Part 14
“Thank you for letting me borrow Clark, Martha,” Lex said quietly. His lover’s mother smiled at him, “That’s okay. He’s been getting a bit moody about you going away lately. It’ll be nice for him to see you settled.” Lex shook and chuckled. “I’m only going to be in Metropolis; it’s not like he can’t get there in a few minutes.” “But it’s not the same as seeing you everyday, Lex,” Martha pointed out, “He’ll be back at school, you’ll be studying.” Lex sighed, his father had failed to get him kicked off his course, but moving was going to be a wrench after the summer he’d had. “I know, I’m going to miss him too.” He walked out of the house with Martha. “I am going to try and come home every weekend though, if I can.” “Good, I can make sure you eat properly at least some of the time,” she said with teasing smile. Lex grinned. Martha had taken him under her wing over the last few months. It was nice to have a family. “Well, I’ll go let him know, if that’s okay?” he asked. “Of course,” she replied, “I believe he’s sulking in the barn.” Lex laughed and headed off to find his boyfriend. Walking slowly up the steps to the loft, Lex found Clark lying in his hammock, eyes shut, muttering to himself. “Clark?” Clark looked up at him sadly, “Hey, Lex.” Lex bit his lip and sighed heavily, deciding to tease his lover a little. “Oh God, they said no, didn’t they?” Clark groaned. “Yes,” Lex replied. “That’s *so* unfair!” Clark whined “I’m hardly ever going to see you after this weekend, it wouldn’t kill them to let me come with you.” Lex waited for Clark to finish ranting, then grinned, “They said yes, you dope.” Clark blinked at him, “Really?” Lex nodded. Clark got up and hugged him tightly. “Really, truly?” Laughing, Lex wrapped his arms round his lover. “Really, truly,” he whispered in Clark’s ear. Sighing happily, Clark lifted a hand and gently stroked Lex’s scalp. Lex shivered and tilted his head up, inviting a kiss. His mouth was possessed thoroughly and Lex moaned quietly, pressing himself against his lover’s strong body. Clark’s hands slipped down to his ass and clenched ready to lift him, but Lex shook his head and pulled back. “Not here, lover,” he said reluctantly. Clark dropped his head to his shoulder and sighed loudly. “I know.” “We have the whole weekend, baby,” Lex pointed out. Clark looked up and smiled, “I could never have enough time with you, Lex.” Chest tightening, Lex smiled softly and dropped a quick kiss on Clark’s lips. “So, am I going to get some help with my packing?” Clark groaned melodramatically, “I guess I can help.” He grinned, “Shall I come over tonight?” “If your parents say yes,” Lex said with a nod. “Pfft,” Clark snorted, “My chores are mostly done and it’s not like I have homework to worry about.” “Still ask,” Lex insisted. Above all, keeping Clark’s parents favourably inclined towards them was important. “Okay, okay.” Clark held up his hands defensively. “Should I ask their permission to have sex with you too?” Lex raised an eyebrow, “You won’t have to at this rate.” He understood that Clark was upset about their upcoming separation, minor though it was, but he was really pushing it with the moody teenager act. “Fine, I won’t bother coming over then,” Clark declared with a pout. “Okay,” Lex said mildly, unwilling to argue or make allowances. After all, it wasn’t as though Clark was the only one going through this. He turned to leave, but only got as far as the steps before being enveloped in Clark’s arms. “I’m sorry,” Clark whispered, “I’m sorry, don’t be mad.” Lex sighed, relaxing back into his lover’s embrace, “I’m not mad, Clark, I just don’t need this from you right now.” “I’ll be good, I promise,” Clark said in a tiny voice. Lex smiled. “Uh huh. You just want to use me for sex,” he teased. “I do *not*!” Clark exclaimed. Lex snorted back laughter and was nearly crushed when Clark’s grip tightened. “God, you asshole,” Clark snickered. “You mean you don’t want to have sex?” Lex continued teasing. Clark bit his earlobe gently, and he shivered. “You know I do,” Clark whispered. Turning in his lover’s arms, Lex looked up, “What’s really wrong?” “What, can’t I just miss you?” Clark asked, looking away. “Clark, I know you. This is way overboard for a simple move to Metropolis,” Lex said quietly. “Simple,” Clark snorted, “You’ll be in the city, partying, having a great time without me…” Ah. So that’s what it was. Lex shook his head and smiled. “Been there, done that,” he whispered, “Being with you is the only thing that’s ever made me truly happy. Do you really think I’d let anything get in the way of that?” Clark shrugged. “You might meet someone else,” he whispered so quietly, Lex barely heard him. “You’re such an idiot, Clark,” he sighed. How could his lover possibly doubt how he felt about him? “I love you, that’s not something I do lightly.” Clark finally looked at him, eyes brimming. “I know, I’m sorry. I just love you so much…” he trailed off. Lex pulled Clark closer and kissed him gently, “It’s going to be okay, baby, don’t worry.” “I’ll try,” Clark whispered with a rueful smile. “Good.” Lex clasped Clark’s cheek gently, “I’d better go, I’ll see you later.” “Yeah.” Clark nodded and kissed him again. Part 14b “What do you want me to do?” Clark asked. Lex glanced round his room. “I think I’m going to take most of my clothes.” “Are you kidding?” Clark exclaimed, “You’ll never get all your clothes in a dorm room, let alone one wardrobe!” “I haven’t got *that* many clothes, Clark,” Lex snorted. “Yeah for a whole family maybe,” Clark retorted. Rolling his eyes, Lex poked his lover, “Shut up and pack, you.” “Okay, okay, geez,” Clark huffed, smiling. “Suitcases are in that cupboard,” Lex pointed, starting to pull out clothes and folding them neatly. “What else are you going to take?” Clark asked. “Probably my small stereo and some music, a few things from the kitchen.” Lex frowned thoughtfully, “I don’t think I’ll need much else.” “Why *are* you going to stay in dorms, Lex?” Lex shrugged, “I don’t really want to live on my own and it’s a good way to meet people.” Clark pouted at him and Lex snickered, “I’d like to have *some* friends.” “And what am I?” Clark asked, “Chopped liver?” Lex laughed at Clark’s attempt to look put out. “Well, now you come to mention it…” “Hey!” Clark tackled him and they flew back onto the bed as fingers dug into his side and his hands were pinned above his head. Lex squirmed, yelping as he was tickled mercilessly. Laughing breathlessly, he struggled against his lover. “Clark,” he gasped, “Clark, stop.” “Nuh uh,” Clark grunted. Resorting to sneak tactics, Lex slowly started to roll his hips against Clark, who was straddling him. Clark stopped and stared down at him, breath hitching. “Lex,” he whispered, licking his lips. Lex groaned quietly as his cock hardened. His tactics had backfired, and he thrust up a little harder. “Kiss me, God, Clark, kiss me right now.” Still holding him down, Clark leaned over, kissing him gently, teasingly, pulling back when Lex tried to deepen the kiss. “Clark,” Lex grunted in frustration, “Don’t tease me.” “You started it,” Clark whispered against his ear. “And now I want you to finish it,” Lex growled, almost in annoyance. Clark’s eyes glazed over. “I want to fuck you, Lex, can I?” he whispered. Oh God! Clark had quickly learnt what hearing him talk like that did for Lex. Helplessly, he bucked up, nodding, “God yes!” Clark finally let go of his arms and Lex yanked him down, clasping his face as he took the hard kiss he needed. Moaning into his mouth, Clark pulled off his shirt and began to work on his own. Lex started to help, but got distracted by his lover’s warm skin, touching as much as he could. With a grunt, Clark sat up and tugged his shirt off quickly. “Pants off,” Lex ordered. Clark stood and Lex took the opportunity to unzip his pants, lifting his hips off the bed to push them down, along with his boxers, kicking them over his ankles to the floor. Clark knelt on the floor in front of him, naked and gorgeous, and took his socks off, kissing each foot as he did. Lex groaned again, the gentle touch was quite enough to make his cock jump in anticipation. “Clark, get up here,” he whispered. His lover crawled onto the bed over him and Lex pulled him down, wrapping his legs round Clark’s hips so he could thrust against him, urgency growing rapidly. Clark’s hands skimmed down his sides and grasped his ass, pulling him up hard against his erection. Lex gripped Clark’s hair tightly, tugging his head down, plunging his tongue into the sweet, wet depths of his lover’s mouth. He didn’t care that he was whimpering; he wanted and needed too much to care about anything but Clark and getting Clark’s cock inside him. Breaking away for breath, Lex stared up at his lover. Clark’s eyes were dark and glazed with lust, his cheeks lightly flushed and his lips reddened and moist. Lex groaned at the sight. “God, you’re beautiful. I want you in me, baby.” He wasn’t going to beg, but God, did he need Clark right now. “Lex,” Clark whispered, sounding strangled. He reached behind Lex’s head and fumbled with the tube of lube before squeezing some out onto his fingers. Lex sucked in a breath when Clark pressed one finger straight inside him without warning. The digit slid slowly in and out of him, barely touching his prostate and Lex writhed needily, wanting to feel more, “Come on, Clark,” he growled. Clark buried his face in his neck, shivering against him, and a second finger plunged into his body. Lex arched up with a moan, it felt so good having Clark inside him, if only his fingers. “More,” he begged, finally giving in, “Please, Clark.” “God, I love it when you get all needy,” Clark whispered, licking his neck and sliding his tongue up to his ear as his fingers worked deeper into Lex’s body. Whimpering quietly, Lex pushed against the invading digits as hard as he could, trying to force Clark even deeper. As one bent and scraped over his prostate, Lex hissed, body jerking. He’d taught Clark far too well. “Please now, please,” he begged again. Clark lifted his head and smiled down at him, “I love you, Lex.” “Love you,” Lex gasped as the fingers suddenly withdrew and the head of Clark’s slick cock pressed into him. “Oh. Yes,” he grunted. The feeling of being filled by his lover was always amazing, but the teasing had sensitised him to the extent that he was shaking when Clark was finally completely buried inside him. “Lex, are you okay?” Clark whispered worriedly. “God, yes, just, move,” Lex sighed happily. Teasingly slowly, Clark withdrew until Lex was whimpering again, then suddenly, he plunged back into Lex’s body hard and deep. Lex let out a scream and his back arched against the deep stroke that slammed into his prostate. Clark froze. “Don’t stop,” Lex hissed. Clark shook his head. “I wasn’t,” he grunted, starting to move again, “I’ve just never made you scream before.” Despite the mind melting intensity of Clark’s thrusts, Lex couldn’t help smirking. “Satisfying, huh?” “God, yeah,” Clark groaned, lifting himself up onto his hands to plunge deeper and deeper with every stroke. Reaching down, Lex kneaded his lover’s ass encouragingly, before twisting slightly so he could reach further, stroking a finger slowly between Clark’s cheeks. “Le-Lex,” Clark gasped. “Harder, Clark,” Lex moaned. He was so close. Clark had never taken him so roughly before and he was loving every second. His body was tight, shaking with the heat coursing through his veins and the pleasure radiating out from his ass and groin. Clark growled, hammering into him and Lex felt the heat of his lover’s seed filling him. “Yes!” he moaned, jerking hard against the larger body of his lover with his own release. As Lex dropped limply back onto the bed, Clark collapsed on top of him, panting. “Oh my *God*, I’m going to miss you,” Clark breathed. Lex chuckled quietly and he clasped Clark tightly to him as he felt the younger boy grin against his neck. “I knew you were using me for sex,” Lex laughed, when he’d caught enough breath to speak. “Asshole,” Clark muttered. “Exactly,” Lex couldn’t help snickering. Clark snorted with laughter and lifted himself up, withdrawing carefully before rolling to Lex’s side. With a happy sigh, Lex tugged Clark a bit closer and snuggled up to him. “I am you know,” Clark whispered with a yawn. “What?” Lex asked quietly, even though he knew the answer. “Gonna miss you.” “Yeah, me too,” Lex sighed, “But you’ll see where I am when we get to Met. and you know you can come over whenever you need to, as long…” “As long as my parents say it’s okay, I know,” Clark grumbled. He propped himself up on one elbow and stared at Lex for a moment. “What is it?” Lex asked, reaching up to stroke back soft, dark hair. “Nothing really,” Clark smiled, “I was just thinking how it’s funny that you call me beautiful, when it’s you who is.” Lex smiled back, shifting his hand to gently stroke flushed cheeks. While his lover had no problem with saying he loved Lex, he found compliments hard. It made them more special to Lex when Clark gave them. “Thank you, love,” he whispered. “Come on, *beautiful*, we’d better shower.” “And finish packing,” Clark added. “Yeah,” Lex said with a nod. Part 15 “You sure you’ve got everything?” Clark asked. “I’m sure,” Lex sighed in exasperation, “And if I haven’t I’ll pick it up at the weekend.” “You promise you will come home?” Clark asked in a slightly whiney tone. “Clark. Of course I will,” Lex reassured his lover, “Wild horses couldn’t keep me away. Now, get in the car.” “Okay, I’m sorry,” Clark sighed, slipping into the BMW. Lex shook his head. “This is hard on both of us, you do know that?” “Yes, I do,” Clark said quietly. “Okay,” Lex said with a nod. He started the car and carefully reversed out of the driveway. While he wished Clark would get over his insecure streak, Lex did understand. After all, his lover was only sixteen, and how could he help but worry that it wouldn’t last? Especially with him being away. Clark wasn’t the only one worried about other people, which was one reason why Lex was determined to get home whenever possible. Sticking to the speed limit as his young lover was in the car, not because he was worried about Clark, but because Clark worried about him, he started the long drive to Metropolis. It didn’t take long for Clark’s hand to wander over to his thigh, where it rested, squeezing gently every so often. Lex glanced over at his silent lover occasionally, reassured when Clark just smiled at him. @>*~ “Okay, you grab the big cases for me, please,” Lex asked Clark. “Sure. Do you know where we’re going?” Clark asked, hefting the cases from the trunk with no effort. “Yeah, I arranged it all already,” Lex replied. “Of course you did,” Clark snickered. Lex raised an eyebrow at the younger boy, “Doesn’t hurt to be organised.” “Lex, I was teasing.” Clark smiled and dropped a quick kiss on his lips. “Uh huh,” Lex said with a mock pout. He grinned at Clark’s raspberry. “Come on, baby, and try to make that one look heavy, it’s the one with my books in it.” “Oh yeah, sorry,” Clark said with a rueful smile. He’d never admit it, barely even to himself, but Lex was nervous. He’d always hated going to new schools, meeting new people who invariably took an instant dislike to him. Practically, he knew that it would be different, they were all going to be adults, it was college, not school and he was doing this for himself, and not anyone else’s approval. But it was still going to be hard. After all, despite what he’d said to Clark about wanting more friends, it wasn’t as if he’d had much experience in that area. And his best friend was now his lover, not the best track record, really. Not, of course, that anyone else was going to end up in his bed, Lex loved Clark far too much for that and certainly couldn’t imagine falling for anyone else. No, he knew he wouldn’t, Clark was it for him. And wasn’t that a scary thought when you added the age difference and his other fears about Clark meeting someone more suitable. “Lex, stop thinking,” Clark poked him gently. “Hmm?” Lex looked round, realising that they were nearly at the room and he’d been worrying the whole way. Shit, that was annoying, he didn’t want to give Clark any reason to be concerned about him. “It’s going to be fine, you’re going to be fine,” Clark whispered, “And if you’re not, you just have to phone and I can be here in a few minutes.” Lex smiled softly. As usual, Clark had somehow perceived what was on his mind. “I know,” he said quietly. He put down his case and stepped closer to Clark, running a hand up his arm as he leaned up for a kiss. “You two again! Honestly, anyone would think you couldn’t afford a room, Luthor, sorry, Thorul.” Lex stiffened and turned round. It was Lois Lane again. What a coincidence. Lex felt Clark tense up and move round to a more protective position, and he couldn’t help smiling. “Ms. Lane, what a surprise.” Not! “Are you staying in Westbridge Hall as well?” Lex asked, praying for a negative response. “I sure am,” she replied with a grin, “We’ll be roomies… well sort of.” She laughed. “See you later, Lex.” With a wave, she turned and disappeared into a room. “Great,” Lex murmured, “Just great.” He sighed and picked up his case again, heading for his room. “I don’t like her,” Clark said quietly, “Why does she have to be here? Do you think your father really does have something to do with this?” Lex shrugged. He unlocked the door to his room and led Clark inside. He didn’t want to have this conversation in public. Clark closed the door behind him and dumped the two massive cases he’d been carrying. “I don’t know, Clark, I really hope not, or this is going to end up even more difficult than I thought,” Lex sighed and sat on the bed. He grimaced at the squeak and the way it dipped under him. Clark sat next to him, wrapping an arm round his shoulders and Lex leaned into him. “Just be careful around her. Don’t let this affect you, Lex, I know how important this is to you.” Lex nodded, “I’ll try, but I’m going to have her investigated anyway.” “I know,” Clark said with a chuckle. “Come on, what do you want to do? Unpack, have a look round, eat or christen this bed?” Lex laughed and kissed his cheek. Trust his lover to cheer him up. “All of the above? Starting with eating I think, I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.” “Food!” Clark nodded enthusiastically, “Food is good.” “Okay, let’s go for a wander and see what we can find.” Lex stood and held out his hand. Clark took it and grinned. “We’re definitely christening the bed though, right?” Clark asked, with a slight flush. “Oh definitely,” Lex agreed, “And I’m sure everyone will know about it too.” Clark’s eyes widened and Lex laughed, “We can always put the mattress on the floor.” Shaking his head, Clark dragged Lex out of the room. “No, I’m sure it’ll be fine.” “Good, but I’m still going to get a new one by the end of the week,” Lex said firmly. Clark nodded and they walked down the corridor hand in hand to search out food. @>*~ Exploring had been fun. Clark had been quite in awe of how big the campus was and the facilities available. It was ridiculous to Lex that they were smack dab in the middle of town, and yet they had so many amenities, students wouldn’t actually ever have to leave campus if they didn’t want to! But still, it was convenient for their purposes that day. Lex didn’t want to wander too far from the dorm, and he knew Clark didn’t want to go far either. His boyfriend seemed a little edgy again and Lex knew it was just a matter of time before he was dragged back to the room in order for Clark to remind him of just what he was going to be missing during the week. Still that was a good thought in itself. Food, sex and snuggles. And Clark didn’t have to go back till the next day. “How about here?” Clark asked, pointing at a small café type place in the Union building, “Can you cope with sandwiches?” “Ha ha,” Lex stuck his tongue out at his lover, ignoring the stares. That had been the other problem exploring. Everyone knew who he was and what had happened, which apparently meant staring, whispering and pointing was acceptable. Most of them were probably wondering what the hell he was doing there. “It’s got to be better than my cooking,” he said dryly. He smiled up at Clark, knowing the younger boy was feeling a little uncomfortable. “Don’t worry, love, they’ll get used to it and stop staring eventually.” Clark yanked him close. “First, I don’t care, they can stare all they like, at least everyone will know you’re taken.” Lex grinned against Clark’s chest. “And second, you know I’m only with you for your cooking!” Lifting his head, Lex laughed, almost hysterically when he realised he’d actually made a girl jump. He leaned up and kissed Clark’s cheek. “Only the cooking? I thought it was for the sex,” he whispered, smirking when he felt Clark’s face heat up. “Well,” Clark squeaked, “Yeah I guess, you know, as no one else I know will sleep with me and cook for me, I suppose you’ll have to do.” “You know someone else who’ll sleep with you?” Lex asked, laughing despite the bitter pain of jealousy that stabbed him suddenly. Being away from Clark was really not going to be easy. Clark stopped smiling and gently pulled him up for a thorough kiss, stares or not. “Even if I did,” Clark whispered, “Who cares? I love you.” “Well now, that’s lucky,” Lex said quietly, “I just happen to love you too.” He quickly kissed Clark again, then pulled back. “Shall we get some food then, before we give someone a heart attack?” Laughing, Clark took his hand and nodded. “I’m starving and I have a feeling I won’t be eating till tomorrow once we get back to the dorm.” “Really?” Lex exclaimed in mock horror, “My God, why ever not?” Clark pouted at him as they sat down, “That’s right, you keep joking. See how loving I’ll be later.” Widening his eyes just a little, Lex stared at Clark without replying, a smile playing at his lips, until the younger boy squirmed and glared at him. “Stop that,” Clark hissed. “Stop what?” Lex asked innocently. “You’ve got that look,” Clark sighed and leaned closer, “I can never tell if you’re about to suck me off or make a sarcastic remark.” The comment was so unexpected, Lex couldn’t help laughing. “Man, that could get you into trouble!” he said, almost giggling. “Yeah, well,” Clark shifted in his seat, grinning mildly, “I guess I’ll just have to deal with it.” He gave a little put upon sigh, then laughed. Lex ordered some food and a couple of sodas and they ate ravenously. Clark had been right, there was no way they were leaving the dorm for anything once they got back. Part 16 Lex glanced up at the clock again and sighed. It was only one minute later than it had been the last time he looked. "Are we keeping you from something, Alex?" Professor Coulson snapped. Lex winced and turned his attention back to the seminar, being called Alex was bad enough, that he'd been noticed yet again for being distracted again was worse. He was starting to wonder if he'd done the right thing. Only one week away from Smallville... who was he kidding? Away from Clark, and he was already antsy. Never mind that they'd called each other every day, never mind that Clark constantly emailed him. It wasn't the same and he really missed his lover. "Sorry, Ma'am," Lex sighed. Her expression softened. "I know it's the first week of school, and I know it's Friday, but come on guys, just a couple more hours and you can party all you want, okay?" she said firmly. Nods and murmurs of yes followed and she nodded, continuing with her point. Party? Lex blinked, remembering parties from his undergrad days with a mixture of fond nostalgia and utter horror. Sex, drugs, drink, it was a wonder that he hadn't actually died. It didn't interest him anymore, he wasn't trying to fit in anymore, wasn't trying to get his father's attention or approval... he didn't need it, any of it. Lex grinned, shifting slightly, okay so that was a lie, he still needed sex, but with Clark, preferably every day but he couldn't be picky. He had the Kents promise of Clark to himself Friday night and all of Saturday (not counting the two hours or so Clark would be doing his chores, but Lex would be asleep that early so it was okay), maybe even Saturday night too if he was lucky. As the class broke up and Lex gathered his books, one of his fellow students approached him. "Hey, Alex, you coming to the multi-frat party this weekend?" Lex looked up at the blond man who was glancing appreciatively down his body. What was his name again? "No, I'm going home." "Oh," the man... Dave? looked disappointed, but then smiled, "Where's home?" It was on the tip of Lex's tongue to say Clark, but he managed to stop himself. "Smallville," he replied. "Isn't that like a tiny place in the back of beyond of nowhere?" Dave snorted, "Man, you only just got out of there, why go back already?" Lex allowed himself to smile, happily and a little smugly. Dave raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Oh I get it, hot lover waiting for you?" Lex nodded. "Something like that," he murmured. Clark was more, so much more, than just a hot lover. "Okay, well, I guess have fun," Dave smirked, "See you next week." "Yeah, see you," Lex replied, almost surprised. In the week he'd been at college again he'd mostly had the distinct impression people were avoiding him. It didn't surprise him really, most students at Met. were Kansas born and bred and hence knew all about Luthors. Dave must have been from out of state. But still it was quite nice to have someone talk to him... someone who wasn't Lois Lane anyway. That woman seemed to be stalking him and it was getting on his nerves. She was uber-friendly in a really quite unnerving way and had a habit of just popping up out of nowhere and startling him. Which was really annoying. Lex just hoped he'd be able to avoid her before he left, seeing her would put a serious damper on his mood. As Lex strode hurriedly for his dorm, he felt his phone vibrate against his chest. "Hello?" he answered without checking caller ID. "Lex, if you don't get here soon I'm going to kill my own son." Lex laughed, "Hi Martha, don't worry, eta around two hours, okay?" "No!" he heard yelled from the background. "Clark, shut up, I'm on the phone," Martha snapped. "He's my boyfriend," Clark muttered. "Clark, I love you, but let me talk to your mother okay?" Lex said with a chuckle. He heard a snort in the background. "Okay, now why did we say you had to come back here again?" Martha asked with a sigh. "Because Clark is needed on the farm," Lex said quietly. "It would be so much easier if you let him run over and bring you back himself," she murmured and Lex winced in sympathy. Clark was still taking their separation hard. He sighed, "That would look strange if anyone was keeping an eye on me. Okay, how about a compromise: Clark can run in while I finish sorting a few things out and I'll drive us both back." "Oh that would be... Clark? Clark!" Martha shouted, "Damn, he's gone so I guess that's a yes then. I'll see you later, Lex." Lex laughed, "Bye Martha." He hurried into his room and shut the door behind him, sitting on the bed, the new bed. He'd got it immediately after Clark had left the previous weekend. Unfortunately that meant that spent the entire weekend having rampant sex on the squeaky, rickety thing that had passed for a bed before that. He hadn't really cared, but most of the dorm still couldn't look at him without blushing, which Lex found quite hilarious. Naturally, Lois felt it necessary to throw out comments all the time, but he'd just give her one of his patented Luthor stares and eventually she'd back off. Sometimes his ex-family background was quite useful. His training by Lionel meant he could keep anyone guessing as to what he was feeling. Anyone except Clark that was. Lex checked his watch. Shit! In the time he'd spent brooding, Clark was probably nearly there and he really did have a couple of things to do. Quickly he got up and started shifting his books out of the way, too late... the door burst open and Lex was manhandled onto the bed by his larger lover. "Clark!" he gasped, before his mouth was otherwise occupied with his lover's tongue. Lex moaned, running his hands down to Clark's ass to pull him closer. God, he'd missed this, so much. He was hard already and Clark wasn't helping the way he was rocking against him, big, heavy, warm and God, so sexy. "Jeez, even when you get a room, you just have to share, don't you?" Lex broke away from Clark's mouth with a grunt and glared up at Lois. "Get out, and don't let the door hit you on your way." Annoyingly, she just smirked at him and closed the door quietly behind herself. "Great," Lex sighed. Well that was a total mood breaker. Clark lay on the bed next to him muttering quietly into the arm he'd slung over his face. "Clark?" Clark glanced at him sheepishly, "Sorry, just reminding myself why I can't kill her." Lex chuckled. "Hey," he whispered softly. "Hi," Clark breathed, almost looking shy. He rolled onto his side and tugged Lex down in front of him. "Missed you," he whispered, kissing Lex infinitely softly. Lex's breath shuddered into his chest as he took a deep breath. He kissed Clark equally softly, "Missed you too." He let Clark pull him into his strong arms and just hold him for a moment. "You sure?" Clark asked quietly, "You sure you want to come home? There's a big party on campus I heard." Lex raised an eyebrow, "How did you hear that?" "I, uh, I check out the student website every day," Clark muttered, looking away. "The one with the pictures?" Lex asked quietly. The site ran by actual students posted up pictures from all the campus parties. Clark nodded. "Checking up on me already?" He doubted Clark didn't trust him, but still it hurt. "No!" Clark exclaimed immediately. "I trust you, I just want to see what it's like, Lex. You live here, I need to see, that's all." "Clark," Lex sighed, "I told you already, I don't care about any of that crap anymore, I care about you and your folks, Smallville, The Talon, the Goddamned cows, okay?!" Clark ducked his head, but not before Lex caught the tremble of his lips. He narrowed his eyes wondering whether he was going to get tear soaked apologies or laughter. A snort gave him his answer and he smiled, poking Clark gently. "Hey." "The c-cows?" Clark gasped breathlessly, giggling and trying not to snort again. Lex lay back on the bed, smiling happily as he couldn't quite prevent himself from joining in the laughter. He rolled over onto his side again so he could watch his young lover laugh, his face lit up with happiness. Lex couldn't help stroking his hand down his lover's face gently and Clark stopped laughing, staring up at him quite seriously, eyes shining with love and a very small touch of sadness. "Hey, what's wrong?" Lex asked softly, shifting closer. Clark shook his head, "I'm just being stupid." Lex raised an eyebrow, anything that made Clark sad was serious not stupid. "Clark?" he said in a tone that brooked no evasion. "I just... I really missed you so much, Lex and everyone's acting like it's okay because they don't know," he sighed, "Well, Mom and Dad do, but no one else does. Chloe and Pete think I'm weird calling you and emailing you all the time." "And?" Lex prompted, feeling like that wasn't all that was bothering his lover. "It's just something some of the guys at school said," Clark sighed, shaking his head. "Tell me," Lex said softly, stroking Clark's hair back, even as he planned severe retribution towards anyone that dared hurt Clark. "They were just saying that they didn't think you'd ever come back now, you'd have people your own age around, you didn't have to slum it with the farm kids anymore," Clark whispered tightly. "Is that right," Lex growled. "Chloe even has a section in The Torch now," Clark continued, oblivious of his anger, "About when you'll get a new girlfriend and what kind of girl she's likely to be. People are making bets, Lex," Clark whispered in distress. "Baby, it's okay," Lex murmured, stroking his fingers through soft, thick hair, "I was never slumming it with you, you know that. You're the first and only person I haven't been slumming it to know, okay?" Clark nodded. "And as for the kids at school, I think maybe we should show them different, don't you?" "What do you mean?" Clark asked, looking at him warily. "I mean I think we should be seen socialising at least once whenever I come home, even if it's just to grab a latte to go from The Talon," Lex explained. "As for Chloe and Pete," Lex sighed, he still didn't think they should come out to anyone until Clark had graduated just in case and Clark had always been fine with that, but maybe Clark needed a bit more support when he wasn't around. "Have a think about telling them." Clark blinked at him, wide and slow. "Tell them?" Then he smiled, "Thank you, Lex! But, well, we'll see." He leaned up and kissed Lex again. "I'm sorry, it's just this whole being away from you thing, it's making me edgy." "No kidding," Lex sighed, "I keep getting distracted wondering when I'll get a text message or if you've emailed me..." Lex stopped and blinked, "Wow, when did I turn into such a sap?" Clark pouted and punched his shoulder gently, "It's not sappy, it's nice." Rubbing his shoulder, Lex smiled at his lover, "I guess, just don't tell anyone, okay?" "You couldn't torture it out of me," Clark promised with a laugh. Lex shivered at the thought of Clark being put in a position like that. "Clark, you were careful when you came up here weren't you? You didn't let Lois see anything strange, did you?" Lex asked worriedly. Clark frowned, "Of course not, Lex! I came up the back stairs and slowed to a jog when I reached your floor. Jeez, I'm not an idiot." "I know that, Clark," Lex snapped, "I just... just don't use that word again, okay?" God, he couldn't deal with that, losing Clark would be bad, but to have him taken away, kept in a lab... "What word, oh," Clark grabbed him and held him tightly. "Sorry, I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't thinking. I promise I'll be super-careful on campus, Lex." Lex smiled. "Super," he whispered. Clark pulled back and stared at him suspiciously, "Are you making fun of me?" "Me?" Lex asked innocently, "Make fun of my super-boy? Never!" "Asshole," Clark muttered, pulling Lex back into his arms. Lex grinned and settled in for a snuggle, enjoying the feeling of being wrapped up in Clark. @>*~ Eventually, they extracted themselves from each other and Lex managed to tidy up his room quickly, chucking a few last minute gifts into his bag before leading Clark down to his car. "What's that?" Clark asked, pointing at the new paint, covering a little childish graffiti. He narrowed his eyes and murmured as he read: "Faggot pedo?" He looked up, "Lex, why the hell didn't you tell me about this?" Lex sighed, he should have known he couldn't hide something like that from Clark. "It's not important, Clark, really. They caught the guy, it wasn't anything serious." "Not serious?" Clark gasped. "Lex, I... God!" He pulled Lex into his arms and held on tightly. Almost too tightly, but Lex didn't say anything excpet to whisper soothingly. "Don't worry about me, Clark, I'm a big boy now," Lex said quietly. Clark pulled back and stared at him solemnly, eyes shining, "And you can take care of yourself, I know, doesn't mean I won't worry about you though." Lex smiled ruefully, "Goes both ways, love." He unlocked the car, "Come on, Clark, we're attracting a crowd." Clark scowled at the various passers-by who'd stopped to stare and got in the passenger seat. "When you get back on Sunday, I want you to try something for me," Clark started. Lex raised an eyebrow. "Trying to get rid of me already?" Lex asked with a chuckle. Clark glared at him. "That's not even funny, Lex. God, I can't believe you didn't tell me about your car! Is there anything else I should know?" Clark snapped. "No, okay?" Lex said quietly angry, "No. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry over nothing." "That was not nothing, Lex," Clark fumed, "How am I supposed to survive a week without you if I can't, if you don't..." He stopped and sighed, making Lex's heart clench. "If you can't trust me?" he whispered sorrowfully. Clark looked at him, eyes full of misery. "I do trust you, you idiot, but you have to tell me these things so I don't worry that something worse is going on, okay?" Lex breathed in deeply, understanding at last. "I get it, Clark, I'm sorry." Clark reached over and squeezed his thigh gently. "What was it you wanted me to try on Sunday?" "Oh yeah, I want you to call me," Clark said quietly. Lex frowned, "Well of course I'll call you, I call you every day." "No," Clark exclaimed, "I mean shout, you know, call my name." Lex leered at his lover and Clark flushed rather endearingly. "I want to see if I can hear you, that's all. You know, in case you need me." "Oh Clark," Lex whispered, leaning over very quickly for a kiss before focusing on the road again. "Do you really think you'll be able to hear that far?" "I don't know," Clark shrugged, "But it is getting more sensitive so maybe. Plus, you know, it's you." Lex grinned and nodded. "Okay, we'll try it," Lex said to reassure his lover. He doubted he'd get into any serious trouble at college, but if it made Clark feel better, then he was willing to try. "Thank you," Clark replied, squeezing his leg again. "Do you want to stop off at the store or The Talon when we get into town?" Lex blinked, "Why do you want... oh right, to be seen. I'm going to need food at the house for you, so I guess the store." Clark nodded and smiled only a little tightly at him. "Let's just get it out of the way and then we have almost the entire weekend to ourselves, okay?" Clark's smile was a lot wider this time. "Okay." @>*~ Part 17 Lex knew he should have been concentrating on the lab talk, but to be fair, he'd only just got back from being with Clark about five hours earlier. It had been a long and wonderful weekend that neither of them had wanted to end. Somehow they'd made it through going to the store and dinner with Clark's parents on the Friday night before Clark had just picked him up and run him home. They'd barely made it in through the front door, kissing frantically, hands down each other's pants, bringing each other off far too quickly, but quite satisfyingly. Almost the entire weekend after that had been spent in bed with the occasional trip to the kitchen for food or to the bathroom their only variation. While Lex didn't anticipate spending every weekend like that, if only because he would have to work occasionally, he was happy to indulge Clark on their first weekend. Especially as his lover seemed to have a very slight edge of nervousness about him that Lex attributed to the fight they'd almost had. It wasn't as though he didn't know how worried Clark got, how much he hated Lex being away; Lex could feel it in every touch, see it Clark's eyes. But he was a grown man and Clark couldn't be there to protect him all the time. Not even when he'd been in Smallville. So he had to try and reassure his boyfriend as much as possible that everything was and would be fine. Which was why he was sitting in a discussion group thinking about what to do next weekend to surprise Clark instead of listening. A small poke to his side nearly made Lex jump out of his seat in a mixture of surprise, shock and instinctive urge to crouch defensively in case of attack. "Sorry," a voice murmured not quite behind him. "Dave," Lex sighed, hiding his relief. He'd obviously spent far too long in Smallville if his reaction involved methods of self-defence. "What is it?" "Did you have a good weekend?" Dave whispered. Lex frowned. "Very, yes, I, um, you?" Lex tried not to wince at his own lack of social grace. "The party was awesome, a shame you missed it," Dave nodded enthusiastically. Lex smirked to himself, refraining from the been there, done that look he was tempted to turn on the other man. In his time he'd been and done more than he was sure Dave could even think of and when it came down to it, Clark was better than all of it. "I think I'll stick with a weekend in bed, thanks all the same," Lex chuckled quietly. "Ooh, a whole weekend. You sly dog," Dave huffed out a laugh and gently punched his shoulder. Lex winced. "Hey, you okay?" Dave asked in concern. Lex suppresssed a sigh and nodded, "Just a bruise." No matter how quickly he healed and how good Clark was at controlling himself, there was no way Lex wasn't going to get the occasional bruise. And mostly he really didn't mind, he just didn't like other people's fists connecting with them. There was a flicker of something in Dave's eyes, then he nodded and shrugged. "Well, looks like we're finishing up here, see you around, Alex." Dave pointed two fingers at him in a shooting gesture and headed off. Lex blinked, and raised his eyebrows, wondering what that had all been about. He gathered his things and walked thoughtfully out of the lab building, heading towards the union to grab some food. When his cell phone rang, Lex grinned. He'd been wondering how long it would take Clark to phone. "Hi Clark," he answered. "Lex," Clark sighed, "What you doing?" Lex laughed, "Going to get some lunch, you?" "Yeah, lunch time," Clark said with an audible nod. "Uh, Lex?" Frowning at Clark's tone, Lex shifted his phone to his other hand and slowed down, "Baby, what is it?" Someone bumped him from behind. "Hey, watch where you're going, you freak!" "Just a second, Clark," Lex murmured and looked up. Three large, athletic looking types were standing behind him, all obviously trying their best to look aggressive. Lex snorted, "Excuse me," he said quietly and moved out of the way, turning his attention back to his boyfriend. "Sorry, love, what's wrong?" Out of the corner of his eye, Lex could see the three looking a little confused and angry, but ignored them. "What the hell was that?" Clark asked frantically, "Are you okay?" "I'm fine, Clark," Lex replied with a soft smile, "I just bumped into some Whitney impersonators, that's all." "You sure?" Clark sounded doubtful. "I'm sure, now tell me what's wrong," Lex said insistently. He leaned against a tree, aware that the three men still hadn't moved on, but not excessively worried about it when he was in the middle of a crowded quad. "I was, you know, I was wondering if you were okay," Clark breathed out in a rush. Lex frowned. "Of course I'm okay... oh." Realisation dawned, "Clark, you didn't hurt me, how many times do I have to tell you, I don't mind. It would happen occasionally even if you weren't as strong as you are," Lex whispered. "Yeah, but I," Clark sighed, "I am and it's not like I can get hurt, you know?" "I know that, Clark," Lex said softly, "I trust you." "Are you sure that's a good idea?" Clark mumbled. Lex frowned. "Clark," he said, not quite snapping, "What the hell is this all about, and don't palm me off with being worried, you've left bruises on me before and you didn't act like this." Clark sighed into the phone. "I don't know, Lex, okay? I've just been feeling really weird since you went back." "Weird?" Lex blinked, almost tempted to laugh because weird was fairly normal in Smallville. "Weird how?" "I, I don't know, something just feels different," Clark whispered. Ice gripped Lex's heart and he took a deep breath, slipping down to sit on the ground. "Different?" he asked, "With us?" "No!" Clark exclaimed immediately, "No, God, Lex. I meant with me, I feel different, physically." "Oh," Lex breathed out heavily in relief. "Well, are you okay, you're not ill or anything are you?" he asked becoming worried again. "Lex, you know I don't get ill," Clark snorted. "Are you sure, just because you never have before..." Lex trailed off, horrifying scenarios filling his head. Damn, he had to have more control when he was in public. "I'm not ill," Clark said softly, "I, I just worry, you know, I'm developing new powers all the time, what if I really hurt you one day?" "I," Lex paused, not at all sure of how to answer that because, no matter how much he loved and trusted Clark and no matter how much Clark loved him, he couldn't deny the possibility that his lover might someday hurt him, seriously. "Shit, Clark, you couldn't have said anything when I was at home?" "I didn't have time to think about it when you were home," Clark sighed. "Yeah, I know," Lex dropped his head to stare at his shoes. "And as wonderful as the weekend was, talking would be nice too." Clark snorted and Lex half-smiled, "Well you were the one who said you weren't using me for sex." "Funny, Lex," Clark said quietly, "Look I'm sorry I worried you, I guess I've just been thinking too much." "Maybe, maybe not," Lex said with a smile, "Look, just trust yourself, okay, if you feel weird just be careful." "I will," Clark murmured, "Ah shit, I've got to go. I love you, Lex." "I love you too, Clark," Lex sighed, "Phone me later, okay?" "I will, bye." "Bye, love." Lex hung up the phone with a grimace. He wished he'd realised that Clark would start worrying about hurting him when he'd brushed off the bruises, but Lex had no idea that Clark was feeling weird. Whatever that meant for an alien. Great, now he was going to be distracted by Clark for the rest of the day. Not that he wouldn't have been already but, at least before it would have been a pleasant distraction. "Trouble with the love birds?" Lex scowled and looked up at Lois Lane. "What do you want?" "Nothing, you just didn't look very happy, that's all," she replied with a shrug. "It's none of your business," Lex said shortly, getting to his feet. She snorted loudly. "Oh please, I'm going to be a reporter, like I care." Lois fell into step beside him. "I know a lot about you, I know you still live in Smallville, I know Clark's sixteen." "Oh, don't you start," Lex sighed, "Yes, he's sixteen, that's the age of consent, remember?" "I wasn't going to start," Lois snapped, "Jeez, you're touchy, I was just saying." "Well don't, I have other things on my mind right now," Lex said firmly. "Like the ever present hazing?" she asked quietly. Lex stopped and turned to look at her. "What?" Lois frowned. "Ah. I take it you haven't been back to your room then?" "No, why?" Lex asked in annoyance, he didn't have time for Lois to mess him about. "Uh, maybe you should go and see for yourself," she demured. @>*~ "Just great," Lex muttered, contemplating the damage to his possessions. He closed the door on all the faces, some concerned and some jeering, and sat down on his now not so new bed. One week into school and his car and room had been fucked. Just great. And now he was going to have to worry Clark more because he'd promised he'd tell his lover if anything happened. Maybe he should wait until the weekend... no, Clark would never forgive him. He dialled the Kent house and Martha picked up. "Hey, it's Lex." "Hi, Lex, you know Clark's still in school don't you?" she asked. "Yeah, I know," Lex sighed, "I just wanted to leave a message." "Is something wrong, Lex?" Martha sounded concerned. "No, not really, I just need him to call me whenever he gets home if that's okay with you?" Lex asked. "Of course it is," Martha replied, "Are you sure you're all right?" Closing his eyes, Lex swallowed hard. He wasn't really. He missed Clark. Hell, he missed the Kents. It was feeling helpless that really bugged him though. Not really knowing what to do because it could be relatively harmless frat shit, or it could be more sinister than that. He wouldn't put anything past his father. "Yeah," he replied quietly. "Okay, I'll let him know," she said gently. "Thanks, bye." "Bye, Lex." Lex took a look around the room again and made another quick phone call, before he headed to his car. He had some shopping to do. @>*~ "Lex, what's wrong?" Lex smiled, "And hello to you too, Clark." "Get serious, Lex, what's wrong?" Clark snapped. "Sorry," Lex sighed, "I, uh, had some trouble today." "What? Lex, I'm coming over," Clark gasped. "Clark, don't over-react, I haven't even told you what happened," Lex said firmly. "It was just some hazing." "Just some hazing?" Clark asked, "And what does that mean in Lex-speak, your room was trashed?" Lex blinked, not entirely sure how to react. "Lex-speak?" "Fuck, Lex, would you just tell me what happened?!" Clark shouted. "My room was trashed," Lex said quietly. "Oh." Clark swallowed audibly, "How bad?" "It wasn't bad, Clark, I'm only telling you because of what you said about the car," Lex said with a sigh. "Oh, that's comforting," Clark murmured. "I'm okay, Clark, please trust me on that, baby, I don't want you worrying all the time," Lex said quietly. "How am I supposed to not worry about you, Lex?" Clark asked, "I love you and you're away from me and I feel..." "Clark, it's been one week, come on, we can do this," Lex said, suddenly feeling worried again. This was so much to expect of Clark. His lover was sixteen, they had to hide the relationship they could only carry on at the weekends; was that too much to ask? "Of course we can," Clark said quickly, "Damn it, Lex, I just hate not being able to see you whenever I want, that's all." "I'm always on the end of the phone, Clark," Lex whispered, "And you know if you really need to, you can get here, I'm sure your parents won't mind if it's an emergency." "I know," Clark sighed. "His parents?" Lex looked up and grimaced, "Baby, I gotta go." "Okay, be careful, please," Clark said quietly. "I will," Lex said quietly. "I love you." "You too, Clark," Lex said quietly. He turned off the phone and looked back up, "Hey." "Hey, Lex." Dave sat down next to him, "Wow, so was that your hot lover?" "Uh, yeah," Lex raised an eyebrow at the blond. "And he still lives with his parents?" Dave asked curiously. Lex sighed, "Yes." "How come, are they like, elderly or something?" Dave continued. "Or something," Lex said quietly, "Look, Dave, I'm a little busy right now..." "Hey, no problem, man, see you around," Dave smiled at him and Lex nodded, heading back to his room to see if it had been cleared up yet. @>*~ His phone was ringing. Lex rolled over and groaned, checking the clock. It was three in the morning. He glanced at caller ID and sat up. "Clark?" "Lex, oh my God, Lex," Clark sobbed, "I was... and then... hot and... oh Lex." "Clark, calm down," Lex said softly, pulling on some pants and a shirt quickly. "Tell me slowly what happened." He slipped into some shoes and headed out of the dorm. "I set the barn on fire," Clark whispered, sniffing quietly. "What? How?" Lex gasped worriedly. "My eyes," Clark breathed. "Clark?" "My eyes!" Clark yelled. "Hold it together, baby, are your parents okay?" Lex got in his car and started the engine. "Yeah, I put out the fire and ran out to the old mill. I'm scared, Lex," Clark said softly, breath hitching. "I'm on my way, Clark," Lex said, already heading for the highway, "Don't worry." "I'll try," Clark whispered. tbc