Stag Night
Category: FT, romance, angst
Rating: PG-13
Notes: Weird and slow, came out of nowhere and developed unlike anything I was expecting, hmmm, not sure if it works, but we'll see :)
The last ep I saw was WHISPER so consider it set after that and AU.
Warnings: no sex!!!!! ::gasps::
For everyone who waited for updates so patiently :)
"Married?" Clark exclaimed in total shock.
"Yeah," Lex sighed.
"Again?" Clark shook his head, disbelief that Lex would put himself through this again warring with pain at the thought of Lex getting married.
Lex shrugged. "Yeah."
"But why?" Clark asked softly, noticing Lex's bowed head and rounded shoulders.
Lex shrugged again. He couldn't quite face his best friend. He knew from past experience that this news wouldn't get quite the reaction he would have wanted, but then he knew all too well that Clark was very straight. Still, it was something he'd rather not have to share at all really.
Clark frowned. He breathed in deeply to control his pounding heart. "Has this got something to do with your father?" he asked.
Looking up abruptly, Lex blinked. "How did you know that?"
"Well, you've just been to Metropolis for meetings and you look..." Clark sighed, searching for a word that wouldn't make both of them feel bad.
"Beaten?" Lex snorted self-derisively.
"I was going to say resigned," Clark said quietly. Lex shook his head and Clark sighed. "What's going on?"
"Dad's arranged a marriage for me. Very beneficial for all parties I can assure you," Lex said flatly.
"Yeah right, mostly for your father I'd guess," Clark said with a scowl. "And you agreed?"
"Well, why not?" Lex sighed.
"Do you even like her?" Clark asked.
"Not met her yet," Lex said with a shrug.
"What?!" Clark exclaimed, "Lex, this is so wrong, I don't understand why you're agreeing to this."
"Clark, it's not like any of my own choices have turned out well, have they?" Lex snapped, "Dad wants an heir, at least this way I know I've already been stabbed in the back and besides..." Lex trailed off, his outburst nearly leading to too much information.
"Besides what?" Clark asked softly, frowning sadly. "I mean, what about love? There must be someone, or some hope." Even if it couldn't be him, Clark couldn't let Lex live without love.
Lex snorted and span his chair round so he didn't have to look at the one person he did love, hopelessly and without hope. "There's no chance," he whispered, "The one I want doesn't want me, not like that."
Blinking back sudden tears, the thought of Lex being in love with someone tearing at his heart, Clark stood up. "This isn't like you Lex, why are you giving up like this?"
"I'm tired, Clark," Lex sighed, "Tired of wanting what I can't have, love, freedom, escape from my father."
Clark walked round the desk, heart clenching painfully at the lost, resigned tone to his best friend's voice. "You can't give up, Lex, please," he whispered, putting his hand on Lex's shoulder. "You deserve so much more."
Lex smiled. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Clark, but it's too late, I signed a contract."
"You signed... for a marriage?" Clark exclaimed incredulously, "Is that legal?"
"Oh perfectly," Lex laughed humourlessly.
Sighing, Clark leaned against the desk, leaving his hand on Lex's shoulder as much for his own comfort as for his friend's. "So now what?" he asked softly.
"Now? Well, I invite you to the stag night and ask you to be best man again," Lex said, "Think you can make it this time?" he asked a little harshly.
Wincing, Clark pulled away. "Lex, I..."
"Never mind Clark," Lex sighed, not wanting to push his friend away. "Just say you'll be there for me."
"Always," Clark breathed, wishing he could explain and apologise. Then he frowned, "Stag night?"
Lex sighed, "Yeah, apparently Dad wants me to get reacquainted with my old 'friends'." He made quotation marks with his fingers. "God I hate them."
"You're having a stag night with people you don't even like?" Clark exclaimed.
"Well, I like you," Lex said, smiling wryly at Clark over his shoulder.
Clark flushed. It was only a shadow of the hot, flirtatious glances Lex used to give him all the time, but it was still enough to fluster him. "Well yeah," he managed, "I'd hope so." He smiled as Lex chuckled.
"Like I could help it," Lex said softly. Clark caught his gaze and held it, an almost tender quality in his eyes making Lex feel even more lost.
Clark looked away quickly, the depth of emotion in Lex's eyes almost too intense. God, if only he had the courage to tell Lex the truth. About everything. But, as usual, he just couldn't bring himself to say anything. He sighed. "So when's the stag night?"
Lex half smiled. "This weekend. Do you think you can come up to Metropolis for a couple of days, stay with me?" he asked, trying not to sound desperate.
"Definitely," Clark said with a nod. His father would have to lump it, Clark knew he wouldn't like it.
"Thank you." Lex smiled properly. If he had to go through this at least he'd have Clark by his side for moral support. Although the wisdom of introducing his best friend to his old friends was somewhat debatable, Lex knew that without Clark's presence he might be tempted to overdo past indulgences and he didn't want to go there again. "Do me a favour, Clark," Lex said.
"What?" Clark asked.
"Will you let me buy you some clothes?" Lex grinned.
"What's wrong with mine?" Clark asked in mock-offense.
"Absolutely nothing, but these guys won't hesitate to rip you to shreds," Lex sighed.
"I can handle myself," Clark said quietly.
"Normally yes, but they don't play fair," Lex said with a rueful grimace. "And I'd rather give them as little ammunition as possible."
"Okay," Clark said, giving in easily, after all he was trying to be supportive, "I'll just hide them from my Dad."
"You can always leave them here," Lex suggested.
"Cool." Clark nodded. "Now, come on, let's play some pool, it'll make you feel better."
"Why, because I always beat your ass?" Lex said with a snort.
Clark grinned. "You wish."
"Is that a challenge?" Lex asked archly, rising to his feet.
"You betcha," Clark nodded.
"Bring it on, farmboy." Lex grinned and followed Clark to the den, almost feeling better.
@>*~
"Mom please, can you speak to Dad, I have to do this for Lex," Clark said desperately.
Martha sighed. "Okay honey. I just can't understand why Lex is doing this."
"He's giving up Mom, and I can't let him," Clark said softly.
"You're not his personal saviour, Clark, he's a grown man," Martha started.
"He's my best friend and I care about him, Mom, I won't stand by and let him do this," Clark exclaimed.
"How can you stop him?" Martha asked.
"I don't know Mom," Clark sighed, "But I have to try."
His mother stared at him far too penetratingly for long enough that Clark started to feel very uncomfortable. "I know you do," Martha said finally, "Just... just don't get hurt, honey."
Clark blinked in surprise. "I won't," he said softly.
She stood and hugged him. "You can go, I'll talk to your father, don't worry."
"Thanks Mom."
@>*~
Lex pulled up outside the Kent farm on Saturday morning and got out of his car under the glare of Jonathan Kent. "Mr Kent," he said quietly with a nod.
"Anything happens to Clark this weekend and there won't be anywhere you can hide," Jonathan said without preamble.
"I won't even let him have a glass of champagne, Mr Kent, I promise," Lex said with a quiet sigh.
"Dad," Clark said with a scowl as he left the house. "I can take care of myself, and Lex always takes care of me anyway." He looked over to his friend and smiled softly.
Lex smiled back. There was so much he would do for Clark if the younger man would let him. He already knew what Clark was, what he could do, he just wished his friend could overcome his fears enough to realise that he really could trust Lex. With everything. "Ready to go?" he asked.
"Yeah." Clark nodded, "Bye Dad." He looked back, "Bye Mom."
"See you Sunday honey."
Clark slipped into the Ferrari and grinned at Lex. "Let's go before my Dad explodes."
Chuckling, Lex nodded, putting the car into reverse and backing out to the road.
"Thank you for doing this, Clark," Lex said once they'd reached the highway.
"Hey come on, like I'd say no," Clark scoffed, "I'm not letting you do any of this alone."
"I just need to warn you about these guys a bit more," Lex sighed, "You can still back out."
"I'm not going to back out," Clark said adamantly, interrupting his friend and frowning at him.
"Okay, okay, just," Lex sighed again, "Don't accept a drink from any of them and keep an eye on anything you do drink."
Clark frowned, in confusion this time. "Why?"
"Because I wouldn't put it past any of them to slip you a mickey," Lex admitted.
"But, I don't get it," Clark shook his head, "Why would anyone slip me a mickey?"
How Clark was still so modest and naïve, Lex would never understand. "Because you'll be there with me and you are a very beautiful young man, they'll want a piece of you."
Clark flushed. "Beautiful? That's a bit girly, besides, I'm not."
"Oh you are," Lex said firmly, glancing over and not quite suppressing a sigh.
"They'd really want to..." Clark swallowed.
"To fuck you, Clark," Lex said harshly.
Flinching, Clark shook his head. "I doubt it," he said softly.
"Just don't trust any of them Clark, please," Lex said quietly, "No matter how nice some of them might seem." He really didn't trust any of them and he knew he couldn't emphasise it enough to Clark.
"Aren't you going to be looking after me anyway?" Clark teased, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
"As much as I can," Lex said, "I'll have to schmooze a bit, unfortunately they're also big in the business world."
"Oh, I get it," Clark grimaced. Lionel's infuence again. "I'm so sorry, Lex."
"I'll be okay, Clark, really," Lex tried to reassure his friend.
"You really think so?" Clark whispered.
"As long as I have you in my life," Lex whispered back, "Then yes."
Warmth and longing filled Clark and he had to look away before he did or said something he shouldn't. "I'll always be in your life," he said quietly, "Well, as long as you let me." Who knew how long that would be once Clark finally managed to work up the courage to tell Lex the truth.
Lex raised an eyebrow but decided not to comment. Why Clark would even think that he wouldn't always be a part of his life, Lex wasn't entirely sure, but he couldn't ask. Instead he concentrated on getting to Metropolis quickly and safely.
@>*~
"Food first?" Lex asked with a smile as he manoeuvred through the streets of Metropolis.
"You know it, I'm starving," Clark said enthusiastically.
"When aren't you?" Lex laughed, "I swear you'll eat me out of house and home one day."
"I'm not that bad," Clark said with a pout.
"Just teasing," Lex said with a chuckle. "I'm going to park the Ferrari at the penthouse and we can take the limo out."
"Really?" Clark blinked in surprise, "Cool."
"It'll make shopping easier," Lex said.
Clark frowned, "I thought you were just going to buy me something for tonight."
"Oh I am," Lex chuckled, "But that could take a while."
Still frowning a little suspiciously, Clark sighed and nodded. "Okay."
Lex parked the car in safety and they headed out again in the limo, stopping at a restaurant first to feed Clark. A little later, Lex was tugging a reluctant Clark into one of his favourite men's clothing stores.
"Mr Luthor!" One of the assistants came right over to them. Lex could practically see the dollar signs light up in the man's eyes. "How may we help you today?"
"I want a suit made up for my friend here, we're going out tonight," Lex said.
The man's eyebrows raised even further and he nodded frantically. "Yes Sir." He turned to Clark, "Sir, would you like to follow me?"
Clark frowned. "Where to?" he asked.
"Clark, follow the nice man and let him do his job," Lex said with a chuckle.
"Are you coming too?" Clark asked hopefully, feeling a little nervous, especially with the assistant's eyes crawling all over him.
"You're going to be stripping down to your underwear, Clark, do you want me there?" Lex started.
"What?" Clark gasped, "Why?"
"For accurate measurement, Sir," the assistant said.
"Lex, please," Clark whispered, he didn't want to be alone with the other man.
Sighing, Lex nodded. "Okay," he said, following them both. He'd been hoping to avoid seeing a half-naked Clark, but he wasn't going to leave his friend feeling uncomfortable.
Clark grabbed hold of Lex's sleeve, not caring if it was childish, he hadn't been expecting this and he felt a bit weird. They went into a very plush room at the back and the assistant indicated a changing area off to the side.
"If you'll just change out of your clothes."
Clark nodded nervously and went behind the curtain to strip off his shirt and jeans. He stared at the mirror wishing he'd worn nicer boxers, and was he supposed to take off his socks or not? With a sigh, Clark took them off, he just looked stupid with them on. Hesitantly, suppressing the urge to cover up his crotch, Clark went back into the main part of the room.
Lex swallowed hard. Dear God, Clark was even more beautiful than he remembered. His imagination went wild and Lex quickly sat down to hide his automatic response. "Don't be shy, Clark," he said gently, "I just want to get you a properly fitted suit, okay?"
"Okay," Clark sighed, giving in. After all, Lex did things for him all the time, he ought to do more for his friend anyway. The assistant positioned him and measured him all over, lifting his hand a little too high for the inside leg measurement in Clark's opinion and he barely held back a gasp. He glared down at the man who winked at him, then disappeared out of another door.
"Where's he going?" Clark asked.
"To get the suit skeleton for you," Lex replied.
"Do I really need this, it's going to be expensive," Clark said.
"Yes, and yes," Lex said with a shrug, "You need a good suit anyway and I want to do this for you, please?"
"Yes, okay," Clark tried smiling, but he was worried because Lex hadn't actually looked at him properly yet. "Are you mad?"
Lex blinked, "What?"
"Are you angry with me?" Clark asked.
"Why would I be angry with you?" Lex asked in confusion.
"Because I'm being a big baby?" Clark suggested.
"Oh you are not," Lex scoffed.
"Then look at me," Clark said softly, moving closer.
Lex looked up in surprise and stared at the younger man. Clark's eyes held him, the warmth and concern and affection filling his heart with desperate longing. "I'm not mad at you, Clark," he whispered.
Clark licked his lips, gaze locked with Lex's. There was a strange heat to the blue eyes that was drawing him. He wanted... he wanted Lex so much. Clark leaned closer still and parted his lips when he heard Lex's breath hitch.
"Here we are." The assistant breezed in with bits of fabric, breaking the spell and Clark stepped back again.
"We'll get this sewn up by six if that's acceptable Sir?" the assistant said.
"That's fine," Lex nodded. "We'll take two white shirts, black silk boxers and socks..."
"Lex!" Clark interrupted in protest.
"Indulge me, Clark, you can't wear flannel with a good wool suit," Lex said, smiling.
"Oh all right," Clark sighed. He just wanted to escape and get dressed anyway. He nearly kissed Lex! The thought was simultaneously terrifying and enthralling and Clark wanted to get his clothes on now.
Clark slipped behind the curtain again and Lex breathed out heavily. Suddenly it felt like the dynamic between them had changed, but in what way, Lex wasn't entirely sure and that made him nervous.
Clark got dressed quickly and they went back to the main store so Lex could pay for everything. "Thank you, ah..." Lex started.
"Steven, Sir."
"Thank you, Steven." Lex nodded and tipped the man generously.
"Thank you Sir."
Lex walked towards the door and Clark turned to follow him when the assistant stopped him. "Here's my number if you ever want to get out and have fun," he said with a wink, "I may not be a Luthor but I can be very generous in other ways," he whispered silkily.
Clark blinked, taking the card he was offered without understanding quite what the man was talking about and hurried after Lex. They got into the limo in silence and sat next to each other automatically.
Lex raised an eyebrow at Clark's expression. "Are you okay?"
"Um yeah, I guess," Clark said. He frowned again.
"What?" Lex asked.
"I think that guy was hitting on me," Clark started.
A surge of jealousy clutched at Lex. "What?" he exclaimed angrily.
"But I don't understand," Clark continued.
"Don't understand what, Clark?" Lex asked, carefully controlling his emotions.
"He said to call him if I wanted to get out and have fun," Clark shook his head, "He said he might not be a Luthor but he was generous in other ways, what the heck does that mean?"
Lex stiffened, fingers digging into his thighs till his knuckles went white and he battled not to lose his temper. "He thought you were an escort," he growled. Lex pulled out his phone and dialled quickly, using the number printed on the side of one of their bags. "Yes, hello, this is Lex Luthor, I was just in your store and I was wondering what Steven's full name is... Anderson, thank you." He hung up and smiled maliciously. He would have that slimeball investigated, the boy would regret insulting Clark like that.
"Lex," Clark said softly, half excited because he knew Lex was going to do something he shouldn't, just to protect him, and half mortified because the assistant would probably be fired.
"I won't have you being insulted, Clark," Lex sighed, calming down slightly. "I thought he was being a little innappropriate when he was measuring you, but you didn't say anything."
"He uh," Clark flushed and looked away, "I wasn't sure."
"I'm sorry, Clark," Lex said with a grimace. Things were going wrong already, just great.
"It's not your fault, Lex," Clark said quietly, taking Lex's hand and squeezing gently.
Neither one let go, they just sat in silence, holding hands, comfortable with and taking comfort in each other until they reached the shoe store.
"Are you sure about all this?" Clark asked.
Lex ignored the deeper question and nodded. "You're not wearing sneakers with a suit, Clark."
"Fine," Clark said, disappointed that Lex hadn't answered what he was really asking. They were still holding hands so Clark reluctantly let go before they got out of the limo again.
They were in and out quickly, Clark now the proud owner of very smart leather lace up shoes. He just didn't want to know how much they cost.
"Let's go back to the penthouse," Lex said quietly. He wanted to take Clark's hand again but everything felt too strange between them. "Your suit will be sent round anyway."
"Okay." Clark smiled in relief. He put his hand down next to Lex's and hooked his little finger over Lex's more slender finger, not quite daring to take his hand again. Things were changing, their relationship felt more intimate, yet strangely, somehow more uncertain and Clark wanted the closeness to continue.
Smiling softly, Lex shifted a little closer but left their hands where they were, it was enough to make him feel less nervous.
@>*~
Clark collapsed in front of the TV and switched on the Playstation2™. Lex smiled at his friend, it was really good to see how comfortable Clark was in his homes. He tugged his tie loose and sat down next to Clark, taking the second control pad.
Grinning, Clark nudged Lex gently with his knee. "What do you want to play?" he asked.
"What do you want to get your ass kicked at?" Lex said with a smirk.
"Oooh, big words Luthor, but can you back them up?" Clark challenged, raising an eyebrow and struggling not to laugh.
"Let's go, Kent, I'm not the one always talking a big game," Lex chuckled.
Clark snorted and started the game that was already in the machine.
@>*~
After tying at three games each, Lex finally called it quits after hearing Clark's stomach rumbling. "Come on, let's get some food," he said, pressing pause.
"And I was so close to beating you!" Clark exclaimed huffily.
"You wish," Lex scoffed. He stood up and held out a hand to his friend.
Clark smiled up at him and took it, squeezing gently before letting Lex help him up. He held onto the older man's hand loosely on their way to the kitchen.
Heart clenching with warmth, Lex smiled almost shyly at his friend before slowly extracting his hand to open the refrigerator. "Anything you particularly want?" Lex asked.
Clark stared at Lex, the temptation to be clichéd and say he wanted his friend was almost too much for him and he grinned.
"What?" Lex asked in confusion, smiling and shaking his head.
"Nothing, sorry," Clark said. He reached up and cupped Lex's face, gently running a thumb over his cheekbone. "You sure we have to go out?" he asked. "We could just stay here."
Lex inhaled sharply and he took a step forward before he remembered where he was. "It's my stag night," he whispered regretfully. There was nowhere he'd rather be than anywhere alone with Clark.
Flinching, Clark dropped his hand, pain, jealousy, hurt, sympathy, too much emotion overwhelming him. "I know," he said. Lex's sigh was more painful though and he moved round to put his arm around the smaller man's shoulders, hugging him tightly. "There must be some way out of this, Lex."
"Is there any point?" Lex asked quietly.
"Depends," Clark whispered.
"On what?" Lex looked up into shining green eyes.
"On whether you're feeling what I've been feeling between us today," Clark said a little hesitantly, wondering where he was getting the nerve.
"Clark, I," Lex started, swallowing hard.
"Lex, is it me?" Clark asked, "I don't want to be the reason you gave up, not when I..."
"I'm not ready for this," Lex whispered. He needed to know whether or not the younger man would actually tell him the truth before he could change anything, say anything.
"Oh, but you can marry someone you've never even met?" Clark snapped, pulling back, hurt clutching at his chest.
"That's not what I meant, Clark," Lex sighed.
"Whatever," Clark said, striding away from his friend back to the den. Pain and anger combined to make him feel reckless and he picked up a decanter, swigging back hard liquor in a few gulps.
"Clark, stop it," Lex said anxiously, hurrying over to take the alcohol from his friend. Clark let him.
"Why?" Clark asked.
"Because you don't need this, you don't do this," Lex said softly. "I meant I'm not ready to risk losing you, okay?"
Sighing, Clark finally looked at Lex again, the alcohol he'd chugged barely affecting him. "You won't," he whispered, "But I might..." Clark stopped abruptly. He'd have to tell Lex, have to face hurt and betrayal and the possibility of Lex hating him for lying to him for so long.
"Might what?" Lex asked softly.
Clark shook his head. "I can't," he breathed.
"You see?" Lex said with a wistful smile.
"This sucks Lex," Clark sighed, pulling his friend into a hug, "Because I..."
"Shh," Lex shook his head, "Don't."
"But I..."
"Don't Clark, please," Lex repeated. It hurt to say it because he wanted everything but couldn't risk having nothing. He buried his face in Clark's neck and sighed heavily.
Resting his cheek on Lex's smooth scalp, Clark just held his friend until the doorbell interrupted their quiet.
"Come on," Lex said quietly, "We haven't even eaten yet." He eased himself free so he could answer the door, but before he could do anything, Clark leaned forward and kissed him softly. "Clark!"
"I'm not sorry!" Clark blurted out, breath hitching in surprise at his daring. Maybe the alcohol had affected him more than he'd thought. He licked his lips to taste his friend and sighed, "I'm not," he repeated quietly.
Lex swallowed hard, Clark was not making this easy for him. Moving back, not taking his eyes off his friend, Lex forced himself not to run back over and kiss Clark longer, harder, deeper. Reaching the door, he turned and bolted for the front door.
It was Clark's suit. Another reminder of what this night was actually about. What the fuck was he doing? His life was suddenly out of control; his father owned his life but Clark owned his heart and soul and now both seemed uncertain. His father would probably disown him if he pulled out of the marriage, but he might lose Clark if they changed things between them, especially if Clark didn't, couldn't trust him. He took a deep breath and composed himself.
"Clark, it's your suit," he said walking back into the den.
Clark frowned. Lex's face was wearing that blank emotionless expression that he'd always hated. What could have happened in such a short space of time? Lex thought too much that was always the problem. But then what was he doing? Vascillating constantly, should he tell Lex everything, should he not? And what if... what if Lex was just waiting to be trusted? Clark sighed.
"Great," he said unenthusiastically.
"Why don't you go and get changed and we can go out for dinner instead of raiding the kitchen, then we can head straight to the club afterwards," Lex suggested.
"Okay," Clark said with a shrug. He took the suit from Lex and the bag which held his shirts and underwear and went to Lex's guestroom to change.
Now what did he do?
With a sigh, Clark stripped off and contemplated his new silk underwear. It was smooth and soft and oddly cool to the touch, and potentially dangerous for his self-control. Self-control over what? Clark snorted loudly. This was ridiculous, Lex was his friend, friends forgave right? And Lex loved him, didn't he? Didn't he? Clark was suddenly, horribly uncertain.
Moodily, Clark pulled on the rest of his new clothes and, contrarily, messed up his hair.
When Clark finally came out of the guestroom, it took every ounce of Lex's self-control for him not to react. The younger man looked absolutely stunning. "Fit okay?" he asked, feigning disinterest.
"Yeah, fine," Clark nodded, "Thanks."
Lex smiled tightly. "You're welcome," he said, heart sinking at the coldness between them. "Shall we go?"
"Aren't you changing?" Clark asked.
Lex pulled a face. "Why bother?"
"You're looking a little creased," Clark pointed out bitchily, "You don't want to let the side down, do you?"
Lex frowned. "Which side, Clark?" he asked, turning to stalk from the room. Everything was going wrong and Lex was starting to wonder if he'd already lost his friend.
"Fuck," he snapped, dropping onto his bed and putting his head in his hands. "If he stopped lying to me I'd love him for the rest of our lives," he whispered sadly. But was it too late now?
Quickly, Lex changed clothing, wearing an outfit almost identical to Clark's and headed back out. Clark stared at him strangely, expression slightly glazed. "What?" Lex asked.
Clark shook his head and smiled. "Nothing," he said, "Let's go!" He got up and took Lex's hand, dragging him to the door.
"Okay," Lex said in surprise, letting Clark practically manhandle him to the elevator.
Clark grinned, knowing Lex was confused by his change of attitude, but he had a plan now, he knew what he needed to do.
"Clark?" Lex started, feeling slightly nervous, but also happy that his friend was smiling again.
"We're going to have some fun, Lex," Clark said with a nod, "Screw everyone else, let's just make this a night for us, okay?"
"Okay," Lex said a little warily. Why did that sound more like a threat than a promise? Lex couldn't help a grin though.
@>*~
They took the limo again and Lex decided to treat Clark to one of his favourite restaurants, a casual, easygoing place where he felt sure Clark would be more comfortable. Being Lex Luthor of course meant that they got seated immediately and Lex didn't mind Clark taking his hand as they walked to the table.
"It's nice here," Clark said happily. It was romantic and cosy and not at all intimidating.
"Glad you like it," Lex said with a grin, sitting opposite his friend. "It's actually extremely exclusive."
Clark snorted. "Now why doesn't that surprise me?"
"Because you know me so well?" Lex asked with a smile.
"Yeah, I do," Clark said softly, reaching over to put his hand over Lex's for a moment.
"Clark," Lex started warningly, even though he couldn't quite bring himself to pull away.
"A night for ourselves, remember?" Clark said with a wink, squeezing Lex's hand before letting go.
"Okay, Clark, just take it easy though," Lex said, wondering what was going on in his friend's head.
"Sure," Clark said, grinning again.
Shaking his head slightly, Lex sat back and waited for Clark to choose what he wanted.
"I could eat all of this," Clark sighed.
"Well, you could try a couple of different dishes if you can't decide," Lex suggested.
"No, I mean literally, I could eat everything on the menu," Clark said quietly, "Haven't found a limit to my appetite yet."
"What?" Lex blinked at him in surprise. Was Clark saying what he thought he was saying?
"I can eat for hours," Clark said with a cheeky wink, sitting back as their waiter came over to take their order.
Lex waited till they were alone before he spoke. "Clark, what are you telling me?" he asked.
"The truth," Clark said softly. He leaned forward and quickly ran a finger over Lex's cheek, "Like I always should have done," he whispered.
"Oh," Lex said, shocked and happy. "What else are you going to tell me?" he asked quietly.
"Anything you want to know," Clark said, "But mostly that I'm sorry, I trust you but I was scared of losing you."
"I know," Lex sighed, "I'm sorry too."
"What for?" Clark asked.
"My own lies," Lex admitted, "I've only ever wanted to protect you, be your friend."
"And more?" Clark asked hesitantly.
"Yeah," Lex breathed. He watched in surprise as Clark lifted up and leaned over again, cupping his cheek and drawing him into a sweet, soft kiss. Lex couldn't help sighing, parting his lips for more.
A flash going off interrupted the moment and Lex pulled back, straightening in shock, but the photographer was already running out of the restaurant. "Shit, Clark!" Lex stared at his friend, surprised that he wasn't going after the man. In fact Clark was smiling. "Go on, you could catch him," he urged.
Clark shook his head, smiling wider at Lex, everything was going exactly as he wanted.
"But it'll be all over the papers by morning, what about your parents?" Lex gasped.
"Mom already guessed how I feel about you, I'll deal with it."
"Why Clark?" Lex said, "You don't have to expose yourself like this, especially considering your secrets."
"I'll get used to it," Clark said, "Won't I?" he whispered hopefully.
"But the contract," Lex sighed regretfully.
"Lex, what girl is going to marry a guy pictured kissing another guy on his stag night?" Clark laughed.
Lex blinked. "You're devious, you know that?"
"I try," Clark smiled at his best friend.
"What made you finally risk the truth?" Lex asked quietly.
"Being loved for the rest of your life by someone you're desperately in love with is a really good incentive," Clark whispered.
Staring, it took a moment for Lex to understand. "You heard me say that?" he gasped.
"Super-hearing," Clark said softly, "Developed recently, not quite under control yet."
Finally Lex smiled. "I will you know," he said.
"Will what?" Clark asked.
"Love you for the rest of our lives," Lex said. This time he was the one leaning over the table to kiss Clark, who looked as shocked and happy as he had earlier. "And protect you," he whispered.
"I know you already do," Clark said with a smile.
"Predictable already?" Lex sighed and shook his head.
"That'll be the day," Clark snorted, "Lex Luthor, predictable?!"
"Thank you," Lex nodded.
"You're welcome," Clark replied. "By the way," he started, unable to resist, "Did you know I can hold my breath for hours and I have no gag reflex?" He laughed as Lex went extremely pale and still.
"Tease," Lex eventually managed, shifting uncomfortably.
"You know it." Clark grinned and sat back to let the waiter serve them their meal.
the end
Smallville Index