They looked just like the one who'd... vanished, and it didn't seem exactly bright to be going after them, outnumbered by over two to one. She ran a few steps to catch up to Faith, trying to keep the rising panic out of her voice. "Shouldn't we be going the *other* direction?"

"Where's the fun in that?" Faith called over her shoulder, before knocking the leader off his feet with a left hook.

She kicked the feet out from under someone, and shot Chloe an amused look. "You wanna play, too or are you leaving me out in the cold here?" before bringing her arm down in a practiced arc, to bury the point of her wooden stake in the chest of the guy she'd just knocked down.

"You just -- " Chloe began to sputter, but then fell silent as she watched what had once been a fully substantial person explode into particles of dust.

The choice taken out of her hands, Chloe reached back for the feeling she'd had a little while ago, the instinct to fight back rather than run. When one of them grabbed her arm and twisted it behind her, she brought the heel of her boot down on his instep and flung her head back. Hearing the crack of her head against his nose, she was ready when the grip loosened, and she pulled away. She copied the foot sweep she'd seen Faith complete, and brought her own stake down.

She stared at the pile of ash-like material until she heard Faith's voice, "A little help?" Chloe turned, tossing the stake to Faith where she struggled across the hall with another one of those things.

Faith staked him quickly, rolled off and stood. "Quick reflexes Goldilocks," she said with a cocky grin. "Ready for the slam-bam finale?"

Time seemed to warp around Chloe as she fought another vampire, something in her head conceding that was, in fact, what she was doing. She had no idea how long they'd been fighting when she whirled around and saw Faith drive a stake into the last one, a pile of dust dropping to her feet. Chloe's breath rasped out of her throat, and the stake in her hand clattered to the floor, dropping from suddenly numb fingers. "This is not happening. I'm asleep at my desk, and this is not happening..."

"And yet, at the same time? It is," Faith said, shrugging. "You get used to it. Wanna go get a burger?"

Chloe slowly raised her eyes to Faith's. "A burger? We just... and you..." She slumped to the floor, her knees suddenly giving out as the enormity and strangeness of the past few minutes completely registered.

"We just staked a bunch of vamps so that you didn't get bitten. And I'm hungry. So. Burger?" Faith repeated, watching as Chloe put her head on her knees. "Listen, you okay?"

Chloe banged her head lightly against her knees. "Vampires... I staked vampires." She lifted her head, and looked across the hall at one of the dust piles. "No, this has to be about the meteors. Vampires don't exist."

Faith cocked an eyebrow and gestured around the hallway. "I'd say we just had a pretty hands on experience proving that they do."

Chloe conceded the point with a tilt of her head.

Faith squatted down on her haunches next to Chloe. "I'm not real good with the motivating speeches or whatever, I leave that up to B, but I know you're probably kinda freaked. What just happened really happened, swear to God. I'll explain everything to you, promise, just I'd rather do it over something covered in ketchup than a hallway all grimed up with ex-vamp."

Chloe stared at Faith, not sure what to make of her, or any of this. And she'd thought Smallville couldn't possibly get any weirder...

"So what do you say?" Faith asked, punching Chloe's shoulder companionably. "My treat."

A wry smile slid onto Chloe's lips, and she pushed herself to her feet. "Okay, let's go."

To be continued...

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 22:52:58 GMT

Am I at work? Yes. Is there no one else in the building, other than the janitorial staff? Yes. Does this make me even remotely want to work?

...

I think you can guess the answer to that. I am here, and I am BORED, but that's a good thing. Bored means the process I'm monitoring is behaving exactly like it should behave.

But I'M STILL BORED. I should be working...

Nah. *eg*

Okay, moving on from the gripe fest, I come bearing excellent, fantabulous news! The OC just got their "back nine" ordered by FOX! Full season, baybee!!! *dances around*

From Zap2It: Two weeks before most new series have even aired their first episodes, FOX has ordered the back nine episodes of "The O.C.," which will give the show a full season's complement of 22 installments. The series ends its summer run next week and will return Thursday, Oct. 30.

"'The O.C.' is, without a doubt, the big story of the summer," FOX Entertainment President Gail Berman says...

The show debuted Aug. 5 to an audience of about 7.5 million people and has grown every week since; Tuesday's (Sept. 9) episode drew about 9.2 million viewers. The series routinely wins its timeslot in the teen and young-adult demographic groups FOX tracks.

Full text of the article, found here

Zap2It also has an interview with Benjamin McKenzie. A snippet of interest:

While Newport isn't exactly welcoming (with the exception of intrigued teen neighbor Marissa, played by Mischa Barton), Ryan's arrival does open new horizons for Sandy's son Seth (Adam Brody), a bright kid who covers up his insecurities with a self-deprecating, stream-of-consciousness chatter -- a sharp contrast to Ryan, a man of many facial expressions but few words.

Both 16, the two have bonded as brothers, with Ryan both empowering and protecting Seth.

"I love their relationship," McKenzie says. "They need each other in unexpected ways."

Ahem... They expect us to not read into things like *that*? Silly people *eg*.

I think I'm going to try and write now. I need something to do, because... I'm bored. LOL