Author's Note: Well, it's been a long haul. Thank You to everyone who has
reviewed and encouraged me to continue. It is finally finished and I hope
you enjoy it. This is my first fanfic and I hope to write more as it's been
fun!
I cannot finish without a special acknowledgement to LaCasta who has been so patient and kind. You've taught me a lot! :D
Chapter 18
As the limousine pulled out of the Kent's drive, Chloe looked in confusion at Pete. Clark had just left minutes before. The two made a silent mutual decision and Chloe started the car. Pulling slowly up the driveway, they were unprepared for the scene before them. Clark was kneeling on the ground holding an obviously injured Lex, while Martha Kent knelt beside a dazed Jonathan. They watched as Jonathan Kent shook his head and started to rise. Barely allowing the car to stop, Pete jumped out and ran to Clark. Chloe followed.
"Clark, man, what happened?" Pete knelt down beside his best friend. Chloe ran to Martha, helping Mr. Kent to his feet. Jonathan reassured his wife that he was alright. He looked about to reorient himself, noting that Lionel was long gone. Chloe and Martha walked with him to the others. Martha kept a hand under his arm as if unsure of his stability. Lex pushed Clark back and sat up without support, grimacing in pain, but his voice was strong. "How did you get away from my father?"
"Whitney, Lana, Pete and I make quite a rescue team." Chloe proclaimed proudly. "We even knocked out the bad guys. Lana and Whitney went to get the police to arrest them. We came here but Clark insisted on coming up first, hence our late arrival." Chloe looked decidedly disappointed, then shrugged. "We'll tell you all the details later. Let's get you inside."
Lex looked startled as Clark lifted him with no grunt of effort and carried him to the house. The others followed. Pete entered last, as he had stopped to pick up the gun, holding it gingerly in both hands. He set it on the counter with relief, glad to be rid of the odd deja vu tingle to the feeling of it in his palm. Clark set Lex on the couch and opened his shirt.
"Mrs. Kent." She turned to see Lex looking at her with sharp, intelligent eyes, despite his injury. "I need you to bring me the phone." Martha started to protest but he cut her off. "I need to fix this... Please." Chloe handed Lex the phone and he dialed and spoke while ignoring the efforts of the others to make him comfortable. His first call was to Toby who claimed to be able to be there within the hour. The next call was to Lana, who said the police had gone to the foundry and did they need help? Lex thanked her and let her know everyone was fine and that Clark was safe. Clark took the phone from him as he hung up and set it pointedly aside.
Martha grabbed some clean towels and bandages. "Lex, hold still and let us check your wound." Everyone had been reassured by Lex's composure so the still-seeping wound along his ribs came as a shock. Clark cringed at the sight of white bone. Lex did not look. Jonathan took Chloe and Pete outside when Pete turned a little green, deciding to take the opportunity to fill them in.
"It's a good thing he was a poor shot." Lex smiled at Clark, hissing in a breath as Clark lifted him to remove his shirt.
Martha pressed a thick bandage against the wound and left Clark to hold it while she went to find something to bind it. Lex was caught off guard by Clark's lips on his as soon as Clark's mother was out of sight. It was a bruising, desperate kiss, to reassure both of them that they were alright. Lex gripped Clark's shirt with his hand, comforted in the soft flannel, rubbing his fingers over the hard chest that he could feel beneath. He moved his other arm and his breath hitched with pain. Clark pulled away, instantly contrite. His eyes were wide and his eyebrows lifted in the middle, in an endearing look of question and concern.
"I'm sorry. Did I hurt you?" A big warm hand came up and touched Lex's cheek.
Lex's eyes fell closed and he murmured a negative, shaking his head slightly. "I just need to hold this arm still. The other, however..." Lex again ran his hand down Clark's impressive chest but halted suddenly. "What's this?" He poked his finger through a hole in Clark's shirt, a bullet-sized hole. He pushed Clark back, looking for a sign of injury. "God, Clark, were you hit? Are you bleeding?" Lex's voice was beginning to rise, his composure breaking.
Lex felt a rush of fear; forgetting his own wound, he moved to open Clark's shirt but Clark caught his hands, stopping him.
"I'm fine. I'm not hurt. Lex..." Clark caught Lex's face between his hands and made Lex look straight at him. "Lex, it's over."
Lex Luthor, scourge of the Metropolis social elite, wrapped his good arm around the solid reality of a Kansas farm boy who loved him and let out a sigh. Just one. It escaped his control purely on the grounds that he was overwrought, and wounded and well, dammit, in love. Unfortunately the moment was interrupted by a clearing throat behind them. Lex backed up slowly while Clark blushed scarlet. Martha brought a roll of gauze and knelt beside Lex to bind his wound.
"You two will have to cool it till your doctor friend comes. You don't want to make this worse." She gave Lex a knowing look and then frowned at her son. "I know I can trust you to show restraint." Clark tried to cover his shock at his mother's knowledge of his feelings for Lex. Martha just leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Your father and I love you and are just happy to have you safe." She kissed Lex in the same fashion. "Both of you." Again her look was meaningful. "I'm going to get the others." Martha started towards the door but stopped as she saw the gun on the counter. She picked it up with two fingers and turned back to Lex. "I think I'll ask Jonathan to bury this." Lex nodded.
As she left, Clark leaned forward again to rest his forehead against Lex's. "I'm weirded out that my mother seems to know about us."
"Your mother's a smart woman. I'm just a little shocked that she didn't seem to mind."
"That's my father's job."
"I think Toby may have to wait until your dad is done with me to patch me up. No use wasting time fixing up what may soon be mere dead meat."
"Dad will learn to love you." Lex just looked at Clark with disbelief. Clark shrugged one shoulder. "In time..." Lex's look did not change. "OK. Maybe a long time. We'll just have to take it slow. But, please Lex? Not too slow? I need to get you alone... soon."
"Promises. Promises." The smirk was back and Lex's blue eyes were hooded. He ran his tongue along his bottom lip as if tasting Clark there and Clark felt his body tighten in response.
"Get out the hose, Pete. It's flaming in here." Chloe stood just in the door, with her arms crossed and a big grin. Pete was looking at the floor, flustered.
Lex had the good grace to look embarrassed, hiding his shock but not entirely surprised Clark's friends were also aware of their 'relationship'. Apparently, Clark's ability to keep secrets only went so far. Clark shot Chloe a dirty look and she raised her eyebrows innocently in reply, then walked further into the house towards them. Jonathan and Martha came in through the door. Clark was grateful for the fact that his parents hadn't heard what Chloe had said.
Jonathan and Martha exchanged a look. It was obvious they'd come to a decision while outside. With a final look at Martha for reprieve, and getting none, Jonathan gathered himself as if going into battle. He walked over to stand by the two young men and waited until Lex looked him squarely in the eye. "It was a brave thing you did today, Lex. I know I haven't given you the benefit of the doubt in the past, but you showed me today where your heart is. You risked yourself to save my son and there is no greater proof of courage and loyalty than that. Thank you." Jonathan held his hand out to Lex, who took it with a firm grip.
"Thank you, Mr. Kent." Lex's smile was that rare warm smile he had always saved for Clark. Chloe blinked twice, seeing past his usual cool facade and confirming that Lex did indeed have what it takes to return Clark's feelings. Pete's quiet look indicated that perhaps he'd seen it too.
Jonathan broke the silence. "So, how DID you get away from Lionel Luthor?"
***
That night, in the Fortess of Solitude, Clark leaned on the open window, arms crossed, looking at the stars. Lex lay on the couch enjoying the view inside the barn. Toby had done a good job sewing him up and left him with some minor painkillers. The most interesting outcome of Toby's visit had been the instant rapport between Toby and Jonathan Kent, giving rise to the theory that Jonathan, for all his traditional values, had a left-wing spirit. Lex had spoken to Lana again, not wanting to call the police directly, and she had been informed, with a warning about pranks, that the police had not found anyone at the foundry. Apparently, his father was doing his part to keep this private. Jonathan and Martha Kent had also been surprisingly easy to convince that this was best kept quiet, while Chloe and Pete had conceded the decision to Clark's parents. Lex sighed, relaxing into the old couch, pleased that this had been reasonably easy to cover up.
Hearing the sound, Clark looked back over his shoulder, breaking Lex's train of thought. "Do you think your dad will really leave us alone?"
"No." Lex shifted up a bit on the couch, considering the question. "He will for now, but I intend to re-enter the business world. When I take him on, he'll know it and he'll come out swinging."
"You don't seem too worried."
"I can deal with my father in the corporate board room. I have my mother's money and I'm using that to restart. Dad hadn't counted on me receiving that from Pamela. He thought he'd frightened her away but she willed it all back to me, as apparently, my mother had intended." Lex had told Clark of the loss of his former nanny and Clark could still hear regret in Lex's voice when he said her name. Clark turned around completely and walked to Lex, enjoying the lean-muscled length of the man as he lay completely at ease. Kneeling beside the couch, Clark put his hand on the backrest. He had his arm across Lex, not touching him but preventing him from moving from his reclined position. Leaning in close, bringing one leg up onto the couch to lean over Lex, he basked in the heat he could feel from Lex's body. His eyes narrowed with intent. Lex shifted slightly. Clark inhaled slowly trying to calm the rush of desire he was feeling at Lex's proximity.
Lex decided to lie perfectly still, letting Clark take the lead. A large, warm, beautiful, young man filled his view, blocking out the world and all future concerns. How could he not enjoy it?
Clark touched Lex's forehead with his nose, his soft lips outlined the eyebrow and followed it down to the outside of Lex's eye. Kissing there, then moving lower to kiss Lex's cheek, nuzzling against him. He smiled as Lex's eyelashes brushed his temple when he blinked. He moved across to take Lex's mouth and the kiss became hungry.
Lex groaned into that talented mouth. Soft lips sucked gently on his own, a tongue darted out to touch his upper lip. Lex felt the heat in his belly spreading as the teasing mouth stoked his desire. He couldn't resist the urge to move. Arching gently, he rubbed himself against Clark.
Clark gasped and returned the pressure. His hands roamed down Lex's chest to find the button and zipper that were keeping him from what he wanted. Lex put his hands against Clark stopping him.
"Clark, wait. It's not that I don't want to, but we need to wait." Clark groaned and his voice was pure teenage whine.
"I don't want to wait, Lex."
"Your parents are expecting us back in that house soon and I'm not going in with a guilty look on my face."
Clark rubbed himself one more time against Lex, eliciting a strangled moan. "How about a satisfied look?"
"Clark, you are not helping here." Lex's resolve was melting. He decided to redirect their thoughts. "I can't believe you weren't hit by the bullet that went through your shirt."
Clark turned away abruptly. He sat with his feet on the floor and rested his elbows on his knees, no longer meeting Lex's eyes. Clark looked at the floor and his hands came together in front of himself, playing with his own fingers. Lex knew the look of fear and uncertainty. The bowed dark head came back up slightly but the look was unsure as Clark spoke in a whisper. "The bullet didn't miss me, Lex."
"Pardon me?" Lex could not believe he had heard correctly.
"Look, Lex. I know you've always wondered about me and I guess I should have told you sooner, but there was never a good time, and it's been my secret for so long, and my parents said I shouldn't tell anybody and it could be dangerous and ..." Lex grabbed Clark's arms to get his attention.
"Clark, you're not making sense."
"Lex, I have secrets."
Lex looked into wide, hesitant eyes and said what was in his heart. "I know and I don't care."
Clark's expression didn't change. "They're big secrets, Lex."
Lex half smiled. "Do you want to tell me?" Lex didn't know what he would feel if Clark said no.
"Yes...I'm just not sure how."
Lex tried to be patient and reassuring, though his heart was in his throat. Was Clark finally trusting him completely? "Clark you can tell me when you're ready. I love you."
"I think I need to tell you while I have the nerve. You may not be able to love me after this." Clark again had that look of fear. He obviously believed his secret to be big enough to frighten Lex off. Lex smiled inwardly; at least being a Luthor had had the benefit of making him not easily shocked.
"I'm an alien, Lex." Lex Luthor remained silent -- perhaps he could be a little shocked. "My parents found me the day of the meteor shower. You did hit me that day on the bridge...but I can't be hurt. You should never have risked yourself for me. When that bullet hit me, I didn't even notice in the excitement." Clark finally looked, trying to guage Lex's reaction but found his expression unreadable. Clark waited but the silence became deafening. "Say something, Lex."
"Are you sure Dad's men didn't hit you on the head?" Humour was a good way to cover shock, wasn't it?
"I'm not joking!" Lex leaned in for a quick reassuring kiss and Clark fell silent. He studied Lex trying to decide what the other man was feeling. Lex's mouth lifted on one side, almost a smile, not really a smirk.
"I'm sure you believe it, Clark. I, however, require irrefutable proof which you can provide at a later date. Right now, I just want to kiss you." The corners of Lex's mouth threatened to break into a grin. Lex had realised he really didn't care what Clark's secret was. Clark had trusted him with it. Even if it was the most far-fetched load of horse shit he'd ever heard. He'd suspected Clark was a meteor mutant, delusional had not been part of the picture. Then again, Clark had confided in him and he would stick by him and help him through any therapy he needed.
Clark was getting annoyed. He crossed his arms and frowned."We have my space ship in the storm cellar. Do you want me to show it to you?"
Lex thought about this interesting development, deciding not to worry about it now. He reclosed the space between them and forced Clark to uncross his arms. He kissed that irresistable, pouting mouth and ran his fingers through the dark hair. "Maybe later. Right now, I want to touch you."
Clark wasn't going to budge. "Do you believe me?"
Lex realised he did. Perhaps not all the details, but that could be scientifically investigated later. Clark was taking away the one thing Lex had known had stood between them. All his old fears of rejection lifted with the revelation that Clark had opened up to him. "Yes" was his only reply as he kissed Clark again, running his hands along Clark's back and chest. Lifting the back of Clark's shirt he ran a feather light touch along Clark's spine, marvelling again at the soft skin. It could not possibly be invulnerable, could it?
"Look at me, Clark." Bright green eyes opened and the look was pure trust. Lex ached with the need to deserve it causing a concious decision to believe...for now.
Clark smiled sweetly. His hair was standing in every direction from Lex's fingers, his lips were swollen red and his clothes were rumpled. Lex knew nothing in the world could be more beautiful to him. Lex straightened Clark's clothes, tucking in the shirt. He fixed himself then took a moment to comb his fingers through Clark's hair, making him presentable. Standing, he held a hand out to Clark who took it to lever himself up on long legs. They assessed each other, Clark brushed dirt from Lex's shoulders and they grinned foolishly. Clark started to leave the loft but Lex stood still, feeling a moment of panic at the overwhelming need to keep this boy in his life. Where would they go from here?
Clark turned back, seeing Lex's hesitation, held out his hand. "C'mon Lex. We'll be late for supper." Lex stepped up and took that hand with his own. The grip was strong but not hurtful. Clark's smile was blinding. Lex had to smile back. Acceptance and trust, he had that here. He'd worry about the rest later.
***
Lionel Luthor sat in the glass tower of LuthorCorp, looking out the window and seeing nothing. He did not mourn the loss of his son, feeling instead the lifting of a weight, a dead weight. Lex and his imperfections had been too much work. Lionel would start fresh with a new wife and heir. It was now even possible to predetermine the sex of the child. Perhaps he should go the surrogate route and not bother with a mother's questionable influence. He had a lot to consider and didn't want to take too much time on it. He'd set aside this Thursday to truly look at the pros and cons.
Closing his appointment book, he prepared to go home, thinking, hopefully, for the last time about that small town in Kansas. Clark Kent had been an interesting anomaly; a nonaggressive meteor mutant was previously unheard of. Traveling to Smallville, however, had resulted in one unsuccessful venture after another. Lionel was happy for no further reason to return.
THE END
I cannot finish without a special acknowledgement to LaCasta who has been so patient and kind. You've taught me a lot! :D
Chapter 18
As the limousine pulled out of the Kent's drive, Chloe looked in confusion at Pete. Clark had just left minutes before. The two made a silent mutual decision and Chloe started the car. Pulling slowly up the driveway, they were unprepared for the scene before them. Clark was kneeling on the ground holding an obviously injured Lex, while Martha Kent knelt beside a dazed Jonathan. They watched as Jonathan Kent shook his head and started to rise. Barely allowing the car to stop, Pete jumped out and ran to Clark. Chloe followed.
"Clark, man, what happened?" Pete knelt down beside his best friend. Chloe ran to Martha, helping Mr. Kent to his feet. Jonathan reassured his wife that he was alright. He looked about to reorient himself, noting that Lionel was long gone. Chloe and Martha walked with him to the others. Martha kept a hand under his arm as if unsure of his stability. Lex pushed Clark back and sat up without support, grimacing in pain, but his voice was strong. "How did you get away from my father?"
"Whitney, Lana, Pete and I make quite a rescue team." Chloe proclaimed proudly. "We even knocked out the bad guys. Lana and Whitney went to get the police to arrest them. We came here but Clark insisted on coming up first, hence our late arrival." Chloe looked decidedly disappointed, then shrugged. "We'll tell you all the details later. Let's get you inside."
Lex looked startled as Clark lifted him with no grunt of effort and carried him to the house. The others followed. Pete entered last, as he had stopped to pick up the gun, holding it gingerly in both hands. He set it on the counter with relief, glad to be rid of the odd deja vu tingle to the feeling of it in his palm. Clark set Lex on the couch and opened his shirt.
"Mrs. Kent." She turned to see Lex looking at her with sharp, intelligent eyes, despite his injury. "I need you to bring me the phone." Martha started to protest but he cut her off. "I need to fix this... Please." Chloe handed Lex the phone and he dialed and spoke while ignoring the efforts of the others to make him comfortable. His first call was to Toby who claimed to be able to be there within the hour. The next call was to Lana, who said the police had gone to the foundry and did they need help? Lex thanked her and let her know everyone was fine and that Clark was safe. Clark took the phone from him as he hung up and set it pointedly aside.
Martha grabbed some clean towels and bandages. "Lex, hold still and let us check your wound." Everyone had been reassured by Lex's composure so the still-seeping wound along his ribs came as a shock. Clark cringed at the sight of white bone. Lex did not look. Jonathan took Chloe and Pete outside when Pete turned a little green, deciding to take the opportunity to fill them in.
"It's a good thing he was a poor shot." Lex smiled at Clark, hissing in a breath as Clark lifted him to remove his shirt.
Martha pressed a thick bandage against the wound and left Clark to hold it while she went to find something to bind it. Lex was caught off guard by Clark's lips on his as soon as Clark's mother was out of sight. It was a bruising, desperate kiss, to reassure both of them that they were alright. Lex gripped Clark's shirt with his hand, comforted in the soft flannel, rubbing his fingers over the hard chest that he could feel beneath. He moved his other arm and his breath hitched with pain. Clark pulled away, instantly contrite. His eyes were wide and his eyebrows lifted in the middle, in an endearing look of question and concern.
"I'm sorry. Did I hurt you?" A big warm hand came up and touched Lex's cheek.
Lex's eyes fell closed and he murmured a negative, shaking his head slightly. "I just need to hold this arm still. The other, however..." Lex again ran his hand down Clark's impressive chest but halted suddenly. "What's this?" He poked his finger through a hole in Clark's shirt, a bullet-sized hole. He pushed Clark back, looking for a sign of injury. "God, Clark, were you hit? Are you bleeding?" Lex's voice was beginning to rise, his composure breaking.
Lex felt a rush of fear; forgetting his own wound, he moved to open Clark's shirt but Clark caught his hands, stopping him.
"I'm fine. I'm not hurt. Lex..." Clark caught Lex's face between his hands and made Lex look straight at him. "Lex, it's over."
Lex Luthor, scourge of the Metropolis social elite, wrapped his good arm around the solid reality of a Kansas farm boy who loved him and let out a sigh. Just one. It escaped his control purely on the grounds that he was overwrought, and wounded and well, dammit, in love. Unfortunately the moment was interrupted by a clearing throat behind them. Lex backed up slowly while Clark blushed scarlet. Martha brought a roll of gauze and knelt beside Lex to bind his wound.
"You two will have to cool it till your doctor friend comes. You don't want to make this worse." She gave Lex a knowing look and then frowned at her son. "I know I can trust you to show restraint." Clark tried to cover his shock at his mother's knowledge of his feelings for Lex. Martha just leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Your father and I love you and are just happy to have you safe." She kissed Lex in the same fashion. "Both of you." Again her look was meaningful. "I'm going to get the others." Martha started towards the door but stopped as she saw the gun on the counter. She picked it up with two fingers and turned back to Lex. "I think I'll ask Jonathan to bury this." Lex nodded.
As she left, Clark leaned forward again to rest his forehead against Lex's. "I'm weirded out that my mother seems to know about us."
"Your mother's a smart woman. I'm just a little shocked that she didn't seem to mind."
"That's my father's job."
"I think Toby may have to wait until your dad is done with me to patch me up. No use wasting time fixing up what may soon be mere dead meat."
"Dad will learn to love you." Lex just looked at Clark with disbelief. Clark shrugged one shoulder. "In time..." Lex's look did not change. "OK. Maybe a long time. We'll just have to take it slow. But, please Lex? Not too slow? I need to get you alone... soon."
"Promises. Promises." The smirk was back and Lex's blue eyes were hooded. He ran his tongue along his bottom lip as if tasting Clark there and Clark felt his body tighten in response.
"Get out the hose, Pete. It's flaming in here." Chloe stood just in the door, with her arms crossed and a big grin. Pete was looking at the floor, flustered.
Lex had the good grace to look embarrassed, hiding his shock but not entirely surprised Clark's friends were also aware of their 'relationship'. Apparently, Clark's ability to keep secrets only went so far. Clark shot Chloe a dirty look and she raised her eyebrows innocently in reply, then walked further into the house towards them. Jonathan and Martha came in through the door. Clark was grateful for the fact that his parents hadn't heard what Chloe had said.
Jonathan and Martha exchanged a look. It was obvious they'd come to a decision while outside. With a final look at Martha for reprieve, and getting none, Jonathan gathered himself as if going into battle. He walked over to stand by the two young men and waited until Lex looked him squarely in the eye. "It was a brave thing you did today, Lex. I know I haven't given you the benefit of the doubt in the past, but you showed me today where your heart is. You risked yourself to save my son and there is no greater proof of courage and loyalty than that. Thank you." Jonathan held his hand out to Lex, who took it with a firm grip.
"Thank you, Mr. Kent." Lex's smile was that rare warm smile he had always saved for Clark. Chloe blinked twice, seeing past his usual cool facade and confirming that Lex did indeed have what it takes to return Clark's feelings. Pete's quiet look indicated that perhaps he'd seen it too.
Jonathan broke the silence. "So, how DID you get away from Lionel Luthor?"
***
That night, in the Fortess of Solitude, Clark leaned on the open window, arms crossed, looking at the stars. Lex lay on the couch enjoying the view inside the barn. Toby had done a good job sewing him up and left him with some minor painkillers. The most interesting outcome of Toby's visit had been the instant rapport between Toby and Jonathan Kent, giving rise to the theory that Jonathan, for all his traditional values, had a left-wing spirit. Lex had spoken to Lana again, not wanting to call the police directly, and she had been informed, with a warning about pranks, that the police had not found anyone at the foundry. Apparently, his father was doing his part to keep this private. Jonathan and Martha Kent had also been surprisingly easy to convince that this was best kept quiet, while Chloe and Pete had conceded the decision to Clark's parents. Lex sighed, relaxing into the old couch, pleased that this had been reasonably easy to cover up.
Hearing the sound, Clark looked back over his shoulder, breaking Lex's train of thought. "Do you think your dad will really leave us alone?"
"No." Lex shifted up a bit on the couch, considering the question. "He will for now, but I intend to re-enter the business world. When I take him on, he'll know it and he'll come out swinging."
"You don't seem too worried."
"I can deal with my father in the corporate board room. I have my mother's money and I'm using that to restart. Dad hadn't counted on me receiving that from Pamela. He thought he'd frightened her away but she willed it all back to me, as apparently, my mother had intended." Lex had told Clark of the loss of his former nanny and Clark could still hear regret in Lex's voice when he said her name. Clark turned around completely and walked to Lex, enjoying the lean-muscled length of the man as he lay completely at ease. Kneeling beside the couch, Clark put his hand on the backrest. He had his arm across Lex, not touching him but preventing him from moving from his reclined position. Leaning in close, bringing one leg up onto the couch to lean over Lex, he basked in the heat he could feel from Lex's body. His eyes narrowed with intent. Lex shifted slightly. Clark inhaled slowly trying to calm the rush of desire he was feeling at Lex's proximity.
Lex decided to lie perfectly still, letting Clark take the lead. A large, warm, beautiful, young man filled his view, blocking out the world and all future concerns. How could he not enjoy it?
Clark touched Lex's forehead with his nose, his soft lips outlined the eyebrow and followed it down to the outside of Lex's eye. Kissing there, then moving lower to kiss Lex's cheek, nuzzling against him. He smiled as Lex's eyelashes brushed his temple when he blinked. He moved across to take Lex's mouth and the kiss became hungry.
Lex groaned into that talented mouth. Soft lips sucked gently on his own, a tongue darted out to touch his upper lip. Lex felt the heat in his belly spreading as the teasing mouth stoked his desire. He couldn't resist the urge to move. Arching gently, he rubbed himself against Clark.
Clark gasped and returned the pressure. His hands roamed down Lex's chest to find the button and zipper that were keeping him from what he wanted. Lex put his hands against Clark stopping him.
"Clark, wait. It's not that I don't want to, but we need to wait." Clark groaned and his voice was pure teenage whine.
"I don't want to wait, Lex."
"Your parents are expecting us back in that house soon and I'm not going in with a guilty look on my face."
Clark rubbed himself one more time against Lex, eliciting a strangled moan. "How about a satisfied look?"
"Clark, you are not helping here." Lex's resolve was melting. He decided to redirect their thoughts. "I can't believe you weren't hit by the bullet that went through your shirt."
Clark turned away abruptly. He sat with his feet on the floor and rested his elbows on his knees, no longer meeting Lex's eyes. Clark looked at the floor and his hands came together in front of himself, playing with his own fingers. Lex knew the look of fear and uncertainty. The bowed dark head came back up slightly but the look was unsure as Clark spoke in a whisper. "The bullet didn't miss me, Lex."
"Pardon me?" Lex could not believe he had heard correctly.
"Look, Lex. I know you've always wondered about me and I guess I should have told you sooner, but there was never a good time, and it's been my secret for so long, and my parents said I shouldn't tell anybody and it could be dangerous and ..." Lex grabbed Clark's arms to get his attention.
"Clark, you're not making sense."
"Lex, I have secrets."
Lex looked into wide, hesitant eyes and said what was in his heart. "I know and I don't care."
Clark's expression didn't change. "They're big secrets, Lex."
Lex half smiled. "Do you want to tell me?" Lex didn't know what he would feel if Clark said no.
"Yes...I'm just not sure how."
Lex tried to be patient and reassuring, though his heart was in his throat. Was Clark finally trusting him completely? "Clark you can tell me when you're ready. I love you."
"I think I need to tell you while I have the nerve. You may not be able to love me after this." Clark again had that look of fear. He obviously believed his secret to be big enough to frighten Lex off. Lex smiled inwardly; at least being a Luthor had had the benefit of making him not easily shocked.
"I'm an alien, Lex." Lex Luthor remained silent -- perhaps he could be a little shocked. "My parents found me the day of the meteor shower. You did hit me that day on the bridge...but I can't be hurt. You should never have risked yourself for me. When that bullet hit me, I didn't even notice in the excitement." Clark finally looked, trying to guage Lex's reaction but found his expression unreadable. Clark waited but the silence became deafening. "Say something, Lex."
"Are you sure Dad's men didn't hit you on the head?" Humour was a good way to cover shock, wasn't it?
"I'm not joking!" Lex leaned in for a quick reassuring kiss and Clark fell silent. He studied Lex trying to decide what the other man was feeling. Lex's mouth lifted on one side, almost a smile, not really a smirk.
"I'm sure you believe it, Clark. I, however, require irrefutable proof which you can provide at a later date. Right now, I just want to kiss you." The corners of Lex's mouth threatened to break into a grin. Lex had realised he really didn't care what Clark's secret was. Clark had trusted him with it. Even if it was the most far-fetched load of horse shit he'd ever heard. He'd suspected Clark was a meteor mutant, delusional had not been part of the picture. Then again, Clark had confided in him and he would stick by him and help him through any therapy he needed.
Clark was getting annoyed. He crossed his arms and frowned."We have my space ship in the storm cellar. Do you want me to show it to you?"
Lex thought about this interesting development, deciding not to worry about it now. He reclosed the space between them and forced Clark to uncross his arms. He kissed that irresistable, pouting mouth and ran his fingers through the dark hair. "Maybe later. Right now, I want to touch you."
Clark wasn't going to budge. "Do you believe me?"
Lex realised he did. Perhaps not all the details, but that could be scientifically investigated later. Clark was taking away the one thing Lex had known had stood between them. All his old fears of rejection lifted with the revelation that Clark had opened up to him. "Yes" was his only reply as he kissed Clark again, running his hands along Clark's back and chest. Lifting the back of Clark's shirt he ran a feather light touch along Clark's spine, marvelling again at the soft skin. It could not possibly be invulnerable, could it?
"Look at me, Clark." Bright green eyes opened and the look was pure trust. Lex ached with the need to deserve it causing a concious decision to believe...for now.
Clark smiled sweetly. His hair was standing in every direction from Lex's fingers, his lips were swollen red and his clothes were rumpled. Lex knew nothing in the world could be more beautiful to him. Lex straightened Clark's clothes, tucking in the shirt. He fixed himself then took a moment to comb his fingers through Clark's hair, making him presentable. Standing, he held a hand out to Clark who took it to lever himself up on long legs. They assessed each other, Clark brushed dirt from Lex's shoulders and they grinned foolishly. Clark started to leave the loft but Lex stood still, feeling a moment of panic at the overwhelming need to keep this boy in his life. Where would they go from here?
Clark turned back, seeing Lex's hesitation, held out his hand. "C'mon Lex. We'll be late for supper." Lex stepped up and took that hand with his own. The grip was strong but not hurtful. Clark's smile was blinding. Lex had to smile back. Acceptance and trust, he had that here. He'd worry about the rest later.
***
Lionel Luthor sat in the glass tower of LuthorCorp, looking out the window and seeing nothing. He did not mourn the loss of his son, feeling instead the lifting of a weight, a dead weight. Lex and his imperfections had been too much work. Lionel would start fresh with a new wife and heir. It was now even possible to predetermine the sex of the child. Perhaps he should go the surrogate route and not bother with a mother's questionable influence. He had a lot to consider and didn't want to take too much time on it. He'd set aside this Thursday to truly look at the pros and cons.
Closing his appointment book, he prepared to go home, thinking, hopefully, for the last time about that small town in Kansas. Clark Kent had been an interesting anomaly; a nonaggressive meteor mutant was previously unheard of. Traveling to Smallville, however, had resulted in one unsuccessful venture after another. Lionel was happy for no further reason to return.
THE END