Lionel Luthor sat in his son’s office contemplatively. He was aware of Jeff shifting nervously. The day hadn’t exactly gone as planned.
“You are sure it was the same boy?”
“Yes, Mister Luthor,” Jeff nodded vehemently.
“And yet when I confronted him today, he seemed to have a little trouble getting away from me,” Lionel commented quietly.
“He must have been faking it. You saw what he did, and what he did at the club,” Jeff protested.
“Maybe. Watch him.”
Jeff nodded.
@>*~
Clark ate his dinner quietly. His parents kept staring at him and he was waiting for the inevitable talk. Only, he wasn’t sure which one he’d get, or if he’d get both. Hopefully the one involving his relationship with Lex would be put off for now because of his loss of powers.
“What are we going to do?” Martha finally asked.
“Act normally,” Clark shrugged, “If I’ve lost my abilities, I have to start getting used to it.”
“But…”
“What else can I do?” Clark sighed.
“I think you should maybe check on Eric tomorrow,” Jonathan suggested.
Clark blinked, “Yeah. I didn’t really think about that.” He got up.
“Clark.” Clark turned back. “You and Lex,” Martha started. Clark sighed. “It’s not that we disapprove, or that we exactly approve… just, take it slow, okay?”
Clark blinked. He hadn’t expected that. Although the warning to take it slow was a little late. He smiled, “Thanks.”
He went back upstairs and got ready for bed, even though it was still early. He felt a little guilty for not doing his chores, but his father hadn’t said anything so he assumed it was okay.
Quietly, he got into bed, sighing happily when Lex turned and shifted closer, putting his head on his shoulder and an arm round his waist.
Clark kissed the top of Lex’s head. “Good night,” he whispered.
“Good night, Clark,” Lex muttered sleepily.
@>*~
Clark was exhausted. First, his father had got him up early to do his chores, which had taken forever without his strength and speed. He’d had barely enough time to apply Lex’s cream and say goodbye before having to run for the bus.
Then gym class had been so hard. He’d gotten his first ever muscle cramp and a nosebleed. To top it all, Eric seemed great, fine, although he’d been acting weird.
How people coped with being normal, he had no idea. Clark supposed he’d better get used to it.
He’d also had the strangest feeling of being watched all day. He had to wonder if Lionel Luthor had anything to do with that. Lex was right; not having his gifts was probably a good thing right now. But he had no protection and couldn’t protect Lex.
“Clark, you awake?” Chloe asked with a grin.
“Huh? Yeah, just really tired,” Clark replied.
“How are *things*?” she asked quietly.
“Complicated, but better, “Clark frowned, “Well, sort of.”
“Hmm, cos that made a *lot* of sense,” Pete raised his eyebrows.
“Sorry, like I said, it’s complicated,” Clark shrugged.
“Okay, we won’t push.” They walked out of the Beanery together.
“I’ve got to go,” Clark sighed, “Horribly large amount of chores today.”
“Really?” Chloe looked sceptical.
“Really. I didn’t even get finished this morning,” Clark answered honestly. He waved as they turned in opposite directions.
“Hello ‘CK’.”
Clark froze, “Jeff. What the hell do you want?”
“Honestly? To kill you, but I’ll settle for a piece of your ass.”
Clark shoved him, but it didn’t have much effect.
Jeff laughed, “I’ve been watching you, you’re just some weak assed kid. I guess it must have been a fluke before.” He grabbed Clark’s arm and dragged him into an alleyway.
“Get off me!” Clark struggled against him.
“Oh now, be nice. You owe me. You interrupted my time with Lex,” Jeff sneered, pushing him up against the wall. Clark struggled helplessly, whimpering in horror when Jeff started to work on his pants, grinding his crotch into his ass.
Suddenly Jeff was pulled away from him and thrown across the alley, hitting the wall with a thud. Clark blinked in shock.
“Clark, you okay?”
“Eric?” Clark gasped.
“Are you okay? Geez, who is that guy, what the hell was he doing?” Eric frowned.
“Uh, you don’t want to know,” Clark said shaking his head. “Eric, can we keep this between us, please?”
Eric stared at him, “Yeah, okay. Are you sure?”
“Very,” Clark nodded vehemently.
“Well, okay,” Eric smiled, then abruptly vanished, knocking Clark back with the gust of wind.
@>*~
“Well, so we know what happened to your powers then,” Jonathan frowned, “What are we going to do? You grew up with your abilities, how is Eric going to adjust?”
“He seemed to be managing just fine,” Clark said quietly. He was even more tired now. After the day he’d had and another two hours of chores, he just wanted to go to bed.” I’m gonna head up,” he said.
“Don’t forget Lex’s pill,” Martha said quietly.
“I won’t.”
Clark got ready for bed, stripped down to his boxers and slipped into bed with a sigh of relief.
Lex put his head on his shoulder again. “What happened?” he whispered, sensing the tension in Clark.
Clark sighed. “Jeff tried to attack me and Eric saved me, apparently he’s got my abilities,” he said quickly, closing his eyes as his emotions threatened to overwhelm him.
Lex lifted his head, staring sorrowfully at his distraught friend. “Did he hurt you?” he whispered.
“No, he didn’t have the chance.”
“Clark… you don’t have to be strong for me. Let it out.” Lex gently stroked Clark’s cheek. He could see how much everything was affecting Clark, even though he tried not to show it.
Clark sniffed and his breath hitched as he finally let go of the uncertainty and worry, the pain. He cried quietly, burying his face in Lex’s neck. Lex petted his chest gently, letting him cry himself out. He lifted his head and wiped away the tears on Clark’s face.
“Lex,” Clark whispered.
“Shh.” Lex leaned up and kissed him, all his arguments flying out the window when confronted by Clark’s need. They kissed deeply, Clark’s hand coming up to cup the back of his head. Clark moaned into Lex’s mouth and he shifted. He was hard and he didn’t want Lex to notice. But Lex was already slipping a hand into his boxers.
“Lex?”
“Shh,” Lex repeated, “Let me.”
Clark sighed, unable to speak as Lex wrapped his hand round his aching cock and started to stroke slowly. Clark let his head drop back and his eyes slid closed with the sensations Lex was creating. Lex started to kiss him again and he kissed back urgently, rolling his hips for more speed.
“Please, harder,” he whispered, his need becoming steadily more desperate. Clark writhed, trying not to jolt Lex too much, but Lex just tightened his grip and pumped him harder and faster, until he couldn’t control his movements.
Lex felt Clark becoming frantic as he thrust into Lex’s hand and he tried to accommodate him, needing to feel Clark’s release himself, despite the pain in his ribs and back. Clark’s mouth on his was more than enough to counter the pain.
Clark felt the tension building in his belly, pleasure coursing through his veins. His heart was pounding and he was sweating, all new sensations for him with exertion. His body was moving out of his control and his lips consumed Lex’s mouth as he felt his body release with a jerk of pleasure.
Clark shuddered in his arms, his seed spilling onto Lex’s hand. Lex continued to kiss him, softening the kisses as Clark slowly relaxed against him. When he’d recovered his breath, Clark got out of the bed to quickly clean himself up and brought a tissue back to wipe Lex’s hand.
He slipped back into the bed and pressed a gentle kiss to Lex’s lips. “Lex?”
Lex shifted to lie on Clark again, “Yes, Clark?”
“I love you.”
Lex sighed, “I love you too.”
@>*~
“You idiot. I told you to watch him,” Lionel Luthor said with cold menace.
“I did, he’s just an ordinary kid. He couldn’t fight me off at all,” Jeff protested fearfully.
“I didn’t tell you to touch him.”
“But… after what he did?!” Jeff flinched back in his seat when Lionel stood up.
“Fool. In the meantime, you didn’t even *see* who stopped you!” Lionel paced, his one concession to the agitation he was feeling. The thought that his son might actually care about the boy was unacceptable. Yet, possibly useful. He couldn’t allow his son such a weakness, especially with a Kent. They had far too many morals for good business. That kind of influence was not a good thing for Lex. He was sure the club security footage would put paid to that little liaison. He smiled cruelly.
There was one last matter to attend to. Where was Lex? the hospital had been checked, the locals discretely questioned, but no one had seen him. It was pointless contacting Toby to see if he knew anything, for some reason the man was loyal to Lex.
With a couple of quick phone calls, he’d arranged for someone to find Lex, and the video footage to be sent to the Kents, before he left with a very subdued Jeff.
@>*~
“But Clark…” Lex sighed, it was difficult arguing when you were naked in a bath, with the man you loved washing you so tenderly, and at the same time trying not to ‘show an interest’.
“I’ll be fine, Lex. I have to go. If Jeff’s around, things have to seem normal, I don’t want anyone knowing you’re here. Not till you’re a lot better,” Clark raised an eyebrow while he helped Lex wash. “Do you?”
“No,” Lex conceded.
“Anyway, I have to talk to Eric if I can. Hopefully he didn’t say anything to anyone about yesterday.”
“Do you think he would?” Lex asked a little worriedly.
“No. He’s a nice guy, but he doesn’t exactly hang out with anyone. And his dad’s an ass,” Clark shook his head, thanking God for his parents.
“Sounds familiar,” Lex muttered.
Clark clenched his jaw, trying to control his murderous instincts at the thought of Lex’s father.
“Clark, you’re hurting me,” Lex said quietly.
“Shit, sorry,” Clark loosened his grip on Lex’s arm.
“I appreciate the thought though,” Lex smirked.
Clark sighed. “If I’d had my strength, I’d have crushed your arm, Lex,” he whispered, overwhelmed with guilt. He really had to get himself under control.
“Well you haven’t, so don’t worry about it.” Lex gently patted Clark’s hand.
“Lex…”
“I’m clean. Can I go back to bed now?” Lex continued, ignoring Clark, determined not to allow him to guilt trip again.
“Sure,” Clark sighed. Carefully, he helped Lex out of the bath and sat him down on the toilet seat so he could start to dry him off. It was awkward and he tried not to linger over Lex’s crotch.
Lex sighed at the contact, it felt good, but he really wasn’t up to it, even if he would allow it. Oh, who was he kidding? Damn it, Clark didn’t even have to ask, and he couldn’t help himself. As evidenced by the previous night.
He was sure they’d gotten a very odd look from Jonathan Kent when he’d come in to check on them and wake Clark. They really needed to be more careful. No! They needed to stop. Period!
Clark helped him into the bedroom and back into bed. He felt a hell of a lot better, but still stiff and sore. At least his pale skin never seemed to scar, he wouldn’t have any physical reminders of the punishment inflicted on him.
“Clark!”
“Yes, Mom?”
“Come downstairs when you’re done, there’s something you should see.”
“Okay, just a sec,” Clark called. He gently covered Lex up. “I’ll come say goodbye before I go.”
“Okay,” Lex nodded. He shifted in the bed, trying to get comfortable. So far he’d slept a lot, but he was starting to get seriously bored. “Will you get me something to read in town?” he asked.
Clark smiled, “Sure, any preferences?”
“Something long,” Lex smirked.
Clark grinned and shook his head. He stole a quick kiss before Lex could object and headed downstairs.
@>*~
His parents looked worried.
“What is it?” They pointed at the TV. “What happened?” Clark looked at the scene of devastation being played out on the local news.
“Eric attacked some kids. He’s out of control, Clark,” Jonathan said quietly.
“Damn.” Clark sat down. “Mom, Dad, I have to try and stop him.”
“He’s dangerous, Clark, and he has your gifts. What can you do?” Martha asked worriedly.
“Try to talk to him. Try to stop him if I can,” Clark tried to think. “Maybe the meteor rocks will have the same effect on him, that they did with me.”
“We don’t exactly keep them around, Clark,” Jonathan pointed out.
“I know where I can get one.” Clark stood up and gave his parents a hug, “You know I have to try.” They nodded reluctantly. Clark smiled tightly and headed back upstairs to say goodbye to Lex.
@>*~
Lex picked up on his tension immediately, “What is it?”
“Eric’s out of control, I’m going to try and stop him,” Clark said quietly.
Lex blinked, his heart skipping a beat from fear and worry, “Are you insane? Clark, he could hurt you… kill you!”
“I have to try, Lex, it’s who I am. Besides, I’m not going unprepared.” Clark knelt by the bed and stroked Lex’s smooth scalp, “I’ll be okay.”
“Can you promise me that?” Lex whispered.
Clark sighed and shook his head, “I promise I’ll try my best.”
“Clark, don’t do this, you don’t have to,” Lex grasped Clark’s hand.
“Yes I do,” Clark pulled his hand away gently, “They’re my gifts, my responsibility.”
Lex sighed. He knew he wouldn’t be able to stop him. Clark wouldn’t be Clark if he didn’t try to help or stop Eric. It didn’t stop him being scared though. He couldn’t have Clark, but he needed his friend alive to stay sane, to have the slightest chance of not turning into his father. “Clark?”
“Yes, Lex?”
“Kiss me.”
Clark smiled softly and leaned forward to kiss him gently. Lex fisted his hand in thick, black hair, pulling Clark closer, kissing him hard, desperately. When he pulled away, they were both panting.
“I’ll definitely be back for more of that,” Clark said with a tiny smile. Lex choked out a laugh. “Goodbye Lex.”
“See you later,” Lex said emphatically, “And don’t forget my book.”
Clark nodded and left the room.
@>*~
“Hey Lana.”
“Clark!” Lana looked up in surprise. She hadn’t seen much of Clark recently, “How are you? Where have you been?”
“Around. Things are… complicated,” Clark smiled ruefully.
“Yeah,” she nodded, “You seem a little more, uh, serious than usual.”
“You think I’m serious?” Clark asked.
“Sort of. More like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders,” she smiled up at him.
“Yeah, I guess,” Clark laughed, a little hollowly.
“So what’s up?” she asked, sitting down and patting the seat next to her.
Clark sat down with a sigh, “Love, life, take your pick.”
“Love?” Lana was a little surprised. She knew Clark had had a crush on her, but it was clear he was talking about someone else. Which, she supposed, was a good thing.
“Like I said, it’s complicated,” Clark sighed.
“It’s not… Chloe, is it?” she asked quietly.
“Huh? Oh God no!” Clark laughed, “Believe me, it’s way more complicated than that.”
“Oh,” Lana blinked. She couldn’t guess who he meant then, and apparently he wasn’t sharing.
“Listen, this is going to sound weird, but, can I borrow your necklace?” Clark asked.
Lana frowned, “Sure, okay.” She took it off and handed it to Clark, “Can I ask what for?”
Clark sighed again, “It’s…”
“Complicated. I get it,” she smiled reassuringly.
“I promise, you’ll get it back,” Clark smiled back.
“I know.”
@>*~
Clark watched the ambulance leave with Eric. He felt bad for the other boy. What chance did he have with a father like that? Then again, Lex had had it worse. But then, who was to say what was worse. Lex was pretty strong.
“Come on, kid,” Jonathan wrapped an arm round Clark’s shoulders.
“Do you think he’ll be okay?” Clark asked.
“I don’t know, I hope so. He’s a good kid at heart. He just wasn’t prepared to deal with that kind of power,” Jonathan replied honestly.
“And he doesn’t have my parents,” Clark smiled.
Jonathan smiled briefly, “Come on, Clark.”
Clark frowned, “What is it?”
“We have more things to worry about.”
@>*~
Clark watched the video. It was nothing incriminating, just him and Lex dancing. But very obviously together.
“What do we do?” he asked quietly.
“Well obviously, Luthor doesn’t approve. I assume this is supposed to provoke a reaction,” Jonathan commented.
“Except that you already know,” Clark said.
“Yes. I don’t think he’ll have expected that,” Martha nodded. “But, it’s a problem, Clark. Now you have your gifts back, we can’t have him maintaining an interest.”
Clark clenched his jaw stubbornly. “I’m not giving him up.”
“Clark…”
“Let me talk to Lex, please?” Clark asked quietly.
“Okay,” Jonathan sighed.
@>*~
Clark ran upstairs. He hadn’t actually said hello yet and he knew Lex would be worried. “Hey.”
Lex turned onto his side and looked up at the slightly guilty looking Clark. “You forgot my book.”
Clark sighed, “Yeah.” There was an awkward silence.
“How’d it go then?” Lex asked eventually.
Clark sat on the bed, “I got my powers back. Eric, hopefully, will be fine.”
“But?” Lex could tell something else was coming.
“Your father sent my parents video footage from the club.”
“Shit!” Lex swore. He closed his eyes and sighed. It was well and truly over now. No more dreaming, no more stupid hopes. “That’s it, I have to go home.”
“No!”
“Don’t be stupid, Clark, it’s a threat. We have to stop this now,” Lex frowned at Clark.
“Why?” Clark asked frowning back.
“He sent the tape as a message to me. The fact that it’s supposed to make your parents forbid you to see me is just a bonus to him,” Lex tried to explain. “It means he thinks I truly care about you and he can use that against me. Hurt you, hurt your family.”
Clark shook his head, “And if you push me away, you’ll just confirm his suspicions.”
“What?”
“Think about it, Lex,” Clark said earnestly, “If you didn’t care about me or my family, then his threats would be meaningless. Why would you stop seeing me? Especially if it annoys him.”
“Clark, I don’t think…”
“I don’t think you’re listening to me,” Clark interrupted, “You stop seeing me and he’ll know for sure that you care about me. Don’t react, think.”
Lex blinked. Clark made a sort of sense, but not enough. “It changes nothing, Clark,” he tried again, “It does more than annoy him. What’s to stop him sending Jeff again? Or telling the police. It’s still illegal, Clark.”
Clark sighed and lay down on the end of the bed. He was starting to get just a little pissed off, not to mention upset. “You know what, Lex? Never mind.”
“What?” Lex asked, startled.
“I don’t want to push something onto you that you don’t want. It’s obviously too difficult, easier for you to just run away. So fine, go.” Clark made a vague gesture towards the door.
Lex stared at him. “You little bastard. I’m doing this for you!” he yelled suddenly, hurt by Clark’s abrupt renouncement of the argument.
“Are you?” Clark sat up and stared hard at him, “Or are you just pushing me away with all these excuses because you’re scared?”
Tears sprang to Lex’s eyes, “I…”
“Lex, you don’t have to be scared,” Clark whispered, “I’m not going to hurt you, I’m not going to let anyone else hurt you either. Don’t you get it yet? I love you.”
Lex reached out for Clark tentatively, and his breath hitched in relief when he was enfolded in a tight embrace.
“I’ll fight for you, every step of the way, Lex,” Clark whispered, rocking him gently, “But I need you to fight for me too.”
“I’m sorry, Clark, I’m so sorry,” Lex sobbed, “I love you so much, I can’t bear the thought of losing you. Anyone I ever loved, I lost.”
“Lex, you won’t lose me, not if I have anything to say about it,” Clark whispered. “Please don’t give up on us, please.” He was crying himself, heart broken by Lex’s words, feeling now even more than ever that he was going to be there for the man he loved.That he had to be there.
Lex tried to calm himself. As always Clark was here, saving him from himself. He didn’t think he had the strength to give that up. The one person who loved him, no matter what. He needed that, to fill the emptiness that had always been inside him. Maybe it wasn’t selfish to want that, not when Clark seemed to have the same need.
“Clark,” he said quietly, “You’re worth fighting for.”
Clark’s breath hitched and he smiled happily, “Oh, Lex.” He pulled Lex closer, lifting his chin so he could wipe away the tears and kiss him gently.
“Clark, I need you,” Lex whispered against his lips, nervously rubbing his hands down Clark’s arms.
“I know, but it’s too soon,” Clark stroked his cheek soothingly.
“I don’t care,” Lex tried to pull Clark down on top of him, but his friend resisted. He blinked up at Clark, a little hurt and confused.
“But I do. I told you I wouldn’t hurt you, Lex,” Clark raised an eyebrow at him and Lex sighed.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t really thinking, I just… I need you so badly, I didn’t think about how selfish that was,” Lex sighed again. How could he ask Clark to do something like that? It would hurt both of them and not just physically.
“It’s okay. Lie back, let me take care of you,” Clark whispered. Lex smiled at the familiar words, then his eyes rolled back and he gasped at the soft, warm breath across his groin.
“Oh, Clark,” he breathed.
Clark glanced up briefly and smiled gently at the sight of Lex lying back with a sigh. He pushed Lex’s legs a little further apart and shifted round for easier access. Inhaling deeply, Clark nuzzled against Lex’s groin, rubbing his cheek against his friend’s hardening cock.
“This is better than memories,” Clark whispered.
Lex opened his eyes and lifted his head so he could meet Clark’s loving gaze and he nodded. “Yeah.”
Clark smiled gently and bent his head again. He slowly licked up the length of his cock and Lex gasped quietly. “Please,” he whispered.
“Shh,” Clark hushed him, breathing softly over the tip of his erection, before tasting the drop of pre-come starting to flow. Clark wanted to take it slowly, gently, but he wasn’t sure how much this might still hurt Lex, so he swallowed his cock and sucked hard.
“Oh God,” Lex yelped in surprise. Almost sitting upright until a slight pain in his ribs forced him back down.
Clark took the hard length as deep as he could, working the silky skin with his tongue. He gripped Lex’s hips gently, feeling the toned muscles moving beneath his hands as Lex started to writhe under him.
The edge of pain from his ribs and back was more than compensated for by the hot, wet pressure sucking pleasure from deep within his body. Lex thrust uselessly against Clark’s strong grip as he tried to feel more.
Clark reached up and briefly brushed a finger over his lips before clamping his hand on his shoulder. Then that wonderful mouth took him deeper and throat muscles squeezed around the head of his cock.
“Clark, not going to… Oh God!” Clark started humming and that was more than Lex could take. The sensations overwhelmed him and it was all he could do not to cry out as Clark swallowed his release.
"Clark,” he whispered. Clark sat up, licking his lips, and he shifted up the bed to take Lex in his arms. “What are we going to do?”
“I don’t know,” Clark answered in a worried tone, “But don’t give up.”
“I’ll try.”
@>*~
Martha and Jonathan backed away from the door a little guiltily, exchanging worried glances. They’d hurried up when they’d heard Lex shout, but had been stopped at the door by the sound of Clark soothing a sobbing Lex. when the conversation had turned to that of lovers, they hadn’t been able to move. Although both of them felt that they ought to be stopping the couple or at least leaving them in peace.
Back downstairs, Jonathan sat down heavily. “That was more than I needed to know. Martha, I don’t think I can deal with this.”
“I know.” It was one thing thinking that your child might be in a sexual relationship, but to observe, or rather overhear, it firsthand, that was… well odd was an understatement. And Clark was only fifteen, yet he seemed to be the one dealing with it better. Martha supposed Lex hadn’t had a lot of experience with love.
“But it’s not like we can forbid Clark to keep seeing him, Jonathan. That’s just a sure-fire way to push him straight to Lex and stop him from talking to us.” She sighed, “What can we do, except trust him?”
“He’s too young for all this,” Jonathan said firmly.
“So were we, Jon,” Martha smiled ruefully at her husband, “Remember?”
Jonathan sighed, swallowing his disapproval, “Yeah. But things weren’t nearly as hard as it’s going to be for them.”
“I know.”
@>*~
“I probably should take you home,” Clark started.
Lex nodded, “I know. Have you got any clothes that will fit me?”
“Um, probably not,” Clark grinned ruefully. He got up and dug out some clean boxers, his tightest t-shirt and the jeans he’d worn at the weekend. “These might work." Clark carefully helped Lex dress.
“Clark, can I have your shirt?” Lex asked quietly.
Clark stared at him for a second, then smiled, peeling off his shirt and helping Lex ease it on. It drowned Lex’s slim form, but Lex just wrapped it tightly round him and sniffed it.
“Smells like you.”
Clark nodded, “I hope that’s a good thing.”
Lex smiled, “Very.”
Clark lifted him into his arms before he could object and carefully carried him downstairs. His parents looked up at them and Clark hesitated, staring at them a little worriedly.
“I’m taking him home,” Clark explained.
“Are you coming back tonight?” Martha asked quietly.
Clark bit his lip uncertainly, “I, uh, I don’t know. Is that okay?”
“If we said no, would you come back?” Jonathan asked.
“I don’t know,” Clark answered honestly.
“It’s okay, but, just, be careful,” Martha said quietly, “We know you still have things to work out, but we need to talk too, okay?”
“I know, Mom,” Clark nodded.
“I’m sorry about all this,” Lex sighed, “I really do love your son.”
“We know. We… trust you not to hurt him,” Jonathan said with difficulty.
Lex smiled softly, “Thank you. I’ll endeavour to be worthy of that trust.” Jonathan nodded curtly.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Clark gave his parents a tiny smile, “Mom, Dad… thanks, I love you.”
“We love you too, Clark,” Martha smiled gently.
Jonathan and Martha watched Clark leave with Lex in his arms a little regretfully, a little scared, but hopeful that their son would be happy.
@>*~
Clark gently lay Lex on a guest bed and undressed him.
“Clark?”
Clark ignored him for a moment, stripping down to his boxers before sliding into bed beside him.
“You’re going to stay the night?”
Clark nodded, “If that’s okay?”
“Yeah. I don’t relish the idea of being here on my own,” Lex sighed. “I wonder what happened to the housekeeper.”
“Lex, it’s going to work out,” Clark said quietly.
“Is it? Clark what if next time the video shows us having sex?” Lex shook his head, “I don’t think your parents would be too happy.”
“They already know,” Clark whispered a little nervously.
“What?!” Lex stared at him in confusion.
“They heard us earlier. They were outside.”
“You knew they were there?” Lex gasped. Clark nodded. “And yet you…”
“You needed me,” Clark said simply.
“But I… Jesus, Clark,” Lex lay back and shut his eyes, “Is that what that convoluted conversation was all about?”
Clark nodded, “They aren’t happy, I know, but they know they can’t stop me.”
Lex sighed, “I don’t understand your parents. Just remind me never to be alone with your father.”
“He wouldn’t hurt you,” Clark smiled gently.
“Don’t be so sure,” Lex sighed, then smiled back. “Well my father would never expect your parents to be so supportive, neither would I.”
“But it helps right?” Clark asked hesitantly. They’d already made progress that night, but Clark wanted Lex to agree completely. “We’re together, your father’s bluff is called and my parents know so that’s not a threat either.”
Lex couldn’t help but smile, “Yes.” He wasn’t going to resist anymore. He’d never experienced so much love and understanding; never had someone fight for him before.
“He can’t hurt us, Lex, not unless you let him,” Clark whispered hopefully, sensing the change.
“Clark, why do you love me so much?” Lex asked quietly.
Clark smiled, “Other than your sexy body, you mean?”
Lex laughed, “Be serious.”
“I am,” Clark grinned. Lex poked him in the ribs. “Okay, okay. I love being your friend, I love that you trusted me enough to show me more than the cold, calculating businessman. I love your real smile and the way you look at me when you think I’m not looking. I love the fact that you’re so strong despite what you’ve been through in your life. I love that you need me as much as I need you. Is that enough?”
Lex blinked back tears and swallowed hard. “Yeah. Yes, it is. I love you too, Clark.”
Clark smiled and pulled Lex into his arms. “Good. No more objections?”
“No more objections. Just that we still have to be careful, okay?” Lex settled comfortably against Clark’s body and looked up at him.
“I can live with that,” Clark smiled, lifting his head so he could kiss Lex softly.
the end