-1"Being awake"
He'd finally been released from the hospital. Oliver had taken him back to the pent house but nothing felt familiar. He didn't feel like he'd lived here. Sure his room had all of his personal things and a good wardrobe. But just sitting here and staring out the window, he felt like an intruder. He didn't feel like he belonged anywhere. Not even in his office at Luthorcorp.
Lionel was on vacation believing it would be easier for him to get back in the groove of things. None of the projects seemed interesting to him. Some didn't even make sense. Oliver had tried to explain business to him but he really didn't care. He didn't think he ever did.
But he wasn't thinking about business as he sat in his recliner and looked out over the city. He rolled a pool ball in his hands as he thought. He'd had a nightmare last night. He was dressed for a wedding. His tux was pressed and Oliver was there. He'd been standing at the altar. The fact that he was the groom scared him. But it was just a nightmare.
He didn't remember what Lex looked like but he'd seen his picture in the newspaper once he got out of the hospital. It had been the bald man who had burst through the church doors. He couldn't hear the words Lex spoke but he saw the gun he pulled out. He tried to dodge but the bullet knocked his head back. A female scream woke him. But it was only Oliver and him in the apartment. The nightmare disturbed him, thus he was sitting in a chair and thinking.
"You never were one to brood," Oliver said leaning against the door frame.
"Just thinking," He replied.
"About what?" Oliver asked.
"I don't feel like I belong here," He answered.
"That's natural to feel. You don't remember that you belong here," Oliver said.
"I hate this," He mumbled.
"You'll get your memory back eventually. Just don't stress yourself about it," Oliver said.
He didn't say anything back just continued with his staring. The elevator roared as it rose to the pent house. Oliver turned to the doors and moved to intercept whoever it was. He closed the doors behind him, leaving Clark alone in the room. The doors opened and Max stepped out.
"Max, a pleasure as always," Oliver said holding his hand out.
Max didn't take it as he stormed out of the elevator.
"Who do you think you are? Taking Clark from Smallville and not telling Lana, his wife, that he's awake," Max said angrily.
"I have business with Clark to take care of before I can return him to his wife," Oliver said.
"No. You're using Clark. Lana is the one who will help him get his memory back so you're keeping him away from Smallville till you're done with him," Max said.
Oliver folded his arms against his chest. He was hoping that Clark wouldn't be found out by anyone but here Max was telling him exactly what his plan was.
"I suggest you leave before you alert Clark to your presence," Oliver demanded.
"Or what?" Max asked.
"I'll remove the threat," Oliver threatened.
"You're just as bad as the Luthors," Max said with disgust.
"I'll have to be if I want to merge Luthorcorp and Queen Industries," Oliver smirked.
"Lana is heartbroken over Clark. To keep this from her is horrible and heartless. I know you Oliver. You're not a bad person. I have hope you'll do the right thing," Max said.
He turned back to the elevator and stepped in.
"Let me do what I need to. As soon as I'm done I promise to return him to Lana," Oliver said.
"I won't sit back and watch Lana suffer anymore," Max said as the doors closed.
Oliver sighed and rubbed a hand through his hair. It was getting difficult now that Max was aware of Clark being awake. It wouldn't be long till Lana found out. He just needed a little more time. Clark was working through his physical therapy and would be back at work full time. Then it was just a matter of time in convincing Clark to sign over his position to Oliver.
He opened the doors to Clark's room and saw him sitting there still thinking. He wondered if Clark remembered anything or if he was remembering something at that moment. He wouldn't stop Clark if he did. Clark was still a brother to him and if his plan fell through he'd find another way.
"You're staring," Clark said sensing Oliver in the doorway.
"So are you. See anything interesting?" Oliver asked.
"Why am I here?" He asked.
"To get back into running Luthorcorp," Oliver said.
"Shouldn't I be resting? Getting my memories back before jumping back into work," He asked.
"What better way to get your memories back than jumping back into your life," Oliver suggested.
"That's just it, this doesn't feel like my life," He said looking over at Oliver still rolling the pool ball in his hand.
"It will. Get involved in with the projects, go to the business ball. Live life," Oliver suggested.
"I don't know Oliver. Something feels off," He said looking back out of his window.
"Give it time Clark. Everything will get better," Oliver promised.
It wasn't entirely a lie. Clark was quiet for a moment as he weighed his options. Truth was he didn't know what to do. This was the only place he knew to go to. Oliver was the only person he knew to talk to. All he could do was play this out. He just needed to trust his foster brother. Oliver had always done good by him. He just needed to trust that.