In slight trepidation, Clark led Lex back into the farmhouse. “Mom? Dad?” he called out. His parents weren’t downstairs, so he scanned upstairs, seeing them head out of their bedroom.
“Clark,” Martha looked relieved, “Where have you been? We tried calling the castle but you weren’t there.” “Um, no,” Clark muttered, looking down in embarrassment. “We kinda ended up in the caves.” “What?” Jonathan exclaimed, “Why would you go there?” “I don’t know, but Jor-El drew me there,” Clark sighed, leaning into his lover’s touch as Lex stroked his back supportively. “We didn’t realise till after… well, till after.” He stopped, flushing lightly. “Oh,” Martha’s eyes widened. “Did something happen? Did he do anything to you?” Jonathan asked anxiously. “Yes, but that’s not important right now,” Lex interrupted firmly. “Not important?” Jonathan snapped, “I think if our son has had something happen to him, we have a right to know.” “I’m really more concerned with the security cameras we found in the caves, Mr. Kent, but by all means, let’s talk about what happened to us instead…” Lex said flippantly. “Oh my God,” Martha gasped. “C-cameras?” Jonathan stuttered. Lex nodded, grimacing. “There’s a distinct probability that my father knows what happened to you in the caves.” He paused, frowning thoughtfully, unconsciously reaching up and burying his fingers in Clark’s hair. Clark sighed quietly, leaning into the touch. “I expect he’ll have plans to do something about that. Although, once he sees what happened with me and Clark… well, we’ll all be in danger.” Jonathan slumped down into an armchair, face ashen. “Oh shit.” “Lex, what do you think we should do?” Martha asked quietly. “Well, I’m hoping the recording equipment is at the castle somewhere. Dad’s away till tomorrow, we may be lucky and find it before he sees it.” Lex stopped and sighed. “It doesn’t change the fact that he will have seen what happened to you, Mr. Kent.” “I can’t believe I was so stupid!” Jonathan exclaimed self-beratingly. “You couldn’t have known, Dad,” Clark said quietly. It was all his fault, if he hadn’t run away, his father would never have been in this position. “Hey,” Lex said softly, turning to Clark. He slipped his hand from his lover’s hair to his cheek. “It’s not your fault, love.” Clark pulled away, the guilt he always felt tearing at his heart. “Yes, it is,” he whispered, “Everything that’s wrong in this town is my fault.” “You can’t blame yourself for this,” Martha insisted. “Why not?” Clark snapped, suddenly feeling angry and defensive, “If I’d never come here, things would be better…” “Stop it,” Lex growled, equally angry, both that Clark felt so bad and that he was being so stupid. “It’s true,” Clark growled back. Lex stepped right up to his lover, so they were nose to nose. He could feel his body changing in response to the anger. Staring into his lover’s eyes, Lex snarled a warning. Stop! Stubbornly, Clark ignored the signs, staring back and baring his teeth. Lex shoved him back and gripped him round the throat, claws digging into his skin. It sent a shiver down Clark’s spine. He was aware of his father getting up and his mother stopping him, but ignored them both. Enough Clark, Lex thought, Right now! It’s not true. Clark whined but didn’t look away, despite Lex tightening his grip, almost piercing his neck with the tips of his claws. Imagine my life without you, Lex continued angrily, And your parents’ lives. I’d be so far beyond screwed… Clark, I love you, don’t do this to yourself. Blinking back tears, Clark lowered his gaze and whimpered apologetically. Lex let him go and Clark collapsed into his lover’s arms with a sob. “I’m sorry,” he gasped, “I’m sorry, I love you.” “Shh, it’s okay,” Lex whispered soothingly, letting his body return to normal and holding Clark close. “What the hell was that?” Jonathan yelled, shrugging out of Martha’s grip. Clark looked over Lex’s shoulder at his father and frowned. “Don’t Dad.” “Don’t what?” Jonathan snapped, “Don’t be concerned that my son is in an abusive relationship?” Lex stiffened, drawing in a horrified breath. “I would never hurt Clark,” he whispered. “Oh really? And what do you call that little display?” Jonathan snorted. “That’s just what it was,” Clark said firmly, “A display. He didn’t hurt me, Dad, he couldn’t.” “Just because you’re invulnerable, doesn’t mean…” “Jon, that’s enough!” Martha interrupted. “Lex, Clark, explain to us what just happened.” Clark sighed and nodded. “Lex was angry because I was being stupid, hurting myself, and I refused to back down. He’s dominant to me and I provoked him.” Clark sat down and Lex sat next to him, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder. “He was trying to get it through my head that this isn’t my fault, not hurt me.” “But he didn’t say anything,” Martha commented with a frown. “Not out loud, no,” Lex said quietly. “What?” Jonathan gasped, staring back and forth between them. “What are you saying?” Martha asked. “Jor-El created some sort of telepathic bond between us,” Clark said quietly. Jonathan sighed, “Will it never end?” “I’m sorry,” Clark said in a tiny voice. “Clark,” Lex said warningly. Clark whined and put his head on Lex’s shoulder. “I didn’t mean you, Clark,” Jonathan grimaced ruefully, “I meant Jor-El and his plans. I’m… sorry, Lex, but I don’t like this.” “I understand,” Lex shrugged, “I don’t like the thought of our lives being dictated by some disembodied memory of a long dead man.” He squeezed Clark’s arm gently at his lover’s flinch. "Sorry, Clark,” he whispered, “I know this is hardest on you.” “It’s hard on all of us,” Clark sighed. “I just wish I knew what the hell Jor-El’s plans are, were… whatever.” Clark lifted his head, “It’s like a constant edge of worry, gnawing at me.” “I know, love,” Lex said quietly, “But first thing’s first. I think my father should be our primary concern at the moment.” Jonathan nodded. “Do you have a plan?” “Search the mansion first off,” Lex mused, “With Clark’s X-ray and strength we’ll easily find and get rid of anything relating to this family, kryptonite and the caves.” “But how will you explain that?” Martha asked, “And don’t forget, he has all sorts of files and truckloads of refined kryptonite in Metropolis… and Clark’s blood.” Lex pursed his lips together and nodded. Clark had told him about the things they’d discovered at LuthorCorp headquarters. “We definitely need to do something about all that kryptonite.” Lex frowned thoughtfully, “I really don’t want to know what my father is doing with it, but since that whole Emily episode…” He shook his head and grimaced, taking solace in Clark wrapping an arm round him. “What about your father?” Jonathan asked. “I don’t know yet,” Lex admitted, “My first instinct is to make sure Clark isn’t in danger.” Jonathan glanced at Martha, who nodded, and sighed. “Okay, what can we do to help?” “Nothing really,” Lex replied, “I just need Clark to come with me to the house and then to Metropolis so we can take care of this.” “I’ll just bet you do,” Jonathan snorted. “Dad, for God’s sake,” Clark snapped, glaring at his father, “Lex is trying to help us here. He doesn’t even have to. He could do whatever he wanted; even if he joined forces with his father and fed off others for the rest of his life, I’d still need him…” his voice dropped to a whisper, “I’d still love him.” “Clark!” Lex gasped in complete horror, “How can you say something like that? Even think it?” He felt sick and hurt. Clark blinked. “I didn’t mean it like that, Lex, I was just trying to point out…” He stopped, feeling the distress pouring from his lover. “Oh God, Lex, I’m so sorry.” Clark pulled Lex close, holding him tightly. “Sorry, love you, love you so much,” he mumbled, nuzzling against Lex’s neck. Lex closed his eyes for a moment and patted Clark’s hair. It wasn’t just that he was angry and horrified at what Clark had said, but the concept that he had that much power over his lover unnerved him. Especially because it forced him to admit that he was just as much in Clark’s power. “It’s not about power,” Clark whispered, “It’s about love and us and forever. It didn’t mean I’d ever think or believe you’d do something like that, I was just making a point.” He kissed Lex’s cheek softly, focusing on that love to emphasize what he’d said. Breathing in slowly to steady himself, Lex nodded, moving his head sideways, pushing at Clark’s face with his nose until he could capture those soft lips in a kiss. He eased his tongue inside sweet, wet heat, stroking across teeth and tongue. Clark clutched at him, licking into his mouth, sucking on his tongue, lips moving over his. Clark was so absorbed by his lover’s kiss, it took a moment for him to realise that his parents were saying his name, repeatedly. “Hmm?” He pulled away reluctantly, not even looking round as his gaze was caught by Lex’s shining eyes, flushed cheeks and kiss-swollen lips. Lex smiled. “Clark!” Jonathan snapped. “Hush, Jon,” Martha said quietly, “Will you be going straight away?” she asked. Clark nodded, feeling Lex’s assent. “The sooner we get done with the mansion, the better. Hopefully, we can avoid Dad and sort things out in Metropolis while he deals with the mess we’re going to make here,” Lex said, unable to keep a smirk of satisfaction from his face. The thought of fucking his father over, for whatever reason, made him feel smug in a good way. “Lex.” Clark poked his lover in gentle admonishment, perfectly aware of what that look meant. “Heh.” Lex shook himself and winked at his lover, “Sorry.” “No, you’re not,” Clark said with a laugh. “But you love me anyway?” Lex asked, only half-jokingly. Clark nodded, “Yeah, I do.” “Thank you, Mr. Kent, Mrs. Kent,” Lex turned to Clark’s parents, “Really, thank you. I know this can’t be easy for you to accept and understand, so I appreciate it.” Martha smiled tightly and Jonathan grunted. “I’ll phone you tomorrow,” Clark promised, getting up to go with Lex. @>*~ They started at the top of the house, Lex insisting that Clark scan everything, ceiling, walls, floor… every room, closet and corridor. By the time they reached Lex’s and Lionel’s bedrooms, the last rooms on the first floor, Clark’s eyes were actually starting to hurt and they’d found nothing. “Lex, I need a break or I’m going to miss something,” he sighed. Immediately feeling bad, Lex grimaced. “Of course, Clark, I’m sorry.” He stroked Clark’s forehead gently, “Come on, let’s go and get something to eat.” Clark grinned, “Definitely a good idea. I’m starving.” “When are you not?” Lex asked, laughing. They made their way down to the kitchen and Clark sat down at the table. They were the only ones in the mansion, the staff having left for the night. Lex had used a general security code to let them in and Clark has used his speed so they could bypass the security cameras that scanned the grounds. Hopefully that would be enough that no one would be able to pin any damage on them. Still, it was kind of creepy, being in the dark, deserted castle alone and Clark shivered. “It’s okay, Clark,” Lex said, his head buried in the fridge, “I’ve spent many nights here completely alone, there aren’t any ghosts.” “Just that one time with Jeff?” Clark smiled. “Right.” Lex straightened, carrying an armful of food. He grinned at his younger lover, then stopped suddenly. Clark was young. It wasn’t fair that he had all this responsibility, pressure and commitment thrust upon him. He’d never asked for any of this. Why couldn’t Clark have a normal life? Clark grimaced and stood up, carefully taking the food from Lex’s arms and putting it on the table. Then he wrapped his lover up in a tight hug. “What’s a normal life?” he whispered, “Lex, maybe my gifts are a responsibility, but I bear it. And yes, the pressure of Jor-El’s plans for me is tough, but I’m strong and I know my own mind.” He pulled back and smiled softly. “As for commitment… I love you, always have, always will. You complete me.” Lex blinked back tears and nodded. “Sorry, I know, I’m sorry.” Clark bent his head and kissed him softly. “Good. Now, can we eat?” Laughing, Lex poked him. “Sure.” They quickly put together a simple meal and ate ravenously, especially Clark, who really was starving. “You up to starting over?” Lex asked quietly, after they’d sat for a while. “Yeah,” Clark nodded, “You clean up in here and I’ll go start looking again.” Lex raised an eyebrow at the order, but grinned when Clark actually began to look worried. “Sure. It would be a bit suspicious if thieves and vandals stopped for a meal,” he said with a laugh. “Okay, I’ll call you if I find anything,” Clark called back. He made his way up to Lex’s room and swept every surface with his X-ray. “Holy shit,” he muttered in shock as he picked up miniature cameras and microphones. He concentrated hard on his lover as he started to systematically break them. “What? What is it?” Lex ran into the room. “Bugs,” Clark growled, furious with Lex’s father, “All over.” Lex frowned, barely holding back a howl of fury. “Bastard,” he growled, “I’m going to annihilate him, destroy everything he holds dear.” “Easy, Lex,” Clark said softly, seeing the glint of Lex’s eyes changing. Lex fixed him with a glare, snarling quietly and Clark dropped his eyes. “Please, Lex,” he whispered, “Don’t let him get to you, he’s not worth it.” Breathing heavily, Lex shook himself, letting Clark’s love and reassurance calm him. “Just… destroy it all,” he asked quietly and walked out of the room to try and gather himself. Clark watched him in concern, then sighed. He speeded into action, smashing every last bug, and most of the furniture in the room to cover it, into tiny pieces. He found Lex in his father’s room and sat down next to him. “Are you okay?” he asked. “I will be,” Lex replied with a shrug. “Actually, I want to be really childish and fuck you in his bed, but, I don’t want to risk leaving any physical evidence behind.” Shivering, Clark swallowed down his desire. “Let’s just keep going. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can fuck our brains out.” Breathing out heavily, Lex nodded, “Okay, good.” Clark smiled, not moving as he scanned the room. He made a discovery at last. “Over here.” Clark got up, walking to one wall and shoving a large cabinet out of the way. He punched a hole in the wall and yanked out a small safe. “What the fuck?” Lex exclaimed. Clark shrugged. “It’s lead, I can’t see inside.” “Open it… but be careful, please,” Lex said nervously. Nodding, Clark wrenched the door off, hurriedly standing behind it so the lead would protect him if there was any kryptonite inside. Lex crouched in front. “It’s okay, Clark, just files.” Clark sighed in relief and moved round to sit next to Lex. “Files on what?” Lex flicked through the files, eyes widening in horror at what he was seeing. “Cloning experiments, animals, criminals… oh shit, Wolfbreed DNA, all using kryptonite.” “Oh fuck,” Clark breathed. “Love, can you memorise names and addresses, we’ll need to put an end to all this shit,” Lex sighed. Clark nodded, flicking through each file quickly. “Do you want me to destroy them?” Clark asked quietly. “Yeah. Better mess up the whole room again.” Lex stood up, needing once again to have a moment to compose himself. This was beyond anything he could have imagined his father being involved in. It was horrific, but even worse was the realisation that, without Clark, he could easily have ended up on the same dark path, especially after the island. “I don’t believe that,” Clark whispered, coming up behind him to enfold him in a hug. “But I do,” Lex said quietly, “You’re my conscience, my light.” He leaned back against Clark with a sigh. “That’s what I meant by commitment, Clark.” Clark gently kissed the back of Lex’s head. “I know you think that,” he whispered, “And I’m sticking around to prove you wrong. I love you, you know that.” Spinning round in Clark’s arms, Lex leaned up and kissed his lover urgently. “I know,” he whispered against Clark’s mouth. “Let’s finish this,” Clark said quietly, “I want you out of this place.” Lex closed his eyes for a second and took a deep breath. “Okay,” he agreed, “Ground floor, basement and garage, then we’re out of here.” Clark scanned each room without result until they got to the library. There were dozens of hidden drawers and cupboards and it took a little time to memorise and destroy all the contents. Lex smashed the rest of the place up a bit to make it look like a robbery. “Lex,” Clark gasped suddenly. “What is it?” Lex asked. Clark swallowed hard and pointed at the fireplace. “I’m pretty sure there didn’t used to be a lead door behind there.” Lex frowned, just what else had his father done to the place thinking that he was dead? “Let’s go,” Lex nodded. Clark ripped the fireplace apart, gradually revealing the door behind it. “Can you open it?” Lex asked. “Yeah, I think so.” Clark tugged experimentally, then yanked it open. The nausea hit him immediately, strong and painful, and Clark dropped to his knees. “Shit!” Lex pushed hard at the slightly warped door, thanking God that his Wolfbreed genes and Clark’s blood had made him so strong as he slammed it shut. “Clark, are you okay?” “Yeah,” Clark gasped. His stomach stopped churning and he stood up carefully. “How do we destroy this much kryptonite, Lex?” Lex frowned thoughtfully. “You finish up the rest of the house, love, I’ll deal with this.” “Oo-kay,” Clark said in confusion. He couldn’t work out what Lex was thinking. “Don’t worry, you’ll know when it’s done,” Lex said with a sigh. Clark nodded and sped off to check the rest of the castle, and Lex grimly made his way to a storage room hidden under the main staircase, that Clark had already checked. He quickly got what he needed and headed back to the library. Carefully he stuck the ingredients together in a container, then attached the trigger. Yanking the safe door open, Lex placed the bomb inside and forced the door closed again. “Are you done, Clark?” he yelled. Clark suddenly appeared beside him. “Yeah, I found tapes and recording equipment in the basement, torched the lot,” Clark confirmed. “Good, let’s get the fuck out of here,” Lex sighed in relief. “The kryptonite?” Clark frowned at Lex enquiringly. “It’s dealt with,” Lex said quietly, “As soon as we’re out of here.” Clark smiled and nodded, trusting in his lover to take care of it. He picked Lex up and ran them to the gate. “Stop a second.” Lex pressed the detonator and looked back at the house. Most of the blast was contained by the thick, lead walls of the safe, but the ground rumbled and part of the castle collapsed in on itself. “You blew it up?” Clark gasped in complete shock, “Wow.” With a grin, Lex looked up at his lover, “Wow? Really?” “That was amazing, Lex, you blew it up!” Clark laughed breathlessly, “I love you.” He pulled Lex close and kissed him hard and deep. Lex growled and nipped at Clark’s lips, “Get us out of here now, Clark.” Clark smiled and lifted Lex into his arms again, speeding away from the castle. Grinning ferally, Lex nuzzled into Clark’s neck and bit down, sucking hard. “Oh fuck.” Clark nearly dropped his lover as he skidded to a halt. They were in the middle of a field late at night, well away from any roads. What the hell. Clark shoved Lex onto the ground, using his speed to get them out of their clothes without destroying them. Narrowing his eyes, Lex growled at his mate. Clark whined at him and held out his hand. Bite me, he thought. Frowning, Lex bit into the fleshy part of Clark’s palm, lapping at the blood in delight. He snorted in confusion when Clark pulled his hand away. Clark reached behind him for Lex’s erection and ran his hand over the hard length, slicking it with his blood. Sighing, Lex bucked up into his mate’s fist. “Clark,” he snarled. Grinning, Clark held up Lex’s cock and slowly impaled himself, groaning at the amazing sense of fullness that radiated through his body. “Oh yeah,” he grunted. Lex gripped his hips tightly and yanked him down, sending a jolt right through his groin. “Oh God, Lex,” Clark whined, “Please, touch me.” Growling in satisfaction, Lex wrapped a hand round Clark’s cock, stroking quickly as he thrust up into his lover’s core, so hot, so tight, it was like being consumed. Clark slammed down against every thrust, shaking, tensing and clenching around his cock. “Oh God,” Clark repeated, resting his hands on Lex’s chest. He bucked helplessly into his lover’s fist, the dual stimulation too much for him. Clark’s semen splattered onto his stomach in hot puddles and his lover dropped on top of him. Lex carefully slid out from underneath Clark and got on his knees behind his lover. Before Clark could even breathe in, Lex plunged back into him from behind. “Oh fuck,” Clark gasped, the sudden stretch making him shudder. Pushing hard and deep, Lex thrust into his mate again, pulling out fast, groaning at the pull of muscle against him. Clark’s ass quivered and rippled all around his cock and Lex pushed inside him again and again, scraping claws down his mate’s back. He leaned forward, threading his fingers into Clark’s hair, then wrenched his lover’s head back. Clark whimpered desperately, Lex really was fucking his brains out, and he loved every second. “Bite me,” he groaned. Lex sucked on his neck, then sharp teeth sliced into his skin. Lex’s moan resonated right through him and Clark clenched his ass convulsively. Hot blood flooded his mouth as Clark squeezed his climax right out of his body. Lex jerked deep into Clark and flopped down onto his back, sucking happily at his neck. Supporting them both, Clark closed his eyes and sighed happily, waiting for Lex to finish. Licking at the last traces of blood, Lex wrapped an arm round Clark’s neck, offering his other wrist. With a grin, Clark bit down carefully, sucking at the small dribble of blood. The tang was just enough to satisfy a deep need in him and Clark let go. “Love you,” he murmured. Lex forced himself upright and gently eased out of his lover’s body. “Love you too,” he whispered. “Where are we?” he asked, lying down on the ground next to Clark. “No idea,” Clark replied with a laugh. Lex propped his head up on one hand and snickered. “You don’t know?” “Nope.” Clark grinned widely. “It’s nice though, look, stars, moonlight and sexy Lex.” Lex smiled softly. “You are a romantic after all.” “After all?” Clark said quietly, “I thought I was obvious.” “Yeah, as obvious as a teenage boy,” Lex chuckled in reply. Clark sniffed. “See if I ever wash you in the shower again. Come on, Lex, it is romantic, or does the moonlight just make you want to howl, Wolfboy?” “Wolfboy?” Lex exclaimed, “Oh, you are going down for that, Kent.” He rolled on top of his lover and started tickling. “Hey, no!” Clark squealed, squirming. He rolled them over, pinning Lex to the ground, “You asked for this… Wolfboy.” He skimmed a hand down Lex’s side, smirking at the muffled squeak. Lex pushed at Clark and they rolled again, but right over so Clark was back on top. “Ha!” Clark laughed triumphantly, resuming his tickling. Lex struggled against him, gasping for breath. Managing to wriggle one hand free, Lex slid it behind Clark’s head and pulled his lover down. Staring up, Lex smiled sexily and licked his lips. Clark groaned. “No fair,” Clark whined, dropping a gentle kiss on Lex’s moistened lips. “What?” Lex murmured, returning the kiss with a soft nip. “You know what,” Clark sighed, letting go of Lex’s other hand, “You’re way too sexy for your own good.” Lex grinned, “When you’ve got it, you’ve got it.” Clark snorted, kissing his lover deeply before rolling off him to the ground. “Wouldn’t it be nice if this moment didn’t have to end?” he sighed. “Yeah,” Lex agreed. He took a deep breath and sat up. He was starting to get a little cold. Hardly surprising considering it was the middle of the night and they were naked in a field. “Clothes?” he asked. Clark sighed again and sat up. He’d left their clothes in a pile by their feet and he picked them up, sorting between his and Lex’s. “Metropolis?” he asked quietly. “Yeah.” Lex grimaced and pulled his clothes on, wishing they could take a shower. He had mud, blood and come all over. “Gross,” he mumbled. Clark snickered. Compared to Lex, he was relatively clean and he didn’t mind dirt half as much as his lover. “Shut up,” Lex groused, “Let’s go and find the car. @>*~ The drive back to Metropolis was relatively silent. They were both tired and Lex had another headache. After a quick shower, they curled up in bed together to snatch a few hours sleep. They had a lot to get done, and as quickly as they could. His father had to be stopped, before he went too far… if he hadn’t already. Sleep, Lex, Clark thought tiredly. He could hear Lex’s mind churning with worry. “Sorry,” Lex whispered. He snuggled deeper into Clark’s arms and tried to relax. @>*~