Author's Note: I can't believe I let this go for so long. For my loyal readers, I apologize profusely. I hope it still meets expectations.

Disclaimer: I don't own Smallville, DC Comics etc.

oOo

So it wasn't the first time, but the experience was still unsettling.

Before Chloe could finish her sentence she'd come to a jarring halt. Without a thought to where she was Chloe didn't waste time in turning on Clark.

"Would it have killed you to let me finish?" she shouted up at him.

Clark blinked in mock confusion. "Hmm, 'would it have killed you?' -he mumbled, his brows clinched in concentration. "-And 'You're a lifesaver Clark'. Nope, the two don't sound anything alike," he finished, pinning her with a glare.

"Now so isn't the time to break out your comedic timing," Chloe bit out.

Clark blew a calming breath through his nostrils. "Chloe, Lex is here in Gotham—

"I know," she interrupted quickly in the hopes of cutting off the amazing sensible argument that she knew was coming.

Clark was incredulous. "Then why am I getting the look that says, 'Get off my back, Clark'?"

If she had a good opening, here it was. "Because I just learned an important piece of information and I think that if we work together that we could—

"We?" he interrupted with a note of suspicion.

Chloe leaned back and crossed her arms. "You heard me."

"Gah, Chloe," Clark whirled away in exasperation only to turn sharply back to face her. "You mean with him, don't you?"

Chloe put a bracing hand on her forehead. This was getting old already. "Could you please try to not make it sound as if we were negotiating with the Devil?"

"How do you know that you can trust him?" Clark suggested.

Chloe's eyes popped open in surprise. "He saved my life Clark!"

"And you saved his!" he countered. "You have no more obligations to him."

"It's not about obligations," she insisted. "Look, if you want to cut off your nose to spite your face, that's fine. But don't ask me to jump on the bandwagon."

With that, a putrid odor caught her attention. "Where the hell have you brought me anyway?" she blurted and turned on her heel to find herself in an obscure alleyway inches from a ripe dumpster. Just ahead of her looked like an antique store that she recognized as being in downtown Gotham. She felt surprised and relieved that he hadn't taken her to the other side of the planet. She knew that he could have and would have done so, but she knew Clark.

"Lex wants a joint business venture with Wayne Enterprises," she informed quickly. "So Bruce or no Bruce, the trail to Lex would've led to him anyway. I think it's worth looking into."

Clark crossed his arms. "And walking into the lion's den is your best solution?" he suggested with a great deal of cynicism.

Chloe became a bit more relaxed. When Clark resorted to sarcasm, Chloe knew that was when she was getting to him. "Look, no one more than me hoped that I'd never have to deal with Lex again. But I think we're a step closer now, Clark. Maybe it's time that I confronted this and got it out of the way once and for all."

"Using yourself as bait is not an option," he argued.

She straightened; her arms firmly at her sides. "Clark, I've come full circle. You can't expect me to just stay home and keep—

"The home fires burning," Clark repeated in a droning tone as he remembered Lois' words.

"Then why bring me here? Why not just blur me to Star City, no questions asked?"

"You're lucky I didn't take you straight to Lois," Clark warned. "I wanted to give you a chance to explain why you felt the need to 'apartment hunt' in Bruce Wayne's personal library."

Chloe felt a flush of embarrassment. "You're deflecting, Clark," she mumbled. "Besides, that wasn't planned."

"Chloe, you know even he wouldn't want this," Clark pointed out in a last ditch effort to make her compliant.

"Oh, so now you're new superpower is reading minds?"

Clark gave a tilt of his head. "More like super hearing. Neither one of you were exactly quiet. Chloe, if he cares anything about you, then he wants you safe. And for you to be anywhere within a twenty mile radius of Lex isn't safe."

"Is that your final word on the matter?"

Clark's brows lifted in a plea. "Chloe, don't do this. Don't make my concern for you sound like a prison sentence."

Chloe sighed. Those baby blues never failed to make her feel a measure of guilt. Particularly at times like these. But she couldn't let it. Not this time."Promise me, you'll work with him," she blurted.

Clark's eyes widened with outrage. "Excuse me?"

"Promise me, Clark," she pleaded. "Promise me and I'll do anything you want."

Clark practically threw his arms down at his sides like a petulant child. "He wouldn't accept my help, Chloe, and you know that," he tried to argue.

"Is that your final answer?" she asked, slowly backing away from Clark.

"This isn't time to play games, Chloe," he countered. "I need to get you out of here. And I would prefer that you go willingly."

"And then you'll come back and help?" she suggested.

Clark's shoulders fell with a great sigh through his nostrils. "He doesn't exactly strike me as a team player. Let Oliver handle him."

"Sorry, wrong answer."

Before Clark could utter a retort, Chloe bolted into the street.

Clark lurched, ready to grab her. He should've known she'd run. His surprise got the better of him as she had disappeared into the throngs of people bustling up and down the street.

He cursed himself. He should've taken her to a rooftop. He'd given her a chance. No, he'd given her numerous chances to come to her senses and leave of her own free will. He was tired of letting Chloe have her own way. No more arguing. He'd simply grab her and haul her away; if for any other reason, but for her own good.

But there were so many people. They were everywhere. Even with his x-ray vision, there was no discerning her among hundreds of others. His shoulders fell, but not in defeat.

He knew exactly where she was going.

And he'd be there waiting for her.

oOo

The night was early and guests were still arriving.

Bruce had hired the acting company from the theater for an impromptu entertainment as interaction with the guests. The troupe's colorful gowns and masques glittered and mingled in the soft candlelight offering a visual delight as they greeted and intrigued the guests in their black and white dress. He could've found no better distraction that would allow him to move about as much as he liked. The guests were eating up with relish.

However, Luthor had yet to arrive.

After Chloe's cryptic admission shortly before the very embodiment of the speed of light had whisked her away, Bruce had wracked his brain trying to figure out the meaning of it all.

When she had said that Luthor had wanted her heart, Bruce had thought it merely in the sentimental sense. However, Luthor was hardly your textbook stalking ex-boyfriend.

"It's a party, man. You could at least look like you're having a good time."

Bruce turned to find an equally stone-faced Oliver Queen standing next to him. "I don't recall your name being on the guest list," he replied as he scanned over the room for the thousandth time.

"Yeah, well, this wouldn't be the first time I crashed a party."

Bruce grabbed a champagne flute as a tray passed. "She isn't here."

"I'm not here for her. I'm here because we have a mutual friend," Oliver replied.

Bruce calmly sipped the champagne. "Hmm, would that be the guest of honor tonight or the one that broke into my house and reduced handcrafted oak doors to kindling?"

"You have no idea what you're going up against," Oliver stated.

"I repeat the question."

Oliver gave an exasperated roll of his eyes. "Look, do you really think that you can handle Luthor alone?"

Bruce couldn't resist turning towards Oliver with a raised brow of bemused disbelief.

"I don't need your help," he finally said to Oliver's unwavering look of question.

"Of course you don't," Oliver quipped with a cynical chuckle. "Look, I've been dealing with Luthor for a long time-

"How long has she dealt with him?"

Oliver paused for a moment. The deadly glare he was receiving was literally making him hot under the collar. He refused to tug at it. "There isn't anything that she can tell you that I don't already know."

Bruce pinned Oliver with a look. "You didn't answer my question."

Oliver quickly nodded towards a small group of masked actors. "They aren't going to sing, are they?" his voice nearly cracked with the poor evasion.

"Not unless you have a request."

"Actually, the both of you could stop the banal chit-chat and focus on the issue at hand."

Instant disbelief whirled Bruce toward that voice. Her jewel toned eyes stared at him from a blushing rose-colored mask that complimented the gown she wore. She blended in with the troupe beautifully and that gave him pause for momentary shock before being set upon by full blown aggravation.

Her gaze shifted to Oliver. "And you couldn't be more obvious. Are you trying to give Lex a heads up?"

Oliver's eyes bugged out. "Me?" his voice cracked a bit. "You're one to talk. What the hell are you even doing here?"

"I could ask the same question," Bruce added.

Chloe looked nervously from one demanding gaze to the other. She went into default mode: simply flashed them both a dazzling smile. "At least I didn't come alone," she said with a shrug of her shoulders.

Bruce growled. "I don't care who you came with." He grabbed her by the elbow, completely ignoring Oliver and led her towards a secluded corner.

Oliver began to follow after them when a dark figure wearing a smiling mask stepped in front of him. "Are you enjoying yourself, sir?" he asked with a hint of an accent.

Oliver regarded the man strangely. He wasn't quite dressed as ostentatiously as the others, but with just as much flare. "Uh, sure…is that a—Guy Fawkes's mask? A bit early for Guy Fawkes Day, wouldn't you say?"

"Of course not, sir," he replied, ever polite. "Is not every day Guy Fawkes Day?" he added with mysterious lilt.

His brows furrowed in question. "I don't understand."

"Of course, sir," Fawkes replied, the smile in his voice reflecting the overzealous smile of the mask he wore.

Oliver tilted his head with a smile. "Why do I get the feeling that you're stalling me?"

Fawkes simply leaned in close with a conspiratorial whisper. "Perhaps, because as a businessman, you're not wholly unintelligent," he replied simply and swept past him.

Oliver's brows suddenly clinched in sudden confusion and headed after the man. "Hey, was that an insult? That felt like an insult...

Chloe smiled as Vincent employed a diversionary tactic to keep Oliver off her back for the time being. She watched in relief as he followed after Vincent trying to get a response as to whether or not he was being played. Right now, she did not need for Bruce and Oliver ganging up on her. Never mind that Clark would soon find her to pile on.

But even that seemed like nothing when she had over six feet of dark billionaire bearing down on her. He clasped her gloved hand and brought it to his lips. "What are you doing here?"

Chloe understood immediately what he was doing. All the actors were approaching guests as a character. Best to do the same if someone should see them together.

She practiced her best curtsy before him. Looking up at him, she found his dark eyes bearing the heat of disapproval. "I can't keep running. I need to face this head on."

He ignored her words and pulled her up against the length of him. "Do I even want to know how you got here?" His exasperation didn't mirror the smoky look in his eyes.

Chloe felt a sudden rush of heat and twirled away from him at arm's length. "I'm insulted. I have resources too, you know?"

Bruce ran a hand over his face. "Yeah, I saw your source." His admiration at her innovation notwithstanding. He should've known she could evade a one man army. "You could've waited, should've waited."

She was incredulous, turning her face away in a mock pout. "How could you expect me to wait? I thought you knew me better than that. I can't sit idle, especially when it's my ass on the line! Not when I'm this close!"

She turned back to him. Her eyes were wide, insistent.

He knew what she was feeling. The burning drive he saw in her eyes was so familiar to him. While he didn't want her in danger, yet he also respected her part in it all. He allowed himself a singular moment to drink in the sight of her, his gaze traveling the length of her. A breathy rush of music began to flow through from the Hall. He lifted her hand while slipping the other around her waist to step into a dance.

Absently, he ran a finger along the edge of her mask. "This is quite becoming," he murmured low into her ear.

Chloe managed to conceal the shiver of delight that raced through her body. "Does that mean I can join the club now?" she replied in good nature.

Bruce maintained a thorough chuckle low in his chest at her quip. "Hardly." He had to admit that she was doing an admirable job at playing the game of distraction. He would've been content to stay this way for the rest of the night.

"So, I take it the guest of honor has yet to arrive?" she asked, her gaze searched their surroundings.

"Not yet," he replied, pulling her closer.

"Well, if I know Lex, he'll make an entrance."

He led her into a reverse away from a small group of gawking spectators. "Well, I'm sorry that you're going to miss it," he said, and twirled her away just as her jaw dropped.

He pulled her back to him, but Chloe was undeterred. She stopped dead in her tracks. "You can't be serious? You know me better than that."

His dark eyes glittered in the candlelight with a dawning knowledge. "Yes," he said, pulling the word into a long murmur. "I do know you."

A bout of silence as they stared at each other in a battle of wills.

"Compromise," Chloe suggested.

"I don't compromise," he growled.

"Make a deal?"

"My deals come with a hefty price?"

Another bout of silence as to the implication of what that meant.

"The library," they said in unison.

His eyes bore down into hers with serious intent. He knew she wouldn't leave unless he had security throw her out and there was no chance in hell of that happening without causing a major scene. "You go straight there. Wait for Alfred. I need you to promise me, Chloe."

Chloe nodded. "Okay. I will."

And with that, he watched as Chloe whirled away from him and towards the figure in the Guy Fawkes mask. He bowed to her as she returned a curtsy and continued to pass various guests until she disappeared into the hallway towards the library.

No one noticed the other masked figure lurking about in the shadows. And no one noticed as he slipped down the hallway just as a peal of thunder resounded throughout the mansion and a surge of lightening killed the power.

oOo

Most of the candlelight had been for the main part of the mansion reserved for the party. This did not include private rooms or hallways. So when everything went black halfway towards the library, it alarmed Chloe-if only for a moment.

No problem, she thought with a mental shrug. She would simply make her way back to the party rather than grope her way towards a dark library.

She turned and came to an abrupt halt.

Though she couldn't see what wasn't brightened by lightening, Chloe sensed she wasn't alone.

"Alfred?" she called out, stepping towards the presence.

Nothing but silence as Chloe searched the darkness in vain.

"I hear the opera in Gotham is superb around this time of year."

Chloe halted instantly. Paralyzing terror spread through her entire being.

It couldn't be...

How had no one noticed? Paparazzi were all over the place.

"So this is where you've been hiding."

The sound of that smooth voice always had the opposite effect as it bristled up her spine and sent adrenaline coursing through her body. She whirled to see the man she'd been running from casually emerge from the shadows, a flash of lightening illuminating his image. A glint of a mask with a wicked smile flared in its wake.

"I can see the allure," he continued, pretending to admire the mansion's embellishments. "I guess it's just not quite the same without having a billionaire's house to peruse at will."

Chloe eyed him carefully, her eyes squinting in question at his visage.

Lex pretended to flinch with mock realization. "Do you like it?" he gestured to the white mask on the one side of his face. "Appropriate? Don't you think? The phantom lurking in the shadows, yearning in agony for the beautiful young girl to recognize his efforts and hoping that she would realize his love—

Chloe choked with a scoff. "Love?"

Lex conceded with a raise of his brows. "You're right. 'Obsession' is probably the more accurate term."

"That I believe," she shot at him.

Lex circled her with lazy steps. "In the end, all that the phantom wanted was her heart."

A peal of thunder rumbled. "Don't try to intimidate me, Lex."

Lex laid a hand over his heart, a mock expression of hurt on his face. "You wound me, Chloe," he said. Sentimentality played over his lips and he chuckled. "Feels a bit like old times, doesn't it?"

"Yes, I can't tell you how much I haven't missed our private conversations where you threaten me or the people I love."

Lex tossed his head back with a smile. "Oh, c'mon, Chloe. You love this," he gestured back and forth between the two of them. "I play the privileged cynic while you play the undaunted heroine."

"I'm not afraid of you, Lex," she said.

He chuckled low to himself. "I'm not trying to scare you, Chloe." He swiveled his head to pin her with his gaze through the flashes. "Your mistake is that you underestimate me. A mistake I thought you would've learned to no longer make."

"No, my mistake was not figuring out how to keep you from putting me onto the chopping block."

At that, his grin widened. "C'mon Chloe, you act as though I've never tried before," he reminded, continuing to sound as though they were old friends remembering good times. "But you mistake me. I know you, Chloe. You're always striving for a cause," he pointed out. "What you could do for the world would be unprecedented; opening doors humanity never dreamed possible. How can you ignore that?"

"Setting the bar a little low if you call ripping my heart out a dream for humanity."

Lex allowed his head to loll in exasperation. "I know it's your journalistic nature to be dramatic, but you're not seeing the bigger picture here."

Chloe's brows slid up in sarcasm. "The bigger picture?"

"Think about it, Chloe. You'd be normal again. Isn't that what you want?"

To that she said nothing. He sounded so passionate in his argument, but then Lex always did when it meant he was getting something out of the deal. Yet, there would always be that little part of her that still wanted to just be her normal self again.

Lex watched her mask slip, her eyes betraying that innermost desire and he pounced upon it. He casually stepped towards her, closing the gap between them. "The heart of a normal human being, Chloe," he said, his voice emphatic with wonderment. "No more would you have to worry that the next time you healed someone would be your last time on this earth. No more searches for cures. I have the cure, Chloe!"

"And you expect me to believe that you're doing this all purely for my benefit?"

"For the benefit of the world, Chloe."

Chloe just scoffed, perhaps a little too loudly. He really was off the chain. She could hear his ambitions for world domination ringing in his claims and she wasn't certain to be frightened because he'd lost his mind or because the possibility was more than plausible.

"Even if what you say is true, the donor list is pretty long."

His fingertips reached out to caress her cheek. "Yes, I considered that. But that just proves how much I truly care about you, Chloe. True, I could simply just take what I want and leave a deep, gaping chasm in your chest" he suggested, slowly trailing a single fingertip down her neckline to rest at the cleft of her breasts for a single beat. "And while you're absolutely right, the donor list for a new heart is long. I just used my resources in order to find you a match quickly," he said as he pulled his phone from his pocket.

Chloe's stomach dove as he held it up to his ear.

"Is she awake?" he asked while looking at Chloe. "Good. Let's not delay the reunion between mother and daughter much longer."

Chloe barely had time to react. She turned to run; a full breath ready to scream for Bruce before an arm lashed around her waist and a hand clamped down over her mouth.

Lex struggled against Chloe's flailing body while clenching tightly to his phone. "Tell Mrs. Sullivan to hurry up or I'll pitch her daughter out the nearest window!" he shouted into the phone.

Lex held her tight as she struggled; waiting until Chloe ceased her struggles. Finally, she sagged against him and became docile in his hands. Releasing her, Lex had the satisfaction to find a placid, obedient Chloe looking up at him expectantly; ready to do his bidding. He smiled as he didn't have to say a word. All he had to do was turn and walk right out of Wayne Manor. He didn't have to look to see if Chloe followed him.

He knew that she did.

oOo