
Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/177642.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Underage
  Category:
      M/M
  Fandom:
      Smallville
  Relationship:
      Clark_Kent/Lex_Luthor
  Series:
      Part 35 of Corner_of_the_World
  Stats:
      Published: 2011-04-04 Words: 19369
****** Corner of the World 32: Rebuild ******
by serafina20
Summary
     The rebuilding of Smallville continues. But, mostly, Clark and Lex
     just want to have sex.
Consciousness returned to Lex slowly, bit by bit. He first became aware that he
was lying in a bed that didn't belong to him. It was too narrow, for one thing,
and the feel of the mattress was all wrong. It didn't conform to the exact fit
of his body the way his did, and the sheets smelled different. Not bad, just
different.
The second thing that Lex was aware of was that the bed was shaking. It wasn't
much, nothing enough to really wake him, unless it had been going on for a
while and had shaken him awake slowly. It was simply that every few seconds,
the bed jerked a slightly, sending vibrations through the mattress and into his
body.
The third thing he became aware of was that he wasn't alone. Not only was there
another body on the bed, but that body was awake and the cause of the
vibrations.
Lex awoke more fully, until he was groggy, but conscious. He kept his eyes
closed, however, not feeling any urgency to announce his return to the world.
It was afternoon. He wasn't sure exactly how he knew that, but he did. He had a
feeling it was because of the way the room felt around him: warm and alive,
instead of misty and cool as mornings tended to be, or dark and chill like the
nights were. He could hear a fan going, whirring softly, probably in the
corner.
Lex stretched and rolled onto his back.
"Morning," Clark said from beside him.
Lex made a noise in his throat to wake his vocal cords before he replied,
"Morning." His voice still sounded rusty, and he wondered exactly how long he'd
been asleep. "What time is it?" He stretched again, muscles slowly and
deliciously unknotting as he did. He sighed sheer pleasure as his body woke.
Clark took a moment before he answered. There was the sound of buttons
clicking, and, every few seconds, gunfire. "Uh," he said, obviously distracted,
"About two. You... no!" He cut himself off, the bed shaking wildly.
"What are you doing, angel?" Lex asked, opening his eyes.
He was in Clark's old bedroom, which he'd only seen once or twice. There was a
window that looked out over the back of the Kent's property. A desk was set up
under the window, a few photographs on the desk. The bed was across from the
window, by the door, pressed against the wall. Clark's old dresser was at the
foot of the bed, against the far wall. To his surprise, Lex realized that his
television set was set up on top of the dresser, as well as his alarm clock,
VCR, DVD player and a PlayStation 2, which Clark was currently playing.
"You brought my television over?" Lex asked as he sat up.
"Yeah. Mom said that you're staying over for a while, and I know you've gotten
into the habit of watching cartoons while eating your breakfast in bed..."
"Who told you that?"
"Damien," Clark replied.
"I watch the news, too."
Clark shot him a smile before turning back to his game. "Anyway, I also thought
that you'd want to watch it other times, like if you're up late or something. I
drove it over this morning." An impish smile crossed his face, and he added, "I
got to use the truck you bought me; Dad said I could until he bought a
replacement."
"Why can't that truck be a replacement?"
Clark rolled his eyes, looking annoyed. "Because Dad said we can't afford it.
Don't ask; he's being stupid."
Lips twitching, Lex said, "Am I supposed to be surprised?"
"Don't be mean." Clark leaned over and kissed Lex's on the cheek.
"Clark, how did you get the PlayStation?" Lex asked, eyeing the box that was
set up on top of the television.
"It was delivered this morning," Clark replied almost gleefully. He paused his
game and turned to Lex, grinning. "Mabel brought it over when she came to pick
up Dominic."
Lex frowned. "That was supposed to be an anniversary present, Clark!" he said,
voice disapproving. "I wanted to be the one who gave it to you."
Lex was pushed back onto the bed, Clark stretched out on top, kissing him.
"Mabel brought the box over, and I had to make sure it wasn't a bomb or
something," Clark whispered between kisses. "So I scanned the box."
"A bomb?"
A flush stole over Clark's face and he stopped kissing Lex long enough to say,
"Ok, so I was just curious. And I wanted to see if it was something that you
needed to see right away," he added defensively.
"So you scanned the box with your X-ray vision to see what was inside," Lex
said, as he wrapped his arms around Clark and bit his neck gently. "And when
you saw what was inside, you couldn't resist opening?"
"I knew you had to have gotten for me; I didn't think you'd mind all that much.
And, you know, I had to set it up to make sure it was working right."
Lex licked underneath Clark's jaw line. "Actually, I got it for both of us.
Summer is coming up, and I'd hoped to convince your parents to let you stay
over another night. And, if not, you're always welcome to drop by and convince
me to play a few games with you." Then Lex made a face. "Well, you know; once
the mansion is repaired."
"Thank you." Clark kissed him deeply. "I love it. But I haven't gotten your
present yet."
"That's fine, angel; you've been busy," Lex murmured as he nuzzled Clark below
the jaw line. "What did your parents say?"
Clark stroked Lex's sides and pushed his shirt up to bare more skin. His lips
were everywhere: sucking the tips of Lex's ears, nibbling along his jaw line,
worshipping scar on Lex's upper lip as he managed to answered, "Mom said that I
better tell Dad what it is before he walks in and sees it. He won't be happy,
period, but it's not his business, and it's not like it's going to stay here."
Lex nodded as he submitted to Clark's rough caresses. His mind was spinning; he
was still tired and worn, but he wanted--no, needed--Clark, but... but...
"Clark, stop," he croaked, trying to push Clark off him.
Clark made a sort of desperate whine of protest, bending down to bite Lex's
throat.
"Oh, fuck," Lex groaned; somehow the spot Clark liked to bite had created a
direct line to his cock. Sharp arousal flooded him, but Lex fought it back.
"Clark!" He rolled over, managing to roll Clark onto the floor.
"Lex," Clark cried, crushing Lex to him in a protective gesture.
When they hit the ground, Lex started squirming. Clark tightened his arms until
Lex gasped for air, then released him. Once Clark's arms were loose enough, Lex
weaseled his way out of Clark's arms, crawling away as fast as he could.
"Toothbrush?" he asked, dancing in the threshold of the door. Not only was his
bladder full, but he knew that keeping light on his feet would give him a speed
advantage. Well, not really, but Lex liked to pretend it would.
Clark rolled onto his stomach. His eyes were dark, a few shades away from
midnight, and his gaze devoured Lex hungrily. As Clark pushed himself to his
hands and knees, Lex shivered, feeling like prey trapped in the predator's
gaze.
"Bathroom." Clark's voice was low and husky. "But you don't need it; you taste
good."
Lex wrinkled his nose. "You're disgusting."
"I need you," he whispered, sounding desperate.
"I know. Me too. But I need to brush my teeth. And pee. It won't take long. I
need... Ah!" Lex yelped, darting down the hall quickly when Clark leapt off the
floor. A quick scan showed that Clark wasn't serious in his pursuit. While he
wanted Lex, he was willing to allow Lex a few moments to get himself in shape.
Lex made it to the bathroom and slammed the door. He was wearing Clark's
sweatpants, which were rolled a few times at the hips and ankles to keep from
sliding off or tripping him. He was also wearing Clark's shirt, and loved the
comfort that permeated him from both sleeping in Clark's childhood bed and
wearing his clothes.
The moment Lex flushed the toilet, the door was flung opened. "I missed you,"
Clark complained as he stepped inside the bathroom.
"You're pathetic," Lex replied. His traveling case was on the sink; after he
washed his hands, Lex reached inside and pulled out his toothpaste and
toothbrush. "We were apart for all of one minute. Why don't you go to your
room? I'll be back in a second."
"Lex." Clark sighed and wrapped his arms around Lex's waist. "God, I want you,"
he whispered, before he kissed the nape of Lex's neck.
As he brushed his teeth, Lex relaxed against Clark. Truth was, he was horny as
hell, too, and wanted nothing more than to let Clark fuck him into a mindless
stupor. But first he really needed to get the morning taste out of his mouth.
Meanwhile, Clark was continuing his exploration of the skin behind Lex's ears
and neck. "You taste good." He licked up the nape of Lex's neck to the odd bump
on the back.
When he began sucking it, Lex's legs gave out. "Clarg," he moaned through a
mouthful of foam.
Laughing softly, Clark supported him, and bent Lex over the sink. "Spit."
Lex obeyed. He spit, rinsed, and took a small sip of water, all while Clark
worshipped his head.
"Are you trying to kill me?" Lex moaned as Clark's lips moved so he could nip
his earlobe, then dip his tongue in the hollow behind his ear.
"No, baby," Clark replied, slipping his hand under the front of Lex's shirt.
The warm skin slid up Lex's chest, caressing lovingly. "I'm trying to make love
to you."
"Stop with the 'baby,' Clark; I'm serious." Lex wondered how he was still able
to form a thought, with Clark sucking on his neck and twisting his nipples.
Clark tugged down the neck of Lex's shirt, and bit his back hard enough Lex
could actually feel the bruise form. "But you call me 'angel.'"
"You are an angel. Were," he corrected himself as Clark began to rub against
the cleft of his ass. His knuckles were white on the sink as arousal spread
from his belly, making his body warm and heavy.
"Trust me, after we get done, you'll be calling me God."
Lex whimpered.
"Hello? Lex... Shit! Sorry!" Dominic exclaimed from somewhere in the hall.
"Fuck," Lex swore turning his head.
A very red-cheeked Dominic stood just outside the bathroom, trying to avert his
eyes, but obviously having a hard time. After all, how often did he—or anyone--
get to see Lex bent over a sink with a horny farm boy draped over him?
"I'm sorry, Lex, but I need to talk to you," Dominic said apologetically,
finally rubbing his forehead so his palm was covering his eyes.
"Clark." Lex nudged Clark with his elbow.
Clark really didn't need to be told, as he was already pulling away from Lex.
He crossed his arms over his chest and glared daggers at Dominic. His eyes were
dark and scary and Lex knew that if he could, Clark would burn Dominic where he
stood with just the heat of his eyes.
Lex sighed and rubbed Clark's arm with one hand as he tugged his overlarge
shirt down with the other. "Clark, angel? I'm starving."
"What do you want?" Clark's voice was tight.
"Orange juice, and lots of it. Plus, I don't know, chicken soup and a
sandwich?"
"Ok."
Dominic stepped aside, but Clark still managed to hit him with his shoulder. He
bit his lip, his eyes turned to the ceiling.
When Clark was gone, Lex shook his head. "He's sixteen, and has had a rough
couple of days."
"Of course."
"He's embarrassed." Lex wondered why he felt the need to justify Clark's
behavior towards Dominic of all people. "You walked in on us at a bad time."
"I know. And I apologize, but I didn't realize..." Dominic shook his head and
said, "It's one thing to know that you're having sex with him, it's another to
walk in on it." A muscle in his cheek twitched.
"I understand. Now, you said you had to talk to me?"
Dominic nodded. "It's about the meeting with the Board of Directors tomorrow.
I... Why don't we sit down?" he asked as Lex began to sway on his feet, the
world swimming around him.
"Yeah, ok." Lex took a step towards Dominic, then pitched forward.
Catching him, Dominic wrapped his arms around Lex's waist. "I believe this is
why Dr. Sutton ordered you to rest."
"I was just up to brush my teeth," Lex said weakly as they went back to the
bedroom.
"And Clark was helping you do that how, exactly?" When Lex didn't answer,
Dominic sighed. "Really, Lex. You are an adult. You should know better." He
helped Lex to the bed.
Lex climbed onto it, and rested his head against the wall. "I do know better,
and I thought I was feeling well enough. So, I was wrong; it's not as if
there's anything important I have to do in the next few days."
Dominic raised his eyebrows. "Actually, that's why I came. There is something
important." He said on the edge of the bed, still facing Lex. "I've called a
meeting with the Board of Directors tomorrow. You must address the current
situation with your father before the company loses money."
"What do you mean?"
"I've managed to keep his injury quiet for now, but when it gets out, our stock
could plummet. Especially if people believe that no one is running Luthor Corp.
You need to go to the meeting and assure the board, and then the press, that
Lionel's injury will not harm the company in any way."
Lex sighed, rubbing his eyes. "I totally forgot about that; of course you're
right. Dammit."
"You've had a lot on your mind the past few days," Dominic said. He reached
into his breast pocket and pulled out his Palm Pilot. "The meeting is scheduled
for two o'clock tomorrow. I've spoken with Dr. Sutton; she thinks that you
should stay the night here, and have the limo take you to the penthouse
tomorrow morning. That way, you can take a nap before the meeting, and it will
give you time to prepare what you will say."
"Ok. I can do that." Lex hesitated, and looked down at the quilt. "How is Dad,
anyway?"
Dominic took a moment before answering. "He's doing well," he said gently. "Not
terrific, but the doctor said that he's not in danger any longer. He'll be
moved to Metropolis General tomorrow morning. I'm going to fly there with him,
then meet you at the penthouse." Dominic paused, and said, "Damien is doing
well, too. He was awake this morning, albeit spacey from the morphine he's on.
The doctors think he might have some internal damage that they didn't catch
yesterday, and might have to have another surgery."
Lex nodded as he ran his thumb over his lower lip. The few minutes after waking
had been peaceful, if lust filled. Thoughts of his father and Damien hadn't yet
rose to the surface; but now... Lex was just too tired, and the stress of
worrying about them made him want to go back to sleep.
But he couldn't, not right now. He had business.
"Dom, did Dad already propose to close Plant 3?" Lex asked, wrenching his mind
away from the accident.
Dominic nodded. "Yes. And they agreed." He paused, then said, "I thought you
were going to force a vote for the buyout."
"I am. I was." Lex frowned and shook his head. "I talked to enough members and
secured their assurance that they'd agree to the buyout. But I told them to go
ahead and agree with Dad until I had enough of the workers' signatures." He
sighed and ran his hand over his scalp.
There was another pause. Dominic tapped the stylus on the Palm Pilot before he
said, "What are you going to tell the workers about the closure of the plant?"
Lex frowned. "I... Why would I have to say anything?"
"Because Luthor Corp needs you," Dominic replied, sounding as if it were
obvious. He genuinely sounded surprised and confused by Lex's question. When
Lex said nothing, Dominic continued, "You can't leave to company to run one
fertilizer plant. Not with your father injured. If all things were normal, then
it would be fine. It would be business. But the company could be in real
trouble here. People react badly when their CEO is hurt; and if you abandon the
company..." He trailed off, raising his eyebrow.
"But I promised the people of Smallville that I would keep their jobs."
"You mean you promised your child-lover you wouldn't leave," Dominic snapped.
"Watch it, Dominic," Lex said sharply. "I'm impressed with you right now, but
that doesn't mean that you can talk to me like that."
"Someone has to," Dominic replied, voice just as sharp. "Damien is in the
hospital, your father is hurt, and we could be in trouble. You have been
groomed your entire life to take over this position when the time came. The
time is now, Lex. It won't be permanent, and it might only be for a few months,
but the company needs you. You can't be selfish and..."
"I know, Dominic!" Lex shouted. "I know about my responsibility, and my duty
and... the fucking company, ok? I know. But... I want Lex Corp. I want to start
now. I feel like I need to, to show Dad that I can..." Lex stopped talking
abruptly, horrified at what he'd just revealed. Apparently, Dominic wasn't the
only person in the room who couldn't keep their family issues to themselves.
For his part, Dominic didn't acknowledge the slip. He simply said, "But he
needs you now. He needs you to run his company. You can start Lex Corp at any
time. And you can do it with his money. Right now, though, you need to do to
the adult thing and take care of your family."
Lex sighed and rubbed his eyes. He was exhausted again, and it wasn't just his
body. "One thing I've learned from you is that when you help your family, the
family might not be grateful."
"Victoria is a bitch," Dominic said sharply. "Our situations are not parallel.
Victoria doesn't love or care for me, and never did. Harry made sure of that.
But you father does care for you, Lex. He might not know how to show it, but he
does. And you have a chance to make him grateful and proud of you, so that he
can't help but give you the respect that you deserve."
Lex didn't answer. He just stared at Dominic as blankly as he could, not giving
anything away in his expression.
Dominic sighed. "Very well. Think on it." He checked his watch. "I've been at
the office in Metropolis all day." His lips twitched. "It was the first time
I've called for the helicopter when your father was not going to use it."
"Did you have fun on your ride, Dommi?" Lex asked, rolling his eyes.
"Although the news about your father isn't yet public, I have a feeling that by
tonight or tomorrow, it will leak," Dominic continued, choosing to ignore the
barb. "You'll need to be ready to issue a statement to the press as well; I
have Lionel's press secretary preparing one. I'm going to get something to eat,
then go to the hospital."
"Are you staying here again tonight?"
"No, Aimee Sutton invited me to stay with her, and I've accepted." He rose.
Before he left, Lex said, "Thank you, Dominic." And Lex meant it. As angry as
he was at the situation, he was still grateful for Dominic handling everything
Lex wasn't able to at the moment.
"You're welcome." Dominic smiled and left, nodding almost coldly at Clark as
the younger man entered the room.
Clark turned to watch Dominic go, glowering. Lex rolled his eyes and pulled a
pillow to his chest, plumping it and resting is cheek against it.
"Clark?" he asked after a moment. "Be nice to him and stop thinking death
threats."
"I'm not thinking death threats," Clark protested as he sat on the bed. He set
the tray he was holding down carefully. "I'm... angry. Or something."
"You're sexually frustrated," Lex told him as he patted his knee. Then he
poured himself a glass of orange juice from the pitcher Clark had brought up.
"I am really, uh, horny today," Clark admitted as Lex ravenously gulped down
the juice.
"Me too." Lex poured himself another glass; for whatever reason, he felt
very... thirsty wasn't the right word. Empty was more like it.
"Eat, too. Then we can have sex." Clark picked up the sandwich and broke a
piece off. "Here."
Lex ate the offered piece, making sure his tongue caressed the pads of Clark's
fingers as he did.
Clark shuddered, eyes falling shut. "Baby, don't distract me right now, or I'm
going to have to take you before you eat. And if Mom and Dad come home and find
that I made you pass out, they'll be angry."
Lex swallowed and leaned forward so he could kiss the corner of Clark's mouth.
"Don't call me baby, Clark."
"But there's nothing else to call you," Clark complained. "Sweetheart is
stupid, I can't use love all the time, darling is too old, pumpkin is... No.
And honey... you don't strike me as a honey."
"But I strike you as a baby," Lex replied before he downed his third glass of
juice.
"Food, Lex. You need to eat." Clark broke another piece off and placed it in
Lex's mouth.
After he'd swallowed, Lex said, "Sorry, I need juice right now. It's like I
need it more than food."
"Why?"
Lex felt his face grow hot and he lowered his eyes to the tray. "Uh, actually,
I've been thinking about that a lot lately."
"Oh?"
"Yeah." He ate a spoonful of soup and answered, "You're, uh, I've been craving
it a lot... well, since we've gotten together and I think it's because, well,
because you're, uh..."
"Lex? Just stay it."
He took a deep breath and said as fast as he could,
"Yoursementasteslikeorangejuice."
Clark's eyes went wide. "What?"
"Your semen tastes like orange juice," Lex repeated very slowly.
"Really?"
"Yeah, uh, if you ever are with anyone else, and you don't want to tip them off
that you're an alien, don't come in their mouth."
Blushing, Clark ran his hand through his hair. "So you knew... since our first
time fooling around? That time you were sick?"
"No, I couldn't taste you. But the first time I gave you a blow job, I figured
that something was very different. But, even then, I already knew because I saw
your dream of the accident. I was gathering clues until I put it all together."
He ate another spoonful of soup.
"When did you put it all together?"
"I toyed around with the idea for a while, but I finally realized when I saw a
picture of where your ship landed in Dr. Hamilton's office. I'd gotten the
image of the ship from your head a couple times, and my mind superimposed the
image over the hole. That's when I began to accept it."
"Oh. I'd wondered how you did it."
Lex poured some more juice and said, "You could have asked."
Clark made a face.
Anger rose in Lex's throat. "Right," he said, voice hard. "You could have, but
you wouldn't. Because that would mean that you would have to actually admit
that you're an alien, and you can't do that, can you Clark?"
"Lex, I know what I am."
"But you can't say it. You can't face it. You don't want to know anything about
yourself, so instead I'm stuck with the burden of knowing. Your parents and I
are, that is." Distantly, in the back of his mind, Lex knew that this really
wasn't the time to have this conversation. And yet, Lex couldn't control
himself. All the frustration and anger that was built up about this issue was
being magnified by the fact he felt so hungry and empty. So, tightening his
jaw, Lex continued angrily, "I get that it's hard, but it's hard for me, too.
You're so fucking unhappy about it, unless you repress it so far that you don't
think or deal with it. Then you're perfectly fine."
"Lex, stop it!" Clark snapped angrily. "I'll come to terms with it all, really.
Just not all at once."
"Not all at once? How about not at all? The last time I think you really tried
to face what you are--seriously, not just telling me I could experiment on you-
-was when you lost your powers. And even that time, you used to me to try to
escape who you are!"
"I did not use you!"
"Yes, you did. You crawled into my bed, begging me to make love to you, and all
the while, you were testing me. You were trying to see if I would love someone
that didn't exist. What would you have done if I'd never figured it out, Clark?
If you hadn't passed out, and I hadn't figured out that you had your powers
back, what would you have done?"
Clark blinked, lower lip trembling. He looked away and replied, "Nothing, Lex.
I don't know what you're talking about."
Lex snorted. "You would have left me," he said. "You would have been convinced
that what I really wanted--or deserved--was a normal lover."
"That isn't true, Lex," Clark said, voiced raised. "I told you then, I only
wanted to see if you could love me as a normal person."
"No you didn't," Lex shot back angrily. His voice was raised as well so that he
was practically shouting. "You would have left me. Because you've tried to do
it before. And you were testing me, and now you won't..."
"Lex, that's not..." Clark shouted.
"Clark, don't interrupt me! You know it's..."
"No it isn't. I..."
"Hey!" Jonathan interrupted the shouting match as he stepped inside the room.
"What is going on here?"
They both turned to look at him, startled.
Jonathan was frowning. "Guys?"
"Nothing, Dad," Clark mumbled, looking at the quilt.
Still breathing hard, Lex shook his head. "Nothing, Mr. Kent."
Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "Right. Nothing. That's why you're both screaming
at each other?"
They didn't answer.
He sighed. "Well, look. I'm sure that your fight is important, but so is your
health, Lex. Dr. Sutton said to make sure you relax, and you're not doing that
right now."
Lex hitched one shoulder in a shrug. "I was trying, but Clark and I got
distracted."
"Distracted. Right." Jonathan shook his head. "I think you both need a few
minutes--or hours--apart. Just to calm down. You can continue your discussion
when you're both calmer. It'll probably be more productive then, anyway."
"Yes, sir," Lex said softly, feeling worn out.
"Clark," Jonathan said. "Why don't you go draw Lex a bath, and when you're
done, I need you to help me with the tractor."
"Yeah, ok." Clark got up and left the room quickly. Lex could tell he was near
tears.
When he was gone, Jonathan sighed and sat on the bed. "Do you really think that
he's not coming to terms with what he is?" he asked seriously.
Lex looked at him, eyebrow raised. "How long were you listening?"
"I was downstairs when you started fighting. The two of you were hard to miss."
Jonathan looked at him with a somber expression, one free of accusation.
"Please, Lex, I need to know."
"Yes, I do," Lex said after a moment. "He avoids it as much as he can. Yes, he
uses his powers, but he doesn't like to think about where his powers come
from."
Jonathan rubbed his eyes a bit wearily. "What about this telepathy thing that
Martha was telling me about?"
He froze a moment, not sure what to say. Lex knew that Clark had told Martha
about their bond, and, from that, he should have known that she would have told
Jonathan. Still, it was disturbing, having something so intensely personal and
intimate exposed and... and talked about like this.
He swallowed. "As long as he's using his powers in connection to someone else,
he avoids the implications. I'm the telepath, but I think he's the one that
made the bond between us. He's the one who can manipulate the power. He can
communicate over a distance without getting tired, he can get into Kiptin--you
know about Kiptin?" Lex interrupted himself.
When Jonathan nodded, Lex continued, "I can only get there in two ways. The
first is if I'm asleep. The other is if he pulls me in. And once I'm in, my
body is lifeless; I can't do anything. One time Clark managed to go to Kiptin
and pull me in while he was running.
"But, even though he uses all his powers, it's as if he's afraid to find out
where they come from. He won't explore what he is, and the only time he's
offered to let me do tests on him was when I told him that he was changing me."
Jonathan frowned. "Is this change metaphorical, as in he's making you a better
man?"
Lex's lips twitched and he shook his head. "No, although he is. But he's
changing me physically, making me healthier, healing me when I'm hurt. Dr.
Sutton is doing tests to help me figure out what these changes are. When I told
Clark, he offered to let me--just me--test him to see what about him is
changing me. But I haven't, because he didn't mean it and he doesn't want to
know for himself." Lex sighed and pushed a pillow behind him so he could lean
against it.
"You're worried about him, aren't you?" Jonathan said.
"Of course. He'll grow up to be miserable if he constantly yearns to be
something that he's not, all the while ignoring who and what he really is." Lex
sighed and closed his eyes.
Jonathan sighed too. "I wish you had told me. I need to know things like this."
Lex opened his eyes. "I thought I could handle this. I'm his boyfriend. I
wanted to be able to handle it."
"I understand," Jonathan said heatedly, "but I need to be told about things
concerning my son."
"I know that you want to..." Lex broke off, overtaken by a huge yawn.
Jonathan waited until Lex's eyes were open again, then said, "I don't want to
talk about this right now. What's done is done. You didn't tell me in the past,
but I want your promise you will inform me of problems Clark is having in the
future."
"I'll try," Lex said. "But you have to remember that Clark's not just yours
anymore. He's mine too, and sometimes there will be things between us that we
don't want to share."
"I don't like it."
Lex shrugged. "You don't have to." He looked at Jonathan steadily, fighting the
urge to chew on his bottom lip.
Finally, Jonathan nodded. "All right. Just make sure that if you don't tell us,
that you are there for him."
"Always." Lex frowned suddenly and said, "You're being nice."
"Yes, well, surprisingly, you want the same thing for Clark that I do. You want
him to be happy, and to be comfortable with himself."
Clark stuck his head in the room, his eyes red. "Your bath is ready, Lex."
Lex poured a glass of juice and downed it quickly. "Thanks," he said as he rose
from the bed.
Clark moved to pull away, but Lex stopped him by placing and hand on his arm.
"I love you, angel," he said softly.
A small smile curved Clark's lips. He leaned forward and kissed Lex. "I love
you too."/Baby
Lex rolled his eyes and laughed. He kissed Clark again, and nodded in farewell
to Jonathan.
As he made his way to the bathroom, Lex decided that there were worse things to
be than Clark's baby.
________________________________________
"Clark," Jonathan started as he wiped grease from his hands.
Clark sighed and turned away. He should have known. Jonathan had managed not to
say anything about the fight for forty-five minutes. Clark had hoped that meant
he wasn't going to bring it up at all. But now that the tractor was fixed, it
was clear that Jonathan wanted to talk.
"I'm fine, Dad," he said, hoping that he'd let it drop.
"Are you?"
"Yeah." He kicked the ground. "Lex is just... being difficult. I mean, he's not
feeling well and all, so that's part of it. And he's upset that I've never
shown him the ship, so he's being a pain."
"Why does he want to see the ship?" Jonathan asked sharply.
Clark sighed. "I don't know. Just... probably because it's a part of me. I
don't think he wants to do anything to it, just see it."
"Not that I want you to show it to him... or," Jonathan amended, "would have
been happy if you had before it disappeared, but why didn't you?"
"He never asked," Clark said, shrugging. "I mean, I didn't even know he cared
until recently."
"Would you have shown him if he asked?"
Clark looked at the ground. "Uh, yeah, I guess."
"Clark, when was the last time you went do to take a look at it?"
"A month or so. Not very recently. I haven't needed to."
"Or wanted to," Jonathan guessed.
Clark didn't say anything.
"Clark." Jonathan ran his hand through his hair. "You do realize that this
isn't going to go away, right? Ignoring it isn't going to help."
"Well, if it's not going away, then why do I have to deal with it all right
now?" Clark asked calmly.
His father blinked and frowned. "Well. Well, because... Because it'll be
better."
"Better how?"
"You're not happy now."
"No, Lex isn't happy now. I'm fine," Clark lied. "I mean, no, I don't like
thinking about it, but I know it's there. And, eventually, I'll really deal
with everything."
Jonathan shook his head. "Clark, you keep putting this off, and pretty soon
it's going to be too late. This has been an ongoing problem since... well,
since you found out that you're an alien. You mother and I... and Lex, have
tried to find ways for you to deal with it, but that doesn't seem to be what
you're doing."
"Dad..."
"No, Clark, listen to me," Jonathan interrupted. He put his hand on Clark's
arm. "You hold everything inside. Sometimes you tell us what's going in, but
you keep trying to hide it. And hiding isn't the same thing as working it out
in private. If you were... then you'd be different."
"Different how?"
"Maybe you wouldn't need Lex the way you do."
Clark rolled his eyes and clenched his jaw angrily. "I get it. This is all
about you not liking Lex."
"No, Clark, it's not. What I meant was... one of the reasons we started letting
you spend the night at his house was that you claimed you needed it. That you
needed to be near him. The same thing with the phone in your loft: you need to
talk to him every night in order to calm down. Not want to; need to. And I
think that's because you're, I don't know. Hiding your fears in him. And that's
not fair to him."
"You're worried about him?"
"I'm worried about you," Jonathan corrected. "Not only are you uncomfortable
with who you are, but you're using a loved one to hide from your fears. That's
not the way to live life, Clark."
Clark pulled away and leaned against the tractor. "Dad, I... I don't mean to
use anyone. But it's easier just to forget myself by going to him. He makes me
happy. He makes me feel normal."
Jonathan leaned next to him. "That's great. Except you're still full of anxiety
and frustration due to your origin. And it's rubbing off on Lex. Besides,
normal for you isn't human, Clark. You need to find your own normal."
"Normal is normal, Dad, and aliens don't fit into that definition."
"Your mother and I aren't considered 'normal' by the town." Jonathan looked at
him. "Lex is far from normal by a traditional definition. But I'd say the three
of us have forged our own way and decided what is and isn't normal of us. And,
for the most part, we're content with that. You need to do the same thing. And
not just because you're an alien; you need to do it because it's part of
growing up."
Wearily, Clark rubbed his eyes. "It's not just me being what I am, Dad. Some of
it is... it's me feeling that a lot of stuff around here is my fault. Every
mutant I fight, every time I look at Lex, every time Lana talks about her
parents, I remember that things would have been different without me. Better."
Jonathan stepped closer to Clark and put his hand on Clark's shoulder. He
squeezed it gently and said, "Do you really think that Lex's life would be
better without you?"
Surprised, Clark blinked and looked at his father.
Jonathan smiled. "I may have my issues with him and his father, but I have seen
Lex change since he met you. And changed for the better."
Clark flushed and looked at his feet. "I... he would have been different. I
don't know if he'd been worse. I mean, he'd have hair. Maybe Lionel would have
been nicer to him. Maybe..."
"Maybe you should ask him," Jonathan said pointedly.
"Yeah." Clark sighed and closed his eyes.
"As for the rest," Jonathan said, "Clark, it isn't your fault. It's not. Maybe
if you take a hard look at who you are and find answers to the questions you
need to ask, you won't feel this way anymore. But you have to help yourself,
Clark. We--your mother, Lex, and I--can't make you feel better about who you
are. We can't find the answers to your heritage, and we are not the ones who
should be asking. You should. It's your life, your past, and your future. And
you need to find out about it."
"What if I'm not ready?" Clark asked quietly.
"Then you find a way to make yourself ready." When Clark said nothing, Jonathan
added, "No one is ever ready to ask hard questions. No one is ready to face who
they are; it's hard for a reason. But you do it anyway."
"I'm scared."
"I know." Jonathan put his hand on Clark's shoulder. "Like I said: we can't
help you face who you are. But, we are all here to help you, Clark."
Clark sighed and nodded. "Thanks, Dad." He went to the tractor and picked up
the toolbox. "I'll go feed the cows, ok?"
"All right. And remember to think about what we talked about, ok?"
Clark nodded. "Okay. Thanks, Dad," he added with a faint smile.
The creases around Jonathan's eyes deepened as he returned the smile before
turning away to do whatever task that needed doing.
Once he was gone, Clark sighed with relief and sped off to do his chores.
He didn't want to face what he was. He didn't want to know. He didn't care.
Really.
The chores were finished a half an hour later. Clark tried not to use his speed
near the animals. They couldn't see him, obviously, since he was moving too
fast, but they could feel the wind and sense him. His father had asked him to
slow down around them. For the past two months, Clark had being trying to
figure out how to still go faster than normal, but slow enough to keep the
animals calm. He knew that it was the type of thing that Lex would want to help
him out with--run tests, record results, compare to... to something. Lex was so
certain that testing his abilities, exploring them was the perfect way to make
Clark more comfortable with what he was.
But it wouldn't. Clark wasn't human. And nothing was ever going to make him
happy with that.
When he was done, Clark closed the gate and stood for a moment, watching the
sun sink beneath the horizon. A strange feeling was sliding through him. It was
something like loss. All day he'd felt... something, but for the most part,
he'd been able to put a name to it: Lex. He had a fierce, gnawing need for Lex,
to be inside him, to claim him. It was an ache that he didn't want to live
with, but he was coping with until the time was right.
But this other feeling... it was new. And it was deeper, more in his bones kind
of ache. Or...
Growling, Clark hit the fence post lightly, careful not to break it.
He was restless. 'Can't sleep, can't rest, can't find peace' restless, and he
didn't know why. He didn't feel as if he were going to have nightmares, it
wasn't connected to his horniness, he was just. Restless.
The sun set, the red brilliance fading into twilight. Clark headed back to the
house, head low, unsure of what to do next.
Dr. Sutton was pulling away when Clark trudged to the house. She waved at Clark
as she backed away; Clark waved back and watched until she was driving down the
lane. She was probably going to the hospital to see Damien, he decided.
Visitors were only allowed in the rooms for the next two hours or so, and Clark
figured that she would want to spend time with him. He wondered if he should
have gone to see Damien today, then shrugged it off. He'd go tomorrow to make
sure Damien was really ok. Until then, Clark had had enough of hospitals.
He turned and went into the house. "Hey Mom," he said in a subdued voice. There
was a plate of freshly baked cookies on the table; Clark reached for one.
"Wash your hands, honey" Martha said, batting his hands away.
"Sorry." Clark went to the sink. "I saw Dr. Sutton leaving."
"Yes, she dropped by while you were helping your father to see how Lex was."
"Ah." Clark nodded, lathering soap on his hands. "Uh, how is he?"
Martha glanced at him. "He's fine. Dr. Sutton said that he should be feeling
normal in a few days."
"Cool." He rinsed his hands, then rewashed them.
Martha sighed. "Clark, he's in the living room. Go to him."
"But..."
"I know the two of you fought. Now it's time to make up."
He rinsed his hands again, then dried them. "Yeah, ok." He grabbed a couple
cookies and went to the other room.
Lex was lounging on the couch watching "The Simpsons." One leg was stretched
out in front of him, the other tucked in so his foot was resting on his thigh.
He was dressed casually in black silk pajama bottoms and one of Clark's blue,
long sleeve shirts with the sleeves pushed up over his elbows. His feet were
bare.
"Hey," Clark said tentatively. He was uncertain of his reception.
Lex turned; his eyes were very blue from the shirt. "Hey." He traced the back
of the couch with his fingertips.
"How are you feeling?"
"All right. Empty and tired, but fine."
Clark licked his bottom lip. "Tired as in sleepy tired?"
Lex shook his head. "No. It's deeper." He tilted his head, then folded his legs
under him. "Come here?"
He went to Lex right away, sinking down on the couch next to him. "I brought
you a cookie," he said softly, holding it out.
A wry smile on his lips, Lex took it. "Thanks, angel."
Clark looked down at his lap and began pulling his cookie apart. "What did Dr.
Sutton say?"
"That I'm looking better. She said that I'm not dehydrated anymore, and all
signs of shock are gone. When I told her how I felt, she said it was expected,
and I should keep feeling like this for a few more days." He made a face. "If
she could, she'd make me stay in bed a few more days instead of going to
Metropolis tomorrow. But I have to go."
Clark furrowed his brow. "Why are you going?"
"Meeting. I have to..." He finished his cookie. "Dominic wants me to take
charge of the company while Dad is hurt. He said it would look good to show
family solidarity."
"You'd have to move back to Metropolis, wouldn't you?"
"Yes." Lex's eyes really looked huge; Clark figured it was because he was so
pale, and the added color made them look bigger.
Clark nodded. "What about the plant?"
"I don't know." Lex rubbed his hand over his face. "Dad already announced his
plans to close it, and it wouldn't look good for me to countermand that while
he's hurt." He sighed and moved until he was in Clark's arms.
Lex?
It's hard to think about this right now. It's more than just not wanting to
leave you. I don't know if I can leave you right now.
Caressing Lex's back, Clark replied, I don't know if I can let you go. Not like
this.
Lex kissed Clark's neck, then rolled over so his back was resting against
Clark's chest. Are you as horny as I am?
In answer, Clark slid his hand underneath Lex's shirt and began tracing designs
on the silky skin.
Lex laughed softly in his throat and stretched, his body moving luxuriously
against Clark's. Dr. Sutton said that the chemical that's in my blood has
dropped dramatically. That might be why I'm so worn out. He rested his head on
Clark's shoulder. I can't go to Metropolis like this.
I can't let you go like this. Clark nipped Lex's ear, then ran his tongue
around the shell.
I need you, Clark.
But I thought you didn't want me using you anymore.
I'm not asking you to.
It sounds like it. And like you're using me, too. To heal you.
Lex sighed and pressed against Clark. Clark, I want you so badly right now, I'm
fighting to keep from ripping off our clothes and taking you. Or begging you to
take me. I'm empty. I need you, and it's not about getting better or being
healed. It's about... He broke off and bit his lip.
Clark buried his face in Lex's throat, breathing in the warm, slightly spicy
scent. You're mine.
Make me yours. Please.
Tonight.
Lex reached up and kissed Clark. Then, after they broke apart, Lex rested his
head on Clark's shoulder.
"Dinner's going to be ready in a few minutes, boys," Martha said as she poked
her head in the living room.
"Ok, Mom. Lex? Do you need to wash up?"
"Yeah." Lex rose gracefully and kissed Clarks' forehead, then lips. "Love you."
"Me too."
________________________________________
"You're lucky," Dominic said as he set the lumpy pudding he was trying to eat
aside. "Right now, you don't have to eat this... food substitute."
Damien smiled. "I don't know if I prefer this," he replied sounding labored. He
looked at the IV embedded in his arm, then back at Dominic.
Dominic returned the smile, of sadness welling in him once more. He hated this;
hated seeing Damien like this. If only...
"Don't," Damien whispered, reaching for Dominic's hand.
"Dammit, Damien..."
"Don't," he repeated. He squeezed Dominic's hand. "I will recover. I'm..." He
broke off and winced, shifting as he did. "I'm alive," he finished wryly. "And
that is enough." With his free hand, Damien searched for the button to the pain
medication and pressed it. Almost immediately, the lines creased around his
eyes eased.
"I know, but... the doctor isn't sure if you'll walk again. And, if you do,
you'll never walk unaided."
"I always thought I would look distinguished with a cane. In fact, there were
times I thought to buy one, for pure aesthetic purposes. Besides, there are
times when working with Lex, I greatly desire one."
Dominic raised his eyebrow.
Damien looked back, his expression innocent. "He is constantly attacked; if I
had a cane, I would have a weapon that I could protect him with."
"Right," Dominic drawled. He leaned forward and brushed his lips against
Damien's forehead. "That was what you meant." A bit of stray hair was on
Damien's forehead; Dominic brushed it away. "Has the feeling returned to your
legs?"
"Dominic..."
"Please. Just tell me."
Damien sighed. "No. But the doctor said that it could be temporary."
Dominic bit his lower lip, gazing at the bed. "I want you to move in with me,"
he said softly.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Move in with me," he repeated, raising his head to look into Damien's eyes.
"When you are released from the hospital, move in with my while you
convalesce."
Damien closed his eyes. "Dom..."
"Let me take care of you. Otherwise, I won't be able to function. I mean, I
will, but I'd rather... I love you, Damien. I know that you don't feel as
strongly for me as I do for you, but please. I have plenty of room. You would
be in Metropolis, near the best care that any money can buy. I would pay more
attention to you than Lex would because you mean more to me. And, if you are
worried about Lex, he'll be in the city too, so..."
"Why?" Damien asked, interrupting Dominic.
Dominic frowned. "Why, what?"
"Why is Lex moving to the city?"
"I... I thought it would be obvious. Someone needs to run the company while
Lionel is out. He is the most logical person. He is being groomed to take over
when Lionel retires or... or dies. Lex needs to take charge now."
Damien looked angry, and Dominic wasn't sure why. He released Dominic's hand.
"What does Lex have to say about it?"
He shrugged. "He isn't happy, but I think he sees the necessity of it." Dominic
hesitated, then said, "Surely you see why he needs to go."
"I understand your reasons," he replied wearily. "But I am wary of allowing him
to become too firmly entrenched in his father's business. Lex has a destiny,
one that has nothing to do with his father. And, he was beginning to see it."
He closed his eyes. "Lex greatest flaw is his lack of confidence. He thinks he
believes in himself, acts as if he does, and yet, he still sees himself dying
at a young age, mourned by none. In many ways... in many ways, the Kent boy was
exactly what he needed to make him see himself as more."
"He could still achieve the destiny you want for him," Dominic said, feeling as
if he'd let Damien down.
"Yes. But the timing was perfect. He is... was ready to break away and start a
new life." His eyes opened again. "Will he ever be again if he moves away from
the one person who encourages him to be more?"
"I'm sorry. I thought I was doing what you would have done. And, of course, I
was only making things worse. As usual."
"Dominic..."
"I'll go to him now. Tell him I was wrong, and that he should go through with
Lex Corp."
"No. No." Damien shook his head. "It needs to come from him now. This is his
decision now, not mine. He'll do what he feels he needs to do." He took
Dominic's hand again and traced his knuckles. "But I will consider moving in
with you, no matter what Lex decides."
Dominic leaned over and kissed Damien lightly. It helped, knowing that he
hadn't ruined their relationship with his faux pas, but not much.
________________________________________
"No, Gabe, I understand," Lex said as he paced. Clark's old room was so small,
it only took him about six steps to get from one side of the room to the other.
'How can anyone live like this?' he wondered.
"Things are just more uncertain that they were when you first proposed the
buyout."
Lex nodded, quite aware that Gabe couldn't see him over the cell phone. "Yes,
you are right. At this point, I don't know..."
"And I have to think of Chloe," Gabe interrupted.
Lex sighed and rubbed his eyes. "I understand, Gabe. My father's injury has
thrown a lot off. And I don't know the best way to proceed at this moment. I
understand if you feel the same way. However, if I do decide to go through with
the buyout, do you still want to be part of it?"
Gabe sighed. "I'm not sure. What guarantees can you give me?"
"Well... If we proceed with the buyout, our chances are the same as they were
before. We'll either make a success of the plant, or it'll fail. If the buyout
doesn't go through," Lex sighed and rubbed his forehead. "I'll do my best to
keep the plant open. You can either continue your job at the plant, or
transfer. And I'll make sure that you are set if I can't convince the board to
reopen, I'll make sure that you're set with a good job wherever you want."
"When will I know?" Gabe asked after a moment.
Lex shrugged. "I'm meeting with the board tomorrow; I can call you with my
decision after it's done."
There was silence over the line before Gabe sighed again. "I have my doubts,
Lex. Even before the tornado, I wasn't completely sold on the buyout. And
now... I'll need time to think about it all."
"Well, how about this?" Lex said, mind racing. "You take the summer off. Luthor
Corp will set you and Chloe up in an apartment for the summer, expenses paid.
When you've decided what you want to do, you can call me. If you decide to
leave the company, then you'll leave with glowing referrals."
"Really?" Gabe sounded skeptical.
"Yes. I would never do anything that might adversely affect either you or your
daughter. I understand the risk in what I'm asking you to do, and I won't hold
anything against you if you decide you can't take that risk."
"Thank you, Lex. That's real decent of you."
"You're welcome. I'll call you tomorrow after the meeting." Lex hung up.
"Fuck," he swore. He tossed the phone aside, wondering what he could have done
to make that conversation go the way he'd wanted it too.
"Hey," a soft voice said from the door.
He opened his eyes. Chloe was standing in the hallway, her purse slung over her
shoulder.
"Hi, Chloe; what are you doing here?"
She stepped inside the room, looking uncertain. "I came to see you and Clark.
Mrs. Kent said that he's in the shower, but she thought that you were awake."
Lex spread his hands, presenting himself. "As you see." He paused, then
remarked, "I just spoke to your father."
"I know. I heard." She was twisting her hands, obviously nervous and
uncomfortable.
Lex hoped it wasn't on his behalf. Scratch that. He did want her to be
embarrassed for him. Lex was beginning to like Chloe enough to want her to be
embarrassed for her father on Lex's behalf. After all, even though Lex wasn't
sure what he was going to do, it would have been nice for Gabe to tell Lex that
he still wanted to go through it the buyout.
Lex sighed, a wave of weariness washing over him.
"Are you ok?" Chloe asked.
"I'm fine. Exhausted, but fine." He sat on the bed, grabbed a pillow and shoved
it behind him so he was propped against the wall. "It's been a rough few days."
"I know. I haven't even gotten a chance to talk to Clark. Not really. And I
don't know what to say." She lifted her hand and chewed on her thumbnail.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm, uh, leaving next Thursday. The day after school lets out, my father is
taking me to Metropolis."
Lex sighed quietly. "Have you told Clark?"
"No."
"Great." Lex massaged his suddenly aching forehead. "Why are you leaving so
soon? I thought your internship didn't start until the last week of June."
"Family get together. We're going to visit my aunt's family who are from out of
state and take them sightseeing. Then we might go to Gotham and see Dad's
brother's family. Usually my family gets together the last week of June, and my
dad doesn't want to miss that because I'm busy. He..." Chloe bit her lip and
sighed. "He really wants me to feel like I have more in this world than just
him. Family's really important to him."
Lex could tell by the way she said it that Chloe had revealed something that
she didn't reveal to a lot of people. He appreciated that, and was touched that
she trusted him enough to do that. If it had been almost anyone else, Lex would
file the information away for later use; but this was Chloe. And Chloe was
his... friend.
He took a deep breath and did something that he'd never thought he'd do: he
held out his hand to take Chloe's.
She looked at him a moment, probably wondering why Lex had gone so still. It
was force of habit; he wasn't used to offering to touch anyone except for
Clark, and he was nervous.
Finally, Chloe put her hand in his, looking almost quizzical as she did.
Lex released a breath he hadn't known he was holding and squeezed her hand
gently. "I think that's great. It's nice to have an extended family you're
close to." Lex tried to remember the last time he'd seen his mother's sister,
and failed. His grandparents were dead--all of them--and he only had one aunt.
The Luthor's were nebulous, free floating. Their entire family consisted of
Lionel and Lex. Lex never thought about it before, but he supposed he missed
the comfort an extended family could have given him. Could have. Probably not,
though.
"Thanks, Lex," Chloe said, blushing. After a moment, she pulled her hand away,
not really looking at him. "So, uh," she cleared her throat. "Uh, I need to
tell Clark about me leaving."
"Could you wait to tell him?" Lex asked, not wanting to have to deal with Clark
losing another friend right now. Clark was going through enough as it was, and
since they didn't know if Chloe was going to come back... He wasn't going to be
happy. "Maybe a few days?"
Chloe made a face. "I don't know, it'd feel like I... I was hiding it or
something. Besides, it really feels like I'd be waiting until one foot was out
the door before dropping it on him, you know?"
"I see your point. Yet, this evening might not be the best time."
"Why not?"
Because the next time I see Clark, he might whisk me away to fuck me senseless
and he can't do that if you're here, Lex thought.
"I don't know," he finally said. He was too tired to think quickly, and too
horny to think coherently. If he didn't have sex soon, he was liable to do
something stupid, like jump Chloe. "We'll tell him when he comes in." Lex
stifled a yawn. "Sit down."
Instead of taking the desk chair, Chloe sat on the bed and tucked her feet
under her. "Will you tell him?"
"No. You're the one leaving; you do it. I'll be here to pick up the pieces.
It's my job."
Chloe looked put out. "That's so not fair. I want to be the one to pick up the
pieces."
"That job is reserved for his significant other."
She was silent a moment, then asked impishly, "Care to switch jobs?"
"I thought you had a girlfriend."
"Well, yeah, sort of, but that doesn't stop Clark from being the most gorgeous
person on earth--next to you, of course." She smiled. "Besides; I'm sure Sydney
would understand."
"Hey, Chloe," Clark said as he walked in. His skin was still damp and hair
plastered to his forehead. He was dressed, though, although his shirt clung to
him in slightly damp patches, as if he'd dressed quickly to join them.
Chloe smiled, eyes running over his body. "Hey, Clark. How are you?"
"I'm good. You?" He sat on the bed next to Lex; one leg was stretched out
behind Lex, the other curled up so his foot touched Lex's thigh. Sitting as he
was, his body was practically curled around Lex. His body heat seemed to caress
the edge of Lex's senses, holding him gently.
Lex felt himself melt slightly, his mind opening to allow Clark in.
"Pretty good." Chloe brushed some hair from her face. As she did, a bracelet
fell from her wrist to her elbow.
"What's that?" Clark asked. He reached out and grabbed her arm.
Lex watched in amusement as her cheeks turned pink. "Uh," Chloe said. "It's a
good luck charm. Sort of. Sydney express-mailed it to me because of everything
that's happened recently. She made it last summer at camp and thought I might
need it."
"The fact that you've survived everything isn't good enough luck?" Lex asked
lazily, touching the bracelet. He placed his free hand on Clark's thigh.
It wasn't expensive, or all that pretty. The bracelet was made of hemp with
purple, red, and green beads woven into the center. It was well worn and
frayed, but Chloe's eyes shone when she spoke about it, so Lex refrained from
making any comments about it.
"Cool," Clark said after a moment. He rolled it back to her wrist and set her
arm down. "I hope it does bring you luck." As he pulled his hand back, he
brushed against Lex's arm, and ran his fingers up to Lex's shoulder, lightly
petting.
"Thank you, Clark." Chloe beamed at him.
Clark smiled back at her. "So... how was your day?" he asked finally.
"Good. I printed out the pictures from the dance." She turned and pulled a
stack of pictures from her purse. "They turned out really good."
He took them, a smile crossing his face as he did. "Who took them?"
"A bunch of different people from our class. I asked them to take cameras to
the dance so I could a) have a good selection for the Torch and b) hopefully
get a few of us that weren't taken when we were posing. Which there are quite a
few of. Anyway, we met at the Torch today. Well, those of us who could, did.
And we picture swapped." She smiled, wrinkling her nose as she did. "I know it
seems frivolous, but I thought I should run a light, happy story to go along
with the tornado."
"That's a good idea," Lex said, looking at a picture of Pete and his girlfriend
that Clark had handed him.
Next to him, Clark went still.
"Clark?" Lex turned to him, concerned.
Clark's eyes were fixed on the picture he was holding, a strange, sad look in
his eye. "Uh... when was this taken?" he asked.
Chloe leaned across Lex to look at the picture; she smelled like baby powder.
"Oh." Her voice sounded a little off, so Lex leaned forward to look at the
picture; they were all so close that their heads were brushing together.
It was a picture of Whitney leaning against some lockers. His arms were
crossed, face turned slightly, eyes gazing at the distance. From the wistful,
yearning expression in his eyes, Lex figured that Whitney had probably been
looking at Clark.
He felt a pang of jealousy in his stomach, but subdued it the best he could.
Whitney was gone, and Clark was Lex's.
Clark ran his hand up Lex's leg and squeezed. "Chloe?" He looked at her from
under his eyelashes.
"I'm not sure. I think maybe the day before the dance or something. Like I
said: I was collecting pictures and some of the people had taken some from
before the dance."
Clark glanced at Lex, and then the picture. "It's good. You should give a copy
to his mother." He seemed reluctant to part with it.
After a moment, Lex sighed internally and braced himself. "Do you ever put
pictures in your journal, Clark?" he asked.
"Uh... I've drawn a few pictures. You know, stick figures and a few doodles.
I've thought about it before, but I... no. Why?"
Lex exchanged glances with Chloe, then took the picture from Clark's fingers.
"I think it's time to start." He pushed Chloe back, smirking at her as he did,
and stretched across the bed to place the picture on the dresser. "Just
remember to take it with you before you go to bed."
Clark smiled gratefully at Lex. "I will. Thanks." He kissed Lex on the cheek,
and sent a ^wave^ of love at Lex.
Lex squeezed his eyes shut. The deliberate mental contact brought Lex's
attention to how close Clark was, physically and mentally. Clark's heat and
scent wrapped around him in a thick haze causing lust flooded him; Lex bit his
lip, trying to distract himself with pain.
That was a mistake. Clark said. He sounded strained.
Yeah. Lex felt shaky as Clark ^pulled^ away. But he seemed reluctant to part
from Lex physically.
Clark began flipping through the pictures again. "Chloe. You look beautiful."
His voice quavered and his color heightened as he fought back his own lust.
Chloe's cheeks turned pink. "Thanks, Clark." She had pulled away again and was
fidgeting with her bracelet.
Lex took the picture and looked at it. "You really do look very lovely, Chloe.
You should dress up more often."
You'd look pretty in the dress too, Lex.
Shut. Up. Lex said stiffly as another wave of lust washed over him through the
partially opened barrier. He exhaled hard and rubbed his temples.
"Are you all right?" Chloe asked. She picked up a picture Lex had dropped.
"I'm just tired, Chloe," Lex replied, trying not to grab Clark.
"And jealous that I think you're beautiful," Clark added with a smile in his
voice.
"Funny, Clark."
"Sorry." But Clark didn't sound very sorry. He kissed the nape of Lex's neck.
Sorry; I can't stop touching you.
Lex cleared his throat. "Uh, it doesn't matter if he thinks you're beautiful,
Chloe. After all, if I think you're too much of a threat, I'll just have you
sent away."
She arched an eyebrow. "Oh, really? And where, exactly, are you going to send
me? Metropolis?"
"Metropolis is too close. Clark can go anytime he wants."
Chloe's eyes flashed in approval when he said that. He could tell that she
still wasn't ready to make her announcement, but appreciated him trying to
soften the blow.
"No," Lex continued. "I'd have to send you further. Somewhere you'd be less
likely to have contact with him. Somewhere like South America. Or in a swamp so
far from civilization, there'd be no Internet access. And," he added, smirking,
"no indoor plumbing."
"No!" Chloe mock-screamed, falling back on the bed, hand pressed to her
forehead. "A fate worse than death."
"I'm sure you'd find a way to get a message to me, Chloe," Clark said. "You're
brilliant. And the moment I discovered Lex's dastardly deed, I'd be there in a
flash."
"I... I suppose I could learn how to send smoke signals," Chloe said, a hopeful
note entering her voice. "Or train pigeons to deliver messages. Or," she added,
lips twitching, "an owl."
Clark grinned. "Just as long as it's not Errol. It'd never find me."
"I'd get a smart owl."
"What?" Lex asked, confused.
"It's Harry Potter stuff, Lex," Clark said as he ran his hand up and down Lex's
back slowly. "The wizards use owls to send letters to each other. But, speaking
of Metropolis, Chloe, where are you going to stay while you're there for your
internship?"
Chloe blinked and sat up. "Uh," she said, shooting a glance at Lex, "I'm... I'm
not exactly sure. Originally, I was going to stay at my cousin's apartment, but
now... I'm not sure."
He frowned, glancing at Lex. "Why not?"
"Well, uh, because... because..."
"Because I'm going to set Chloe and her father up in an apartment all summer,"
Lex said softly. He placed his hand on Clark's thigh again. Once it was there,
he couldn't help massaging Clark's leg. Lex was beginning to grow very warm,
and his body was screaming for more contact with Clark.
At Lex's touch, Clark opened the bond a little more, vibrations of happiness
and pleasure filling him and flowing across the bond to Lex. Still, Clark was
able to focus his attention on what was going on.
"Since when is Chloe's dad going to Metropolis too? Oh." Understanding dawned
in Clark's eyes. "Got it. The buyout." He looked from Lex to Chloe, then down
at the quilt. "If it doesn't go through, Mr. Sullivan isn't going to have a
job, so what would he stay? And why would you stay?" He scooted closer to Lex
and ran his hand up to Lex's shoulders.
"I don't want to leave," Chloe said. She twisted her hands in her lap.
Chloe twisted her hands and chewed on her bottom lip.
"I know, Chloe." Clark smiled faintly at her. "I know that it's not your
decision. And it's fine. Well, not fine, but it's not like you're moving to
Africa or something. It's Metropolis." Clark squeezed Lex's shoulder harder and
said, "I can get there in a couple min... hours."
Clark. Lex said warningly.
Sorry. I can't think straight. He brushed his lips over Lex's cheek, causing a
fountain of tingles to wash over Lex.
Lex bit his lip and shuddered.
"And I can come down here like once a month," Chloe said. She shot a concerned
look at Lex, confusing his arousal for not feeling well. "I mean, this place is
story central. I can do research and stuff about the meteor rocks. If no one
else ever realizes what they do, when I'm a real reporter, I... Uh. Not that I
wouldn't come down to visit you, Clark," she added.
Clark returned her smile. "I know, Chloe. But I'm still going to miss you, you
know?"
Chloe practically melted under Clark's warm gaze. "I'm going to miss you too,
Clark."
Clark leaned forward and gave Chloe a quick hug. Since part of his body was
behind Lex, it brought Clark into closer contact. Not just closer contact, but
it brought Clark flush against Lex's back until Lex felt as if he were
swallowed whole by Clark.
Arousal, sharp and painful, flooded Lex. He almost moaned out loud as his cock
swelled, sweat breaking out over his body.
Lex! Clark mentally gasped as Lex's need hit him.
Sorry. Lex's mental voice grew breathy in response to his physical need for
air. He wondered what the fuck was going on with him; normally, it was Clark
who was more the slave to his body, the alien part of him taking over when he
was pushed past the limit. And yet, although Lex could feel the response in
Clark's body, it was Lex who was fighting against his urge to push Chloe out of
the room and pounce Clark.
Clark pulled away from Lex quickly and placed his hand on Lex's back.
"Don't," Lex ground out through gritted teeth. He climbed off the bed and made
his way to the far side of the room where he pressed his forehead into the
wall.
"What's going on?" Chloe sounded concerned.
"I think you should probably go," Clark told her.
"Is he okay?"
"He's been doing this all day," Clark said anxiously. "He'll be okay for a
while, and then start feeling really bad all of the sudden."
Lex took a deep breath, trying to fight back his arousal. "I'm sorry, Chloe,"
he said stiffly, strained. "But I really don't feel well."
"It's no problem, Lex. Just feel better soon." He could hear her climb off the
bed. "Take care of him, Clark. And I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah, okay. Sorry again."
"It's no problem Clark." Lex heard footsteps, then, from down the hall, Chloe
said, "Bye, Mrs. Kent."
"Mom's coming," Clark said unnecessarily."
Lex went to the closet and opened it, digging through his clothes.
"Chloe didn't stay very long," Martha said from the door. "Is everything all
right?"
"I'm just tired, Mrs. Kent," Lex said, glancing at her. He used the door of the
closet to hide his body.
She nodded. "Well, get some rest. Jonathan and I are going to bed. If you need
anything..."
"I can get him anything he needs, Mom," Clark promised.
She smiled. "Good. Goodnight."
"Night, Mrs. Kent." Lex managed to sound almost normal. Clark?
Wait.
Footsteps disappeared down the hall. Lex held his breath, counting slowly.
A door closed; immediately, Clark said, "All right. Come on." He picked Lex up
and cradled him against his body. And then, Clark took off running.
Lex squeezed his eyes shut, holding onto Clark for dear life. He was terrified
by the speed, and a little nauseous, but, at the same time, he trusted Clark
implicitly. Clark wouldn't let anything happen to him. A small smile curved his
lips, and he clenched his fingers in Clark's shirt. The last thing he wanted
right now was to throw up, but, if he did, Lex had a feeling that Clark
wouldn't stop.
Abruptly, the world stopped moving.
"Hey," Clark said softly, setting Lex on the ground.
He opened his eyes and smiled. "Hey."
Eyes dark and glinting in the moonlight, Clark leaned forward and kissed Lex.
His mouth was hot and demanding, his tongue forcing its way into Lex's mouth.
Lex moaned softly and greeted Clark's tongue with enthusiasm. He allowed
himself to be pushed into the soft dirt beneath him as his fingers scrambled at
the buttons on Clark's shirt. There were too many layers between them and every
nerve ending screamed to feel Clark's skin pressed against his.
"Clark," he said breathlessly, and ripped the shirt away. The buttons scattered
on the earth.
Clark pulled back, face dark. "Brace yourself," he whispered, and then, Lex was
caught in the whirlwind again. When it was over, they were both naked.
Clark lay down again, settling his body between Lex's legs. "You're perfect,"
he sighed, biting down Lex's chest, leaving a trail of pain and fire in his
wake.
Lex arched as the blunt teeth sank just under his nipple, crying out softly.
His cock was trapped between their bodies, still painfully hard. He thrust
against Clark gently, eyes falling shut at the pleasure that washed through
him. As Clark kissed and bit down his torso, Lex trailed his fingers through
Clark's hair, down his back, up and down his crack, and then tapped up his
spine, mapping Clark's body.
"I, uh," Clark gasped, rocking his cock into Lex's leg. "Need you to..."
He smiled and surged into Clark. When Clark moaned, Lex scratched his nails
down Clark's back.
"Lex," Clark groaned, arching his back. His tongue moistened his lips as he
began panting. "Don't." He reached back and grabbed Lex's hands so he could
trap Lex's wrists in one hand.
"Clark," Lex protested. "I want to touch you."
White teeth gleamed in the moonlight, and Clark shook his head. "I'm sorry,
baby." He lowered Lex's arms to the ground, and pinned them above his head.
"You smell like the hospital, and the storm. You smell hurt. I..." He broke off
and bent over Lex's body, brushing his lips over Lex's head.
Lex tried to relax, even as his body demanded that he roll Clark over and fuck
him senseless. As hungry as his body was, he knew that his reaction was
different from Clark's. It was a pattern now, one that Lex got. In order to
truly reclaim Lex, Clark needed to explore Lex's body until he was satisfied.
At least Clark was coherent, unlike some other times.
"Shit," he groaned as Clark's hot tongue probed a very sensitive spot behind
his ear. He writhed under Clark, feeling soil cling to his back and twist to
accommodate the movement of his body.
Clark's lips were slowly traveling down Lex's body. He brushed each eyelid,
across Lex's forehead, down his temples, both cheeks, and then lips.
"You have such a beautiful mouth," Clark sighed, kissing him.
Lex lifted his head and kissed Clark back. Clark's tongue slid slowly out of
his mouth, licking lightly along Lex's bottom lip, causing him to shudder.
Gently, Clark continued his exploration of Lex's mouth, touching each part
lightly with the tip of his tongue; he scraped it along Lex's teeth, and then
slid out slowly, making sure to put pressure on a sensitive portion behind
Lex's teeth. Tingles like lighting raced down Lex's spine, making him gasp.
The kiss caused Lex to grow harder, hips squirming, cock needing some form of
pressure. Tears were building behind his eyes as the tension in his groin grew,
but his hands were still trapped over his head.
Clark hummed, his throat resting on Lex's shoulder as he nuzzled Lex's neck.
The vibrations in Lex's body were slight, but it seemed to resonate, until it
felt as if Clark's noises were coming from inside Lex instead of from the
outside in. His body was singing, almost, in the same frequency as Clark's.
"Clark," Lex whispered raggedly, swallowing hard at the buzzing in his body. It
felt like a warm pool was spreading out from his stomach, a ripple traveling
under his skin from Clark's humming.
"Yes?" Clark replied, lips on Lex's chest. He was using his teeth now, biting
small marks across and down Lex's chest, then licked the slightly bruised skin.
"I'm buzzing," he said, groan in his voice as Clark began to suck on his
nipple.
"I know." Clark closed his eyes and began to suck in earnest.
Lex felt the answering pull in his stomach, as if Clark were trying to suck it
out through his nipples. Toes curled in pleasure, Lex stiffened, barely
breathing.
With his free hand--the one not trapping Lex to the ground--Clark began tracing
down Lex's body. His fingers curled around Lex's cock, stroking.
"Come for me, Lex," he said softly, pulling away from Lex's chest.
Lex's feet pressed into the ground, hips bucking into Clark's hand. "Cl-Clark"
he bit out, eyes squeezed shut.
Clark stroked harder. He thrust into Lex's groin, his cock pressed into the
crease between Lex's hip and thigh as his hand worked Lex.
Pressure built unbearably in Lex's body, pooling and gathering in his groin. He
was so close. His heart pounded in his ears, pulse rushed through his body and
his limbs trembled.
And then, Clark latched onto his already sore nipple and bit.
The delicious pain shot directly to Lex's cock. He arched off the ground,
screaming loudly. His cock pulsed as he came, spilling himself over Clark's
hand.
Still shuddering from the after effects of his orgasm, Lex fell back to the
ground, beads of sweat sliding down his cheeks. His eyes were still closed,
head lying almost listlessly against the soft pillow of earth.
"I should make you do that more often," Clark said, releasing Lex's hands.
Lex pried his eyes open to gaze at Clark.
With his come-soaked hand, Clark stroked his cock, coating it with Lex's semen.
"Every morning, before school, I should come over and watch you. Watch you
touch yourself." He bent over as he stroked himself, his tongue licking in and
around Lex's naval. "Or do it myself," he continued, breath hot on Lex's sweat
and spit wet skin. "Pull you in front of a mirror, and have you watch yourself
fuck my hand. My mouth. And watch your face when it looks like that." He slid
his tongue from Lex's naval and moved down, licking up and down his soft cock.
"You should," Lex said, gazing at Clark though lazy eyes.
Clark smirked. "Maybe I will." Then he grabbed Lex's legs and hoisted them. He
hooked them over his shoulders and tilted Lex's pelvis.
"Clark?"
Instead of answering, Clark lowered his face as his fingers spread Lex's ass
cheeks apart.
Lex tensed in anticipation, unable to see Clark's face any longer, almost
helpless in his grasp.
At first, there was the faintest feeling of air against him. Lex bit his lip,
then almost broke the skin as Clark's tongue licked the sensitive opening.
"Yes," Lex hissed, trying to move, but Clark held him in place.
Clark did it again, licking just the outside, not going any deeper. The tip of
his tongue traced the puckered opening, very lightly at first, then a little
harder, with more intent. He circled it one way, teasing the flesh until Lex
was whimpering, then stopped and blew a stream of air on it until the skin was
dry again.
"Like that?" Clark asked. His fingers dug into Lex's hips painfully.
"Yes," Lex replied. "More, please."
He didn't need to beg. As soon as the please left his lips, Clark's tongue was
back. He thrust into Lex deeply.
Once again, Lex tried to press into Clark, but he couldn't. All he could do was
lie still and be pleasured, feeling Clark's broad, slick tongue thrust in and
out, hard and fast until Lex's cock was hard again, hips twisting in the air as
much as he could, fingers scrambling for purchase in the soft soil.
"Clark, please," Lex croaked finally, sweat dripping down his face and drying
quickly in the night air. "I need you."
Clark thrust once more, twisting his tongue inside Lex before withdrawing
completely. "I need you, too." He lowered Lex to the ground and pressed a kiss
against his lips.
"Shoot," he muttered when he drew away. He rose to his knees and began pawing
through the pile of clothing next to them.
"What?"
"I shouldn't have waited after you came; now my cock's sticky. It's not slick
enough."
Lex propped himself on his elbows, watching Clark pull a small tube from his
pants. "I didn't mind. That you waited."
Clark grinned. "No. It didn't seem like you did." As he flipped the cap, he
bent over and kissed Lex's big toe.
He closed his eyes and lay back, stretching as he did. The emptiness that had
been inside him was fading, replaced by a haze of satisfaction and
anticipation.
Clark licked and kissed up Lex's leg. When he began teasing the crease between
Lex's thigh and hip, Lex swore. Tendrils of pleasure curled from that spot.
They encircled his cock and bathed it with a hazy heat that spread over Lex's
body. His skin felt flushed, and prickled in the cool night air.
"Open your eyes," Clark said softly as he lifted Lex's hips once more.
Lex complied, breathing heavily.
Slowly--too slowly--Clark slid inside Lex. It didn't hurt, but Lex's breath
caught anyway, his body tensing.
"Shhh," Clark soothed, opening Lex.
The world around Lex disappeared, even though his eyes were still open and
locked in Clark's. All he could feel and see was the pleasure running through
him, and the sensory net that bound him and Clark together.
Clark began moving in him, both his body and mind. There were tears and catches
in the net which Clark fixed, always ^stroking^ along the threads until Lex was
whimpering in pleasure. Lex's legs wound around Clark's hips, kicking him
slightly as he tried to urge Clark on, chanting, "Harder."
Clark, though, wouldn't be rushed. His face was buried in Lex's neck, biting
and licking at the skin. Each bite zinged through Lex until his cock was
twitching and leaking, the sensory net vibrating even more. And Clark kept
rolling through him like a fiery wave, marking Lex from the inside out. Healing
him.
"Clark," Lex groaned.
In response, Clark squeezed deep inside him. It felt as if something exploded.
His voice hoarse, Lex threw his head back and screamed. His back arched once
more before he slammed back to the earth. He released the ground beneath him
and grabbed his cock, which was painfully hard and begging for release.
"Angel, please," he begged. "Please, harder." He stroked himself.
Clark propped himself up over Lex. "Look at me," he demanded, voice low.
Lex forced his eyes open.
Clark began moving his hips faster, slamming into Lex.
Lex groaned, eyes almost falling shut, but he managed to keep them open.
Clark's fists were clenched around his upper arms, bruising him. Pain blossomed
and Lex wondered if the bruises would be visible in the morning, or be healed.
But the pain didn't matter, because Clark was inside him,filling him, rolling
through him and spreading waves of ecstasy.
"God," Clark ground out, face tense as he pistoned his hips. He was panting
now, beads of sweat hanging from his hair.
The pleasure grew until Lex's chest felt tight. It was hard to breathe; his
chest was constricted, as if he were having an asthma attack. But Lex didn't
care. He was so close, he could feel the pleasure building in him like an
inferno.
He jerked his cock roughly and squeezed himself around Clark. "Harder," he
demanded harshly.
Clark nodded and pulled out. Immediately, Lex rolled over, body screaming from
the sudden lack of contact.
When he was on his knees, Clark reached for Lex and gripped him tightly around
the waist. His body was draped over Lex's, cock lined up with his entrance.
"You're so beautiful," he murmured as he slammed in again.
Lex screamed wordlessly, pain and pleasure blossoming from the spot.
There was a sharp bite on his shoulder blade; Lex could feel the skin break.
His fingers were digging into the dirt, body hot and alive, every nerve
singing.
He closed his eyes and concentrated on the sensory network. Clark was glowing
brightly, shining like a star. He radiated heat and love and pleasure; Lex
wanted to bury himself in it. He could imagine himself falling into Clark and
losing himself, losing himself to the pleasure and power that Clark had to
offer.
Without thinking, Lex reached out and wrapped his 'hand' around one of the
beads in Clark's net. Clark bucked when he did, moaning loudly. He bit Lex's
earlobe, cock twitching deep inside Lex.
Encouraged, Lex began ^stroking^ the bead, ^kneading^ it in his 'hand.' He
could feel Clark responding, a part of him ^reaching^ for Lex and doing the
same.
His arms were shaking so badly, Lex couldn't support himself anymore. He
dropped to his elbows, forehead pressed into the ground, his concentration
still turned inward. He could still feel his body, feel Clark slam into him,
feel the air caress his sweaty back, the dirt beneath his arms, but the main
source of pleasure was the net. It was his world.
Lex felt himself drowning in Clark, and he ^spread^ himself so he could touch
more and more of the beads. There was one, just within reach, that glowed and
pulsed. Reaching for it, Lex felt a surge rush through him like lighting,
lighting every nerve on fire.
"Clark!" he screamed, coming so hard the world tinged with black around him.
Clark's suddenly ^flared^, bursting in a star-like haze. Dimly, over his own
shouting, Lex could hear Clark shouting his name. The blackness faded slightly
and Lex could feel Clark's seed pouring into his limp body, and Clark wrapping
himself around Lex, holding him closely.
It was a long time before Lex was aware of any more than that. He was jerked
back to consciousness when his cheek came into contact with the ground once
more and he realized that they had been floating.
He laughed. "Was it good for you?" he asked, propping himself up on an elbow.
Clark rolled onto his side, bringing Lex with him. He was still buried deep
inside Lex, his mind casually ^tangled^ with Lex's. "More than good," Clark
sighed, voice lazy. He kissed the nape of Lex's neck. "God, I needed that."
"Me too." Lex closed his eyes and rested his head against Clark. His hand
sought Clark's, and he interlaced their fingers. "Have I mentioned lately how
much I love you?"
"You might have, but it should be repeated." He kissed Lex again. "I love you,
too."
"I know." He yawned.
"Tired?"
"Yeah."
Clark sighed and nuzzled him. "I'll take you back to the house."
"No." Lex tightened his hold on Clark's hand, holding him in place. "I want to
stay here for a while. Just to..." He trailed off and sighed.
Carefully, Clark slid out of him and propped himself up. "What's wrong, baby?"
Lex groaned. "I can't stop you, can I?"
"Nope." Grinning mischievously, Clark kissed him and lay back down. "Chalk it
up to my lack of imagination that I can't think of a better name." He pulled
Lex tighter to him, then, as if an after though, reached over and pulled his
shirt so it rested on top of both of them. "So, talk to me."
Lex rolled onto his back, still holding Clark's hand. "It's nothing. I just
feel like I haven't had a moment to just... be since Dad made the announcement
about the plant. I've missed you."
"Me too." Clark stretched his arm out and rested his head on it. "I thought I
was being stupid. I mean, you were right there for most of the time. We were
together. And, still. It was like we weren't. It... hurt. How much I needed to
be with you."
"Yes," Lex whispered.
They lay together in silence for a long time. Lex closed his eyes and sighed,
then opened them again so he could gaze up at the stars. He'd lived in
Smallville for over eight months now, and he'd never really just taken a moment
to look around. At first he was too resentful, and then he was too busy to
think of it. If he needed a moment to relax, he looked to Clark and found
solace in him.
And now Lex might be leaving. So he looked, feeling, as he did, the stress and
tension of the past few days flow out of him. Everything around him seemed
bigger, and, abruptly, his problems seemed smaller. Well, not his father; no
matter how hard he tried, Lex knew that his father was always going to be
there, influencing his thoughts and choices.
A breeze blew over them as the temperature began dropping. Lex shivered as the
sweat on his skin dried and he moved closer to Clark, trying to take advantage
of the heat he radiated.
Clark pulled Lex to him, and rested his hand on Lex's upper chest. "You are so
beautiful," he said in a quietly. He lifted his hand to trace Lex's face. "Do
you know what I was thinking when I first saw you?"
"Oh, shit?" Lex guessed, smiling softly.
"No." Clark kissed him. "I saw you, through the window, and all I could think
was, 'Wow.' You were so... Just so. Perfect. I couldn't move." He traced Lex's
jaw line. "Well, I was thinking, 'wow' and 'I forgive you.'"
Lex laughed deep in his chest; it wasn't a happy laugh. "I kept thinking, 'I'm
so sorry.'"
Clark kissed the back of his head and hooked his leg over Lex's hip to keep him
closer. "I know." He began tracing lightly up and down Lex's arm. "When did you
first realize that you could read my mind?"
"The first time we kissed," Lex answered promptly. "That day in the tree house.
I heard it before then, but I didn't realize it until we fell asleep together
in the tree house and I saw the accident from your point of view."
"Ah." Lips pressed into the back of Lex's head again. "I can't remember if I
ever heard you in my mind before I found out that you could read mine." His
hand drifted lower under the shirt until it was splayed across Lex's belly.
"What I wonder is if I ever heard you the years after we left Kiptin."
"No. You can't do it over a distance, and I guess I forgot the ability or
something. But when we met again..." He trailed off.
Lex laughed and turned his head so he could see Clark. "Our two most important
meetings involved me near death. And you saving me."
Clark frowned, gazing at Lex's face. Lex could pinpoint the exact second when
Clark figured out what Lex meant. "You would have woken up without me," he
said.
"Maybe. I don't know. What would have been the point?"
"Life." Clark kissed him again, turning Lex's head further even as he shifted
to take some of the strain off him. "You have too much to live for."
"No, I didn't. Not then. I wanted never to wake up." Lex sighed and turned away
so the back of his head was to Clark again. Gazing out at the dark field that
stretched forever, he said, "That's why I was in Kiptin. Well, before it was
Kiptin. I could hear Dad talking, and I knew that where he was was the one
place I never wanted to be again."
"So why did you wake up?"
Lex hitched a shoulder. "I got lonely waiting in Kiptin for you. You kept
leaving me, going back to the real world where you had two people falling more
and more in love with you every day. I could sense it, even though I didn't
know where you came from." He licked his lower lip. "And you told me to wake
up."
"How?" Clark trailed his fingers down Lex's arm, caressing so lightly goose
bumps broke out on the skin. "I thought I didn't speak English."
"Well, I guess you didn't tell me, exactly. I was lying on the bed when you got
there. When you saw me, you started crying. You kept touching my face, rubbing
my cheeks, and saying, 'Lex. Lex.' I tried everything. I pulled out your toys.
I sang a song. I told you a story. And finally, I told you about my mother. You
stopped crying so hard when I was talking about her, and when I was done, you
grabbed my wrist, shook it, and pointed at the ceiling. I asked what you
wanted, and you started crying again and pointed more insistently." Lex
laughed. "I finally got the idea that you wanted me to leave.
"I didn't want to. I was scared to go back to Dad, but even more scared that
I'd never get into Kiptin again. I asked... I asked if I'd ever see you again."
"What did I do?"
"Took my hand and put it over your heart. You said, "Piek ric." And I knew that
you'd be there, that somehow, we'd see each other again." He turned his head
and looked at Clark. "And I was right."
"Piek ric, Lex," Clark whispered, kissing him.
"I love you, too, Clark."
They kissed for a long time. Lex could feel Clark growing hard against his
thigh, and was glad. He'd been feeling better since they'd had sex, but Lex
still felt empty. Needy. He needed Clark, still. Probably always.
"I need you," Clark breathed into Lex's skin, stroking intently down his chest.
"Me too." Lex threaded his fingers through Clark's hair, kissing him again. He
could feel his cock stirring once more.
His hand slid down Lex's body and found Lex's cock. He stroked steadily, until
Lex was fully hard. "You sure you're up for this?"
"Are you kidding?" Lex laughed. Clark raised Lex's leg slowly and hooked his
elbow underneath. "I'm always ready."
As if to test the assertion, Clark slid into Lex slowly. At some point, he'd
put more lube on his cock, and he slid in smoothly until he was buried in Lex,
hips flush against Lex's body.
"You ok?" Clark asked, his voice strained. He undulated his hips slowly.
"Yes."
"Good." He began to pump his hips at an almost leisurely pace, moving in and
out of Lex's body, brushing ever so slightly against Lex's prostate when he
moved in.
Lex's face was screwed up in concentration. In this position, there wasn't much
he could do but allow Clark to move and make sure his leg stayed raised. Of
course, Clark was even doing that job, allowing Lex to stretch out on the
ground and allow the pleasure to wash over him in waves.
They didn't speak as Clark moved inside him. The cool night air brushed over
them, oblivious to the small moans and gasps that sounded every once in awhile.
This wasn't a frantic coupling that they were driven to by instinct; it wasn't
passionate and rough as their lovemaking each week-end often was. This was
something else, something deeper, and neither wanted it to end.
Lex found that he was ^opening^ himself without any prompting or conscious
thought of his own. It just happened, his mind opening more and more and
^drawing^ Clark deeper inside, until their pleasure was one.
"Oh, God, Lex," Clark whimpered, momentarily losing his rhythm. "I can feel
inside you. Like I'm inside."
"I know." Lex's voice was ragged with need, body hot and fevered.
Clark bit his lower lip, rocking into Lex more intently. Pleasure washed
through him once more, and Lex closed his eyes, his hand wrapped around his
cock and stroking in time with Clark's thrusts.
"I'm going to miss you tomorrow," Clark whispered, dropping kisses along Lex's
sweat-slicked flesh.
"Me too." It came out as a breathy moan, so Lex switched to mental speak. But
it's just for the day. I'll be home soon.
Clark's thrusts were becoming a bit more erratic, the languid smoothness
disappearing. Lex could feel the pressure building inside Clark, kindling an
answering response in Lex's body.
Come for me, angel. Lex arched his head back, seeking Clark's lips.
Clark groaned softly when his lips connected with Lex's. His body tensed and he
came, moaning into Lex's mouth. His energy ^flooded^ into Lex, causing him to
convulse.
"Clark!" Lex cried softly. Pleasure built inside him and burst. Stars burst
behind his eyes and Lex came quietly.
Clark pulled out slowly. Whimpering, Lex turned and slid his knee between
Clark's leg. "What are you doing to me?" he whispered.
Clark took his hand and licked the semen off. "Loving you."
Lex kissed him, holding Clark's hair tightly. The emptiness that had been in
him for the past two days was gone. He felt full, finally. Content. Clark was
inside him now, both his body and his mind. No, that wasn't quite right;
although their minds were connected and open right now, it didn't ^feel^ like
it normally did when Clark was inside his head.
It was deeper. Like Clark was inside his soul.
They lay in silence for a long time. Lex was tired. Exhausted. He rested his
head against Clark's chest and closed his eyes. In a few minutes, he was
dozing.
"Lex?" Clark said sometime later.
Lex jerked awake. "Yeah?"
"Tomorrow, when you go to the meeting, I don't want you to think about me when
you make your decision."
"But, Clark..."
"No, I'm serious. If you leave to run Luthor Corp, then that's fine. I'll
survive. Because even if you're there, you're here." He touched their foreheads
together, then rested it there. "I know that you don't know what to do yet.
You're confused, and I don't want to add to that confusion. I'll be fine."
"Chloe's leaving next week," Lex said. "Will you be okay if she and I leave at
the same time?"
Clark was obviously not thrilled with the idea. Lex could feel the frustration
wash through him. "Yeah," Clark sighed after a moment. "It'll be hard,
especially since if you leave, Chloe won't be coming back. But I can get to
Metropolis in a few minutes if I really needed you--or you really needed me.
Besides, what we have is stronger than distance."
"Do you really believe that?"
Clark pulled his head away from Lex and nodded. "Yes, I do. Don't get me wrong.
I mean, I don't want you to leave. But I can handle it. I just... I want you to
do what feels right to you, and not to worry about me."
Lex sighed. "It's hard not to. When Whitney told you he was leaving, you got so
upset, and now Chloe and I are both leaving at the same time."
"But I shouldn't be the deciding factor in you staying. You need to do it
because that's what you want to do."
"I know." Lex lifted his head to kiss Clark. "I'm just not sure what to do
tomorrow. I wish there were answers." He rolled onto his back and looked up at
the stars.
Clark followed his gaze, still wrapped around Lex and replied, "Yeah. I do,
too."
________________________________________
Lex sat nervously at the head of the table, trying to keep his face impassive.
The members of the Board of Directors were seated along the sides, all looking
at him expectantly. To his immediate right sat Dominic, who had opened the
meeting with the calm and quiet grace of a man who'd been attending and opening
meetings such as these for years.
Lex had been to board meetings. In fact, he'd actually paid attention to the
ones he'd gone to since being transferred to Smallville. But attending and
leading were two completely different things. Under normal circumstances, Lex
had no doubt in his ability to fake his way through any situation. However,
today was different. He was going with a script that Dominic had prepared, and
Lex had rewritten it. Only, Dominic didn't know that yet. Once again, Dominic
was the wild card; Lex could sway the board to his side, but Dom's reaction
might screw things up.
But he couldn't worry about that now. He had a meeting to get through.
"So, Lex," Eric Strasburg, one of the board members, said as he leaned forward.
"What about these rumors about your father? Are they true?"
"Yes, Eric, I'm afraid they are," Lex responded evenly, his fingers resting
lightly on the black leather portfolio on the table in front of him. "Three
days ago my father paid a visit to me in Smallville. He arrived just as three
cyclones set down not too far from my home." He made sure to address the group
at large now, eyes resting briefly on each of the members. "We didn't have time
to find shelter and were caught in the wreckage. I escaped with a concussion
and a small cut on my head." Lex touched the small bandage that was just above
his eye; it was healed now, thanks to his night with Clark, but he'd decided to
wear the bandage for appearances. "My father was not so lucky. He was trapped
underneath a collapsed beam; both legs were hurt, but the doctors assure me
that he'll regain full use. However, in the accident, there was damage to his
optical nerve. When he emerged from surgery, my father was blind."
The board members exchanged glances, some ruffling papers as they did.
"What happens now?" Michelle Longfield, another member, asked.
Lex smiled tightly. "The company will be fine. My father's injury won't affect
the day to day operations. We have a strong management team and excellent
workers. After the meeting, I will issue a statement to the press assuring the
public and stockholders that they have nothing to fear due to our CEO's injury.
I've also written a brief statement that will be faxed to every office, plant,
and laboratory that we own."
"But who will run the company?"
Lex hesitated, eyes on George, the man who'd asked the question. "Well," he
began, but Dominic cut him off.
"Who better to run the company than Lex?" Dominic asked. "He has, after all,
been training for this since he was a child. And, as you have seen from the
reports in your folders, his management of Plant 3 was very effective. Before
he arrived, the plant had been losing money, and in the past three months, it
was just beginning to turn a profit."
The Board members looked through the folders, murmuring in assent.
"Still," Eric said doubtfully, "running one fertilizer plant and heading a
company are two very different things."
"Are you doubting my business sense, Eric?" Lex asked coldly.
"No. But while you have in sense and instinct, you lack experience. Stock
prices will fall because of this, it's inevitable. You'll be expected to
maintain the company's excellence, and you'll be fighting an already losing
battle. Not that I'm saying that you will lose, I'm just saying it will be
harder than if you simply had taken over when your father died."
"I'm well aware of the problems, Eric, thank you. And, Dominic, I thank you for
your show of support, but I will not be taking of Luthor Corp while my father
convalesces."
"What?" Dominic asked sharply as the Board members glanced at each other,
whispering.
Lex leaned into Dominic. "I'm sorry," he said, sotto voce. "I was going to tell
you before the meeting, but there wasn't time."
"Lex..."
"Not now, Dom. We're on stage." Lex rose and smiled as he faced the rest of the
table. "Gentlemen. And lady," he added with a nod at Michelle. "This is what is
going to happen." He opened his folder, and began passing around papers. "I
will proceed with the buyout of Plant 3, only with my father's full support. I
have a statement that his personal assistant will sign, stating that he
believes it is time for me to spread my wings and develop management skills on
my own company."
He slid the paper to Dominic, smiling lightly. "That way," he continued, "in
the future when I do take over Luthor Corp, my mettle will already have been
tested. There will be no question about my ability to run the corporation,
because I will have spent years in training running my own company, Lex Corp.
Which, of course, is what my father intended with his announcement of the
closure of Plant 3."
"I beg your pardon?" Eric interrupted.
"The closure of the plant was a test," Lex explained. "My father never really
wanted to have it closed, nor was he too insistent on my return to Metropolis.
He simply wanted to see if I would take the opportunity to create a new
training ground for myself. There is only so much I can learn while working
under my father; if I form my own company, the experience I will gain will
invaluable when my father retires and I begin running Luthor Corp. That's why
he fully supports the buyout, as the statement Dominic will sign says."
The board members exchanged glances, looking both amused and impressed.
"I see," Eric said. "Please continue."
Lex nodded at Eric. "Thank you. Even though I am starting Lex Corp, I will,
lend whatever support to Luthor Corp, mostly through publicity and the like.
This is a peaceable buyout and, given the circumstances, it won't hurt either
company's image. Meanwhile, Dominic will take over the day to day operations of
the company. He has been in my father's employee for over six years now, and
has observed all the dealings first hand. I know you will do a great job,
Dominic."
Looking murderous, Dominic nodded fractionally. "Thank you for your confidence.
Lex."
Lex smiled and clapped Dominic on the back. "Of course. Now, I just need
everyone to sign a few documents, and we can get back to work."
"What will your father say?" George asked as he signed the paper. He looked up
at Lex, a smile on his face.
"Probably, 'Nice work.'" Lex replied, grinning. "Dad always appreciates a well-
played round."
George smiled wryly back. "And that it was. Sir."
One by one the board members signed their papers. When they were done, Lex went
into the press room and delivered his statement. Four of the board members
accompanied him and gave similar messages of solidarity and strength. Then they
shook Lex's hand and left.
Dominic was waiting in his father's office, red faced and tense as a whip. "How
dare you," he practically hissed when Lex stepped inside.
Lex raised an eyebrow. "I thought you would be pleased to know I trust you this
much. I'm trusting you to run my father's company and still feed me any
information I might find useful."
"I never wanted this. This is not what I am good at Lex. I simply a glorified
accountant; I can't... I can't run this company."
"Yes. You can." Lex leaned against the desk, facing Dominic. "Your work the
other day at the hospital proved that you can. You walked into a difficult
situation where you only knew what you saw. You took charge, and you got things
done."
"That was different," he protested.
"Not especially. Yes, running a business is harder than pulling a few strings
in a hospital, but you've been around the world for over fifteen years. You
know what needs to be done. And, when you're not sure, Damien can help you
figure out the maneuverings and dealings of devious minds that you can't."
"I can hardly expect to call him every time I have a question. Especially if
he's helping you with your company."
"Damien is moving in with you," Lex said.
Dominic's eyes went wide and his mouth fell open slightly.
Lex smiled, enjoying the reaction.
"What?" Dominic finally breathed, sounding as if he weren't quite prepared to
believe his luck.
"The mansion isn't going to be livable for the next few weeks. Months, maybe.
On top of repairing the damage, I need to make sure it's wheelchair and
handicap accessible. At the very least, that means adding an elevator and
ramps, but Damien deservers more. I'm going to build a physical therapy room
for him, fix his rooms, his bathroom, my room so he can get in and out, and God
knows what else. I could have him stay at the penthouse while all this is being
done, but I figured you'd want him with you. The changes to your apartment will
go faster, unless you decide to move into a more accessible apartment. Not that
it will matter at first; I talked to him this morning and he said that the
doctors believe he'll be bed ridden for a few months. But if he's with you, he
can help you with whatever you need."
"But... what does he want?"
Lex inclined his head. "Dominic, just because I don't love you doesn't mean
that no one can," he said carefully. "Not that I know if Damien loves you," he
added hurriedly. "I really don't know. But I do know that he seems to enjoy
spending time with you. He and I spoke this morning and when I suggested he
move into the penthouse, he told me that he thought it would be better if he
moved in with you."
"So it was his idea?"
Lex's lips twitched. "Yes, Dom. It was his idea."
Dominic flushed and he looked away. "I see," he said after a moment, sounding
pleased. "Well, then, I suppose... It's just that I thought you would want to
run Luthor Corp." Dominic looked back at him.
"I don't think I ever did," Lex replied after a moment's contemplation. "I
always knew I would, eventually, because Dad told me I would. But... I didn't.
I just never knew what I wanted to do instead. Now I do."
"Run a crap factory in the middle of nowhere?" he asked, an amused smile
lighting his features.
Lex smiled and shook his head. "Start my own company in my... my home."
________________________________________
Clark sat in the window of his loft, watching the sunset. School hadn't gone
all that well. Most of the teachers wanted to either talk about what had
happened ("write an essay on how the tornado affected you") or ignore it
("where's your homework, Clark? You didn't do it either? None of you did? Why
not?") and all Clark could think about was Lex. Pete had commented on his
absentmindedness at one point, but Clark had brushed it off. The only thing
he'd been able to concentrate on was picking out pictures of him and Chloe from
the pile she'd pulled out again during lunch. Even that had been a forced
activity, since his mother had asked him to bring some pictures home from
school of the dance.
Now he was waiting. He'd hoped that there would be word from Lex when he got
home, but there wasn't. Martha had said that he should try watching the news;
she had seen a report about Lionel on earlier and thought that they might talk
about Lex. But Clark didn't want to find out that way. He needed to hear Lex's
decision from Lex himself.
Brave words the night before aside, Clark was scared. He didn't want to lose
Lex. He just hoped he was strong enough to let Lex go.
Clark's head snapped up as his ears caught the sound of a car engine. A car
engine that he knew well. He gazed off into the distance, heart pounding,
waiting for the car to appear.
The Porsche tore up the lane, dirt pluming out behind it. Lex must have gone
home first, because he'd left at dawn in the limo.
The car pulled into the driveway and Lex climbed out. He loped easily along the
side of the house, heading directly for the barn. His eyes were raised and on
Clark, as they had been the moment he'd turned the engine off.
"Hey," Lex called, stopping under the window of the barn.
"Hey." Clark kneaded the wood beneath his fingers, feeling it give way as he
did. "How are you?"
"Good. Very good. You?"
He hitched a shoulder. "Okay, I guess."
"You guess?"
"Yeah." He chewed on his bottom lip, shifting anxiously.
"I see," Lex said slowly. "Well, it's not quite what I'd hoped. I'd hoped to
come home and have you tell me that you'd had a wonderful day."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
Clark managed a lopsided smile. "Because the day isn't over, Lex." He was,
though, beginning to feel better; Lex wouldn't be teasing him like this is he
wasn't bearing good news.
Lex nodded sagely. "Very true." He tilted his head. "Tell me, Clark. What can I
do to make you tell me that you had a wonderful day?"
"Well," Clark said, drawing the word out. "I think... I think that it would be
a wonderful day if you told me that you were still be home--in Smallville--for
your birthday. And, you know. Every day."
A huge grin spread over Lex's face. "Clark," he said evenly, eyes locked with
Clark's, "I'm going to be home--in Smallville--for my birthday. And, you know.
Every day."
A bubble of joy exploded in Clark, suffusing his body with a warm glow. He rose
to his feet and, without thinking, jumped out of the window, landing in a
crouch before Lex.
"I see." Clark straightened his body and took Lex around the waist. "Then I'd
have to say, I feel pretty damn good."
Lex returned Clark's grin, looking dopey and slightly euphoric. "Good," he
whispered, leaning in for a kiss. "Because I feel pretty damn good myself."
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