A/N – this chapter contains adult situations.

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Chapter 2
Something Unexpected

"Hey, Clark?" Lex asked quickly, "Would you do me a favor and go see if they have any blackberry Danish?"

Clark shrugged, setting down his drink and using the napkin to wipe the last brownie crumbs off his mouth, "Sure. Be right back."

"Take your time." Lex said, his eyes never leaving the approaching man. He'd glanced at the inventory ledger this morning, so he knew for a fact they were out of that type of Danish at the moment, but unless Lana went and got the ledger back out of her filing cabinet in her office she'd have to check in the back before she knew that. Hopefully he could deal with this before Clark got back.

Lex sipped his cappuccino as the man came in. The man wavered for a moment as he looked around, then started resolutely for Lex.

"There you are, you little bastard!" The man growled vehemently, coming to a stop a couple of paces from Lex.

"Hello, Mr. Fischer." Lex replied evenly.

"I have been a good, hard working, loyal employee! You had no right to go and just fire me like that!" He slurred angrily.

"You did several thousand dollars worth of damage to an essential piece of machinery and injured three of your fellow employees. I'd hardly call that 'no reason'!" Lex replied, keeping his voice low and reasonable.

"It was an accident! It coulda happened to anyone!" He growled defensively.

"Anyone with a blood alcohol level of point zero nine trying to operate a complex and potentially dangerous piece of machinery, yes."

"That had nothin to do with it! So I had a little bracer at lunch! I was fine!" he spat.

"OSHA would beg to differ." Lex replied, setting down his empty cup and folding his arms over his chest.

"Oh admit it, you were just looking for an excuse! You have something against hard working people who actually earn their money instead of having it handed to them, don't ya?"

"If I was looking for a reason, the four anonymous reports from concerned coworkers of you being inebriated on the job would have been more than enough. If you had taken the offered counseling and cleaned up your act before people were hurt you wouldn't be unemployed." Lex said, an edge of irritation entering his voice.

"I'm not a damn alcoholic!" The man yelled furiously.

Lex flicked his watch up, consulting it. "Funny, it's barely ten thirty in the morning and you're already wasted. That sounds like an alcoholic to me."

"I lost my job! My wife's talking about leaving me! I have some pretty damn good reasons for drinking! That doesn't make me an alcoholic. That makes this your fault!" He said, lifting up the bottle and shaking it around.

Lex sighed and stood up, dropping his voice. "Do yourself and your family a favor and seek counseling. Feeling sorry for yourself and trying to find other people to blame your problems on doesn't do anyone any good. Admitting you have a problem is the first step towards getting better. I sincerely hope you give it a try."

With that, Lex strode past him and on out the door. He was half way to his car when he heard Clark call out to him.

"Lex! Watch out!"

Lex turned, having only a split second to see the deranged looking man running at him, bottle poised to strike. He swung down and Lex flinched back, not having time to get out of the way. The bottle shattered against Clark's forearm, liberally spraying both of them with cheap vodka and broken glass.

Clark let out a surprised cry, dropping his arm and looking down, spotting a rip in his sleeve, blood quickly spreading from the cut that obviously lay beneath it.

Fischer staggered a couple of steps back in shock, not having meant to hit Clark, but held up what was left of the broken bottle, brandishing it like a blade.

Clark gritted his teeth, plucking a shard of glass out of his arm, then clamped his hand over the wound to slow the bleeding. He'd all but forgotten about the necklace. Perhaps it wasn't such a great idea to wear it after all!

Lex took one look at the blood and quickly shifted himself between Clark and his deranged assailant, putting his arm back and grabbing a hold of the front of Clark's shirt to keep him from going around him and getting between them again like he usually did.

"Don't do anything stupid, Fischer." Lex said, trying to keep his voice calm.

"That was your fault!" Fischer sputtered a bit desperately, his eyes wild, "He shouldn't of gotten in the way! You got him hurt!"

"No." Lex said firmly, "You hurt him. You hurt those people at the plant, too. You need to stop blaming everyone else and man up! You're sick. A real man knows when to admit he needs some help."

"What's going on here?" The sheriff called out as she started shoving her way through the gathering crowd.

Fischer looked at her approaching, then darted his eyes back to Lex, obviously realizing this was his last chance. He started forward, but before he could reach Lex, Pete darted forward and cracked him on the back of the head with a small round tray.

The man crumpled to the ground, unconscious, the broken glass rolling out of his hand.

"Thanks." Lex said gratefully to Pete.

Pete gave a little snort. "Didn't do it for you, Luthor." He said as he pushed Lex out of the way. "Clark!" he said worriedly as he looked at his wounded friend.

"It's fine, Pete." Clark quickly assured him. "Just a scratch."

Lana hurried over, pulling a small white cleaning towel from where it'd been tucked in her apron. "Here. This one's clean." She said, offering it.

Clark let up the pressure for a moment to take the towel and press it to the wound. "Seriously, it's fine. Barely even hurts." He lied evenly. It hurt like Hell! Of course not being used to feeling any pain probably made pain seem all that much worse when he did feel it. The burning of the cheap alcohol didn't help the situation either.

The sheriff slapped cuffs on the unconscious man, then looked over at Pete as she straightened up. "Taking after your friend now, are you, Mr. Ross?"

Pete just looked embarrassed and handed the now dented tray back to Lana.

"Well, Mr. Kent..." She said, noting the way he was clutching his arm and the bright red coloring the cloth. "You'll need to come with me. You need to stop by the hospital first?"

"Um... why would I need to go with you?" Clark asked warily, "I didn't do anything!"

She rolled her eyes. "You got to fill out paperwork and I need to get your statement about what this guy did to you. Assault with a deadly weapon is a serious charge. Especially when someone's attacking a minor!"

"Oh... um... not me! That guy was attacking Lex, actually. I just... kinda got in the way." He said, shifting uneasily.

"Surprise, surprise." She drawled, "When don't you, Mr. Kent?" She then turned her attention to Lex. "Will you be filing the charges then, Mr. Luthor?" She asked, noting the few small scratches on his face that had started oozing blood.

Lex gazed down at the man and sighed. "I tell you what... take him to the station and sober him up. If he agrees to seek help for his alcohol problem and completes the entire program no one will be pressing any charges." He said, then glanced back at Clark for confirmation.

Clark caught the look and quickly nodded in agreement.

"Since Mr. Kent here is a minor, I'll need his parents to sign off on that one." She replied, eyeing Lex appraisingly.

"I'll talk to them when we get home tonight and have them give you a call." Clark assured her.

"See that you do." She said sternly, "And get that arm taken care of!"

"Yes, ma'am." Clark replied with a nod.

"Mr. Luthor," She said, stepping aside and indicating the prone man, "Care to give me a hand getting this gentleman into my vehicle?"

"Certainly." Lex replied, making sure to carefully brush off the remaining glass before going over and helping her.

Pete shifted closer to Clark, asking in an urgent undertone, "How'd this happen?" indicating the cut.

"It's fine, Pete." Clark quickly whispered, "Really. I know why he could cut me, and once I get away from all these people I can heal myself up. I just have to get away from prying eyes and do it before someone gets a good look at the wound or it'll be hard to explain how the cut went away so quick. Can you make sure any blood left here gets taken care of?" he asked, dropping his eyes down to the pavement were a bit of his blood had dripped, bright crimson gleaming off the bit of broken glass that had been in his arm.

"Right!" Pete said, seeing the potential danger of exposure.

"Clark! God! Come back inside and sit down so I can take care of that arm! I have an emergency medical kit." Lana said as she hurried back, carrying a white case with a bright red cross on it.

"Really, don't bother, Lana." Clark quickly assured her. "It was just a surface scratch really, and I need to get cleaned up first anyway." He said, gazing down at his liquor soaked shirt. "Besides, I wouldn't want the Talon smelling like cheap booze."

"Clark..." She started in exasperation.

"It's ok, Lana." Lex said as he returned, "I'll take him back to the castle and see that he gets cleaned up and his wound tended to. My downstairs maid is attending nursing school. I'm sure she can handle it."

She obviously didn't like it, but she grudgingly conceded with a nod.

"That was intense!" Chloe said snapping off a few more pictures. "This is definitely front page material! Can I get a shot of your cut?"

"You are not doing an article on this, Chloe!" Clark said firmly.

Chloe lowered her camera, pouting.

"No!" Clark said firmly, "That guy obviously has enough problems without you slandering him, even if it's only in a school newspaper. His son goes to Smallville High! What would that do to him?"

"In print it's called libel." She muttered before sighing again and rolling her eyes in defeat. "Fine. You win. But you owe me an article for this, mister!" She said, wagging her finger at him.

"Whatever." He muttered, looking back down at his arm. It hadn't stopped bleeding. If he didn't get out of here soon, people were never going to believe it was just a little flesh wound.

"Come on, Clark." Lex said, gently patting him on the shoulder, "Let's get that taken care of."

Clark turned to follow him, but then stopped, realizing what a mess he was. "But I'd mess up your upholstery!"

Lex waved it off, hitting a button on his key chain to unlock the car, then another that rolled both of the windows all the way down. "Don't worry about it." He said, opening the door for Clark, "So I might need to reupholster it. I was toying with the idea of going a shade or two lighter anyway."

Clark shrugged off his trepidation and got in the car. Lex closed his door and hurried around, sliding into the driver's seat. He fastened his seat belt, then helped Clark when he fumbled with his own, trying hard to keep from getting blood on anything. Once they were settled Lex took off, gliding through the town. He kept throwing worried glances at the cloth Clark was holding and the bright scarlet that was slowly spreading across the white cloth.

"I'm fine, Lex. Really." Clark assured him.

"Of course you are." Lex said with a forced smile, "You're the invincible Clark Kent."

Clark flashed him a little smile, "Yep."

Lex gave the cloth one more glance, then shifted gears, "Let's get a little breeze going to clear out the fumes before we both get drunk off them." He said jokingly, kicking it up to well over the speed limit once they were out of town limits.

Lex zipped along, as recklessly fast as ever, but for once Clark could just enjoy it without worrying. He leaned closer to the window and closed his eyes, exhilarated by the feel of the wind raging past him. It was almost like flying!

All too soon Lex slowed, approaching the castle. Unfortunately, whether it was from the thick alcohol fumes wafting around them now that the breeze wasn't carrying them away or the unaccustomed bloodloss, Clark started feeling a bit lightheaded. Lex pulled up as close to the door as possible and parked, shooting a worried look at Clark, then hopped out and hurried around, opening Clark's door.

Clark blinked and looked up at him a bit dazedly, then realized he should unbuckle himself. Lex didn't wait. He leaned in to unbuckle the belt. Clark felt a strange sensation as Lex brushed him. He found himself closing his eyes and shifting his head forward a bit. Lex looked at him in surprise as Clark's head leaned against his chest.

"Clark?" He said worriedly, shifting back a bit and gently pushing him back against the seat to check and see if he'd passed out. Clark blinked his eyes back open. "You sure you're ok?" Lex asked, cautiously taking his hand away from Clark's chest.

"Just a bit dizzy for a second there." Clark replied, "Must be the fumes."

"Yes. Of course." Lex said, offering him a hand.

"I got it, thanks." Clark said, resolutely getting out of the car on his own. "Why people drink that foul stuff is beyond me."

"There are some fine examples of liquor, but what that man was drinking should definitely have been delegated to lighting camp fires and barbecue grills." Lex agreed with a forced smile, watching him like a hawk as they made their way in.

Clark didn't like to worry Lex like this... but at the same time he found himself secretly enjoying the open concern Lex had for him. Lex led him through the halls, towards the sleeping quarters. He pulled out his cell phone as he went. After a moment Clark heard a faint ringing sound somewhere in the distant recesses of the huge castle.

"Linda, I'm going to need your assistance." Lex said when the person on the other end of the line picked up. "My friend Clark Kent has been hurt. It's a cut. Might need stitches. We're already here and I'm taking him to the guest quarters across from my room. Can you get your med kit and meet us there? Great. Oh, and could you stop by the kitchen along the way and get him some fruit juice? He's lost a bit of blood. Thanks."

He slipped the phone back away.

"You call your maid on a cell phone when you're in the same building?" Clark asked mirthfully.

Lex let out an amused breath. "You ever try to find someone in this place? It's huge. Why spend ten or fifteen minutes searching when she carries a cell?"

"Good point." Clark said, smiling at him warmly. "Where is everybody, anyway? I usually have to duck at least two or three people before I get this far, and I haven't seen a soul."

"Well, I didn't expect to be here today. I was going to head to Metropolis after the market to draw up some paperwork, and the staff will have to be working overtime for a dinner I'm having here this week, so I gave them the day off. I give Linda some leeway in her hours, and she needed friday afternoon off, so she decided to work some today to make up for it." He glanced at his watch, "In fact, we were fortunate to get here this early. She's leaving soon. She has a weekend class for her nursing degree today."

"Well, good thing your attacker was gracious enough to work around her schedule, then." Clark said with amusement.

Lex didn't comment, his eyes flicking guiltily to the half red towel over Clark's arm, "In here." Lex said as they arrived at the room, "This room has its own full bathroom, so you can get cleaned up. Linda should be here in a moment. She's pretty quick."

Clark nodded, glancing around at the room. It would make an amazing master bedroom... and this was a guest room? He hadn't really been in this part of the castle much. He glanced back over at Lex, who was waiting there, glancing at his watch, then the door.

"Well, she'll be here any minute." Clark said reasonably, "Why don't you go ahead and go get cleaned up yourself? I'll be fine."

Lex looked torn, but Clark no longer looked faint, and there was really no reason for him to stay there. "Of course. I guess I should get to that. Just promise me you'll let her take care of you!"

"I promise." Clark said solemnly before cracking another smile, "Now go!"

Lex nodded, then left, leaving the door open behind him. Clark waited until he saw Lex enter his own room and close the door behind him, then hurried into the bathroom. He took the towel off his arm and carefully pulled his flannel off, wincing as it stuck to the wound a bit. Now that he could see it better he could easily tell it was a very bad cut that would normally have required a dozen or so stitches at the very least.

He quickly pulled off the necklace and set it on the edge of the sink, then grabbed the towel back up again to catch the fresh blood that was already dribbling down his arm. Watching the wound carefully, he backed up slowly. After about five feet, the wound started slowly healing. He stopped, watching the flesh knitting back together, but quickly stepped closer once again before the skin had a chance to seal. He inspected the wound carefully. It just looked like a nasty cut, but not a really serious one anymore.

"Hello?" A soft, feminine voice called from the bedroom. "Lex?"

Clark quickly snatched up the necklace and pulled it back on, then called back, "He's in his room."

A blonde in her early twenties poked her head in the bathroom cautiously. "You must be Clark." She said.

He nodded.

She came in carrying a medical kit that rivaled that of a paramedic. He was pretty sure that was even a defibrillator attached to the end of it. She was thin and petite, though she carried the obviously heavy case with ease. "Well, let's see this cut you have." She said, heaving the case up onto the counter beside the sink. She smiled at him and it lit up her somewhat impish face. She was quite lovely, really, almost like an actress or a model... except for the three inch scar on her cheek that marred her beauty.

"It's not bad. Just a scratch really." Clark said quickly, holding his arm up a bit warily so she could see it. "It bled a bit to begin with, but it's pretty much stopped bleeding now.

She moved closer, gingerly examining the wound. "What caused it?"

"A guy with a liquor bottle and a grudge." Clark said, flashing her what he hoped was a disarming smile.

"Well, in a way I'm glad that's why you smell like a brewery. Wouldn't want Lex getting in trouble for contributing to the delinquency of a minor." She said jokingly.

"Nope. Wouldn't want that." Clark agreed.

"Well, this doesn't looks so bad. With as upset as Lex sounded I feared it would be much worse." She said, turning back and opening her kit. She glanced down in the sink, spotting the blood soaked towel. "Oh... I see why he was concerned. That's an awful lot of blood for such a minor cut." She mused, pulling out what looked like a small flashlight. When she turned it on, it was startlingly bright. She held it out to Clark. "Could you hold this and point it at the wound?"

"Sure." Clark said, aiming the light obligingly. It lit it up like a spotlight. "Um... I still need to get cleaned up. Should I shower first?"

"Well, for the moment I'll just numb up the area and clean the wound. Something this shallow wouldn't normally need stitches, but since it bled so badly I think I'll put some butterfly tape on it just to be safe. After that you can take your shower, then I'll swab it with some antiseptic and cover it with some gauze. You should keep it covered until it knits together a bit, but be sure to keep it clean and dry and change the gauze regularly. I'll give you some extra antiseptic and gauze and show you how to wrap it."

"Um... ok, but I know how to clean and wrap it, so you don't need to bother waiting around on my account... and you don't need to numb it up!" Clark quickly added as he saw her reaching for a packaged needle. "It doesn't hurt much, and as long as you aren't going to be sewing me up I shouldn't need it."

"Tough guy, huh?" She asked with a smile, "Fine, but tell me if you change your mind. I promise I won't think any less of you."

Clark just nodded.

She put on a little white mask, then pulled on some latex gloves, picked up a pair of tweezers and went to work. Clark was surprised when she actually found five more slivers of glass, one of them nearly an inch long. "Ah," She said, looking that one over. "Perhaps one of these nasty little buggers was the cause of all the bleeding. Probably nicked a vein. Since it's stopped bleeding now it should be ok, but if you get any numbness, swelling or if it starts bleeding again either see a doctor or at the very least come back and see me, got it?"

Clark nodded again, "Yes, ma'am."

After that, she gently but efficiently cleaned the wound and the immediate area around it, then she gingerly patted it dry and applied what looked like vaguely butterfly shaped pieces of tape.

"Well," She said as she pulled off the gloves, "You can take your shower now. Try to be very gentle with that arm and I'd avoid getting soap on it. That'd probably hurt." She accepted her flashlight back and turned it off, then consulted her watch. "I've got a little over half an hour left before I have to leave for a class in case you need help bandaging that. Anything else you need help with before I leave?"

He looked up at her, a little imploring smile slipping over his lips.

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Lex sighed as he dried off, gazing in the mirror at the scratches on his face. They'd clotted almost immediately, and he knew they'd be all but gone in a day or two, but he couldn't help but wonder what he'd look like if Clark hadn't blocked that bottle. He was starting to think he was never going to get any respect in this town. For every person who was nice to him, there was another who'd like to stab him with their pitchfork or some other grisly country way of killing someone. If it weren't for people like Clark he would have given up on the people in this stubborn, unwelcoming town by now.

Still, it worried him how willing Clark was to put himself in harms way for him... and at the same time he couldn't deny it that deep down he loved it every time he did. He'd never known anyone who was so willing to risk their own life to protect him. Well, the odd bodyguard or two may have put themselves at risk, but that was for the exorbitant amount of money they were paid for it. Clark did it without ever asking or expecting any kind of repayment. In fact he steadfastly refused all payment of any kind. He did it because he actually cared about Lex. The thought made Lex feel strange inside. It was a feeling so alien to him he didn't even understand it enough to be able to put into words, and yet he reveled in it.

Of course it would probably be wise to try to distance himself a bit before Clark ended up getting seriously injured. He couldn't stand the thought of something bad happening to Clark on his account. He hated the very thought of forcing emotional distance between them... and yet he knew it would be the best thing for Clark. Still, how to do it without hurting the young man emotionally? Lex couldn't even bring himself to imagine doing such a thing. It would take a completely cold, utterly heartless bastard to hurt Clark when he was looking at him with those innocent, crystal blue eyes.

Lionel could probably do it. Without batting an eye.

Lex took a deep breath and wrapped the towel around his waist. Not that he wanted to be anything like his father! He wandered out of his bathroom, lost in thought.

"For a guy with no hair, you sure take long showers."

Lex started, darting his eyes over and locating the source of the voice. Clark was lying casually on Lex's bed wearing nothing but a towel, his new bits of jewelry and a smile. Clark recapped an empty juice bottle and set it on the night stand, then just watched him with a smile.

"Um... I see Linda patched you up." Lex said, quickly turning his gaze to the wardrobe, though he stayed where he was.

"Yep." Clark said, raising his arm so Lex could see the gauze wrapped around it. "Good as new. She said it wasn't bad, really. Wasn't even bleeding anymore by that point. She just cleaned it and kinda taped it together just to be safe. Didn't even need stitches."

"Well, that's good." Lex replied, "But don't you think you should get dressed?"

Clark let out a little amused breath, "I would, but I don't have any clean clothes. I talked Linda into running out to the farm and picking up a fresh set before she had to leave for class. Hope that's ok...?"

"Of course. Sorry I didn't think of it myself. I doubt any of my clothes would fit you."

"No offense, but probably not." Clark agreed.

"Did you remember to give her the key so she could get in?"

Clark laughed, "We don't lock the doors during the day. Heck, half the time we forget to even at night!"

Lex couldn't help but smile. He forgot how trusting they tended to be out here.

"Hey, come here and sit down." Clark said, patting the bed beside him. "I was hoping we could talk while I'm waiting for her to get back."

Lex glanced over, shifting a bit uneasily, unsure how to delicately phrase an objection to that, though he knew there were many that could be made.

"Oh, come on." Clark teased, "I don't bite. Scout's honor! And it'll take her a while to get over to the farm, get the clothes and get back, so she's not going to walk in and see you in a towel."

That, of course, hadn't been Lex's concern. Linda had seen him in far less, though he didn't feel it prudent to mention that to Clark at the moment.

"Please?" Clark implored, turning on his patented soft, pleading charm, "There's something I really do want to talk about... and it's not really something I can talk to anyone else about."

Like he could really resist Clark when he was pleading! Lex sighed and went over, carefully arranging his towel as he took a seat beside Clark on the bed. "Ok, Clark." He said as he settled back against the decoratively piled pillows. "What is it?"

Clark sifted around, now a bit uneasy as he tried to decide how to begin. "Have you... have you ever known someone for a long time and you're just friends... and then one day, for some reason something changes out of the blue and you suddenly... see them differently?"

Lex smiled as he realized what this was probably about, "You've found someone new to lust after, haven't you?"

Clark gave him a bashful grin, dropping his eyes.

"I should have known." Lex said, "Teenaged boys don't generally brush off their two best prospects unless they have their eye on someone else. Don't tell me... a redhead?"

Clark grinned, "Kinda." He muttered with a little half shrug.

"And does this special 'kinda redhead' have any idea how you're feeling?" Lex asked playfully.

Clark looked over at him, staring for a moment, then said, "I really doubt it. We've just been strictly friends so far. I'm not really even sure how to broach the subject... or if I can for that matter. I really value our friendship, and messing up and losing that would kill me." he said sincerely.

Lex patted his shoulder comfortingly, "It can be hard when they're a good friend." He conceded, "Admittedly, there is a good deal of risk with trying to shift a friendship into a romantic relationship... but there's also the potential for far greater rewards than you could imagine. If you're looking for something that can last, finding a friend you can love might be the best thing that ever happened to you. Even if this friend doesn't end up feeling the same way, if you're upfront and honest about your feelings at least they'll know and be able to make that decision. And even if it doesn't work out, I think you'll still be able to remain friends. After all, who could resist that Clark Kent charm?" He asked, reaching over and ruffling Clark's wet hair playfully. "Point is, you'll never know until you try! Like I've been telling you since we met, you can't just sit around pinning away in silence or the moment will pass you by like it did with Lana and Chloe. Take a chance for once, Clark. Seize the day!"

Clark looked over at him, obviously tempted, but still hesitant, "You really think I should?" He asked softly.

"I think you'll be wondering 'What if?' for the rest of your life if you don't." Lex replied sincerely.

Clark mulled that over for a moment, then a little smile slipped over his lips as he looked up at Lex again.

Lex suddenly found Clark straddling his lap, his face mere inches from his own. "Whoa! What is this?" Lex asked in surprise.

"This is me seizing the day!" Clark replied in a softly growling voice before shifting forward, forcefully claiming Lex's lips.

Lex's head spun from shock... and the far more experienced than expected way Clark was plundering his mouth. The way Clark's tongue snaked across his own sent a shudder of desire through him. Lex managed to turn his head away, breaking the kiss. "Clark! What are you doing?"

"I'm no expert," Clark panted, pressing against him and grazing his lips across Lex's jugular as he spoke, "But I'd say rounding second and heading for third." he muttered in an amused voice before starting to kiss his neck while his hand slid down between them.

"Clark!" Lex said urgently, grabbing his wrist and stopping it. "Clark, I had no idea you meant me! This is insane!"

Clark chuckled softly against him, still brushing and nuzzling his neck, "Come on, Lex. I've seen the old tabloids from your younger years. Chloe has an entire archive of your greatest hits. I'd hardly be the first boy in your bed and we both know it."

"I was a teenager! And we were the same age!" He quickly added, having to hold Clark's wrist firmly to keep it from travelling, "But it was just a phase! Everyone experiments to some extent when they're coming of age and trying to figure out who they are."

"Then this is normal for me to be doing. Don't you want to help me discover myself?" Clark murmured teasingly against him.

"You're only sixteen!" Lex said a bit desperately, "I'm an adult. We can't!"

Clark let out an amused breath, making Lex shiver. "The age of consent in Kansas is sixteen. There aren't any age difference rules, either. I checked it on the internet when I was thinking about taking things further with Lana. This is perfectly legal. Besides, it's not like I'm ever going to tell anyone." Clark gently kissed his neck again, then said softly, "Are you going to try to tell me you've honestly never even thought about this?"

"Never." Lex said without hesitation. "You're my friend, Clark. Probably the best friend I've ever had. I would never even think about doing anything that would jeopardize that friendship. It means too much to me."

"Well, now it's mutual, so giving in to these desires shouldn't jeopardize anything, should it? You just told me that being with a friend could be the best thing possible. Ever since I met you I've felt a bond between us. I feel stronger for you than I have for any other person I've ever met. Lana and Chloe... it was just confused feelings of friendship, lust and the need to protect them. And let me tell you, those two need full time protecting! But with you..." he groaned, gently grinding himself against Lex, "I can't explain it. It's not just simple friendship. Pete could even sense it, which is probably why he's been so dead set against you and I being friends. He has always been my best friend... but the minute you came along... I just can't help my feelings for you. I never understood why I felt so drawn to you. I think I do now." He said, reclaiming his lips.

Lex couldn't think up any more viable excuses to stop. Especially not with the way Clark was kissing him and undulating up against him, his hot, bare skin pressed up against him. Clark's hand escaped his grasp and quickly slipped down, finding its way into his towel.

Clark broke the kiss, chuckling softly against Lex as he ran his fingers along him. "Still going to try to claim you don't want this?"

"I... I can't..." Lex breathed, though his eyes were filled with lust, "Please understand, Clark."

Clark smiled as he looked at him. It wasn't too hard to understand the conflicting desire and sense of propriety in his expression. "Then let me." He whispered huskily.

Lex just closed his eyes as Clark shifted over, opening the drawer in his night stand and rummaging through the supplies Lex always kept there. He kept his eyes clenched shut as he felt the pillows being moved around and his towel being unfastened. He knew he should leave, or at the very least make some kind of real effort to stop this... but he just couldn't make himself do it. With surprising strength, Clark lifted and flipped him over and Lex found himself laying face down across his bed, a couple of thick pillows propping up his hips. He tensed as he felt Clark straddle his thighs.

That finally broke Lex out of it. He quickly reached back, pressing his palm flat against Clark's stomach as Clark tried to shift closer. "Clark, please!" Lex said a bit desperately, "There are certain things that you can never take back... that you can never undo. This is definitely one of them!"

"I know." Clark replied, gently taking the hand and shifting it up next to Lex's head. He then took hold of both of Lex's wrists, holding them down to the bed, "I don't want to take this back. Please, Lex..." He breathed imploringly, nuzzling the back of his neck and kissing it gently.

God! If anyone ever found out he'd had sex with a sixteen year old farm boy he could kiss his company and any future job prospects goodbye! Legal or not, the press would crucify him! That is if Jonathan Kent and his shotgun didn't take care of him first! He knew that this would be social, political and perhaps even actual suicide... so why did he find himself silently giving in, letting his body loosen up?

Clark didn't ask why. He just released one of his wrists long enough to situate himself, then pressed in.

Lex couldn't help the little cry of surprise that escaped him. Jesus! He was hung like a horse! He'd always suspected Clark was probably well endowed, but it felt like he'd split Lex in half any moment, and he just kept pressing deeper and deeper! Luckily Clark had been cautious, if anything having used a bit too much lubricant. Lex let out a little relieved breath when Clark's hips finally pressed against him. It felt like he was just short of nudging his lungs!

Clark groaned deeply, dropping his head down and resting it on the pillow just over Lex's left shoulder. Then he started moving. He moved slowly at first, making Lex's head spin with pleasure and desire. Lex was tempted to tell him to speed up, but from the rate at which Clark's thrusts were increasing he had no doubt he would soon get his wish without even asking.

"God, this feels so good..." Clark moaned blissfully.

Lex knew he shouldn't be enjoying this, but he couldn't keep himself still as he pressed up to meet him, already groaning and panting.

Clark shifted up some, resting his weight on his arms and started thrusting harder. His ardent thrusts quickly started shaking the sturdy bed, making it creak in time with him.

Lex let out a sudden pained sound, pulling against Clark's grip on his wrists. Clark realized he'd started squeezing a bit and quickly released them, planting his hands on the bed instead without even breaking his rhythm.

Clark tried with all his might to keep control of himself. He didn't want to hurt Lex... but it felt so incredible! He hoped those pillows helped cushion Lex, because the pleasure racing through him quickly became too much to allow many other thoughts into his head. Lex kept crying out, shuddering and jerking under him, but he didn't hear pain, so he just enjoyed it, hoping it was normal.

Lex was on the verge of losing consciousness by the time Clark finally showed signs of getting close. Lex had already finished several time by that point. He ignored the pain in his wrist, just focusing on the feel of Clark's wilds thrusts. He wanted to feel him finish more than he'd ever admit. Suddenly Clark rammed himself painfully deep as he finally reached completion. Lex clutched handfuls of the comforter beneath him and cried out as he shook and finished again as well, pushed over the edge once more by the unbelievable feel of it.

As Clark came slowly back down he slumped down, resting heavily on Lex. Lex loved the feel of his weight on top of him... but it wasn't making it any easier to catch his breath. Clark noticed his somewhat ragged gasping after a moment and lifted himself off him, then shifted over to the side of him.

"You ok?" Clark panted worriedly.

"Jesus, Clark..." Lex gasped with a little smile, rolling over onto his side facing him and rubbing his belly gingerly, "Anyone ever tell you that you fuck like a jackhammer?"

Clark flashed him a little embarrassed smile, glad he appeared to be ok, "Nope. That was my first time."

Lex let out a dismayed breath, closing his eyes. He'd taken Clark's virginity. It was even worse than he'd thought. He'd been sure at least one of those girls would have let him get a little action by now, but apparently not. No wonder he'd been so eager!

He opened his eyes again and glanced down. Grimacing at the mess he'd made on the pillow, he just picked it up and tossed it off the bed, then tossed the still clean (but now rather flat) bottom one back up with the others. He gingerly propped himself up, then shifted over and opened the drawer again, pulling out a container of sanitary wipes he kept there for when he didn't want to get out of bed after sex. He pulled a couple out and handed them to Clark before taking some for himself. He glanced down at Clark's flagging arousal. Even now it was obvious Clark would need even larger condoms than he had on hand. Lex had always considered himself well hung, being about as big as would still fit comfortably in an extra large sized condom, but Clark easily had several inches on him, not to mention he was thicker. "Guess my condoms didn't fit you either." He mused.

Clark glanced down, then blushed a bit and he quickly cleaned off the lube. He hadn't even realized they probably wouldn't fit him. He just hadn't thought they'd have worked with him, so he hadn't bothered. He finished a bit too hard for some little micro-thin bit of latex to hope to contain it. He didn't think it was hard enough to hurt flesh, but a condom stood little chance. "Sorry." he muttered.

"I've never had unprotected sex before." Lex mused, tossing the used wipes absently towards the waste basket next to the bed, then settling back down on the bed. "When you finished... I never imagined it would feel like that. I always figured it'd feel pretty much the same."

"I was a virgin, though, so you don't have to worry." Clark quickly assured him, tossing his wipes as well.

Lex gave him a little smile. "It's not myself I'm worried about. I'm pretty sure I'm clean!" He quickly added as Clark's eyes flicked to him, "I mean I get checked on a regular basis, and like I said, I always use protection... but unlike you, I'm far from a virgin... and nothing's certain nowadays. Nothing's a hundred percent safe. I couldn't live with myself if I gave you something. Well, at least it's less likely you'd catch something even if I had it since I was the one on the receiving end."

Clark nodded, feeling relief. He'd never even thought about the possibility of disease. Could he even catch a STD? Maybe with that necklace on. It probably weakened his immune system too. He hadn't thought about that aspect.

"You still so certain that was a good idea?" Lex asked softly after a minute.

Clark looked over at him, a smile slowly spreading across his face. "That was the most amazing thing I've ever felt." he said sincerely, shifting forward and gently reclaiming Lex's lips as he pulled Lex up against him. After a moment he let up on his lips and shifted over a bit, nuzzling up to him, "And I'm glad it was with you."

Lex smiled, closing his eyes and pressing against him. God, it felt so good just holding him! He'd been honest when he'd said he never thought of Clark in any kind of sexual way. Well, yes, he'd noted that Clark was the epitome of masculine beauty... but that was a given, wasn't it? He'd never seen a more perfect specimen. Of course silently admiring the aesthetics of the boy and imagining doing anything like this with him were two entirely different things. Still, he'd always felt a pull... the need to be near him... to make contact... to connect with him in some way. Not sexually... just touching his arm, brushing his cheek, resting his hand on his back... and the almost overwhelming desire to hold him whenever Clark was upset or sad about something. He'd fought it of course and maintained his distance, hardly ever allowing himself to so much as brush Clark in passing. And yet now... finally touching him... holding him... it felt like this is how it was meant to be. He'd never felt this strongly about anyone else before. And to feel Clark holding him... to feel his desire for closeness returned at last... it was indescribable.

At that moment he couldn't imagine his future without Clark. The whole dynamic of their relationship had changed, and yet this was somehow absolutely perfect. The world and its social and political mores be damned!

He couldn't help but wonder if Clark felt the same. He could only pray he did. The way he was just holding him, content to lay there and nuzzle Lex's neck gave him hope. He closed his eyes, knowing such hopes would probably just end up letting him down and crushing him if he tried to hold on to them... and yet they didn't seem to want to go away.

Clark let out a little amused breath, shifting away a bit and looking down, "Wow... you really are completely hairless, aren't you?" He asked, brushing his fingers over where Lex's pubic hair should be.

"Eyebrows and eyelashes. That's it. Not another hair anywhere." Lex replied, watching his face. Most people found that freakish.

Clark's smile grew as he ran his hand up Lex's hairless chest, then slipped it around to his back and pulled him closer again. He slipped his hand down to his butt, pulling his hips closer until they were flush against each other again. "I like it." Clark purred, "They may call chest hair 'manly', but I've personally always thought it looked kind of gross. God I hope I don't end up getting any." He muttered as he went back to dusting light kissed across Lex's shoulder and neck.

Lex closed his eyes, realizing Clark probably wasn't even old enough for chest hair yet. What the Hell was he doing with a boy this young? Clark's hands started exploring once more and Lex quickly pushed such thoughts away. The point was moot now, so dwelling on it wasn't doing anyone any good. He just concentrated on the feel of Clark's body... God was it perfection!

They lay there for a long time, just enjoying the feel of their bodies pressed together, their hands gently exploring each other. Lex shifted his head over and captured Clark's lips once more. Clark parted his lips invitingly and Lex took the opening. As their lips and tongues did a slow, blissful dance, Lex could feel the desire rising once more. It wasn't difficult to tell Clark was feeling it as well. He reached down and stroked him. He felt so solid and strong! He stole a glance down, wanting to see it in its full glory. It was beautiful, just like he knew it would be. At least twelve and a half inches long and wonderfully thick. Lex quickly returned to Clark's waiting lips, gently stroking him as their tongues danced.

After a few minutes of slowly escalating passion, Lex finally broke the kiss. He shifted away just far enough to be able to gaze at him. "Well, I already committed the crime... I've already proven myself to be the depraved monster everyone has always believed me to be." Lex murmured softly, releasing Clark long enough to roll back and reach into the still open drawer, fishing out a condom. He rolled back, then gently pushed Clark onto his back and rolled over on top of him, grinning down at him wickedly, "I might as well teach you a thing or two before the angry mob of townsfolk gets here and burns the castle to the ground to kill the beast that dwells here."

Clark felt a tingle of anticipation go through him as Lex kissed him again, taking his mouth slowly, but passionately. Luckily, Clark's equipment generally tended to press against his stomach when he was excited... otherwise he'd probably be propping Lex up like a kick stand right about now! Not to mention ripping through his jeans any time one of the girls got him going!

Clark's head started spinning with desire as he felt Lex shifting around a bit. Though Lex never broke the kiss, Clark was pretty sure he was already putting the condom on. Having sex like they just did had been one thing... it was pretty much the same as it would have been with a girl... but he'd never even thought about letting another man have sex with him! The very idea scared him, and yet he couldn't deny the little trill of desire at the thought. Lex seemed to enjoy it when Clark was doing that to him... and he wanted to be with Lex every way possible.

He was a bit surprised when Lex didn't turn him over. He just kept kissing him ardently as he shifted Clark's legs up to either side of him. Clark's stomach trembled nervously as he felt warm lubricant rubbing gently against him. Lex finally broke the kiss, shifting up a bit and gazing down into his eyes.

"Relax, Clark." He said softly. "Just trust me. Let me in."

Though he was still scared, Clark willed his body to relax. He felt Lex gently pressing against him, patiently coaxing him. Suddenly he was in. Clark made a little surprised sound. It was a sensation unlike anything he'd ever felt before... not unpleasant or painful... but strange. Lex pressed further in and suddenly a moan escaped Clark as pleasure blossomed inside him. Clark closed his eyes and jerked his hips up, burying Lex in him completely. Lex shifted down more, resting his weight on his elbows as he started to move.

Clark usually took longer the second time when he was just jerking off at home, but he could feel the pleasure escalating even faster this time than it had when he'd taken Lex. By the time Lex had gotten into a good, steady rhythm, Clark was already trying to fight down his peak. He didn't want to finish too soon, but it was really difficult to hold off while he was feeling Lex pour his passion into him with such vigor... and the way Lex's smooth, perfect head pressed up against Clark's cheek, Lex's hot breath coursing over Clark's collarbone with every pant and groan. And God, the sounds he was making! Clark was sure he was making some interesting sounds of his own, but all he could hear was Lex.

After a few minutes Lex shifted up, moving his knees up under Clark's legs to give himself better leverage. He took a hold of Clark's hips, holding him so he could push harder.

"God, you're like a vice!" Lex grunted blissfully.

Worry trickled into Clark's mind as he started wondering if this was safe. Even with this necklace around his neck, he was far stronger than the average human. If he was already so tight, what would happen when he finished? It's not like he had any real control of his body when that happened. Where his muscles strong enough to crush him? He fought down his approaching climax with renewed determination.

"Lex, please..." Clark begged when he felt himself starting to lose the fight, "Please... I can't hold off any more!"

The plea was enough to drive Lex almost instantly over the edge. He rammed himself into Clark, letting out a cry of ecstasy.

Clark bit his lip hard, managing to hold off until Lex's peak had passed, then reached down, quickly but as gently as he could shoving Lex's hips away so he slipped out of him. Once he felt him leave his body, he let go, crying out with abandon as he crashed over the edge.

When he finally came back down enough to think coherently once more, he shifted his head up to see what had become of Lex.

Lex was half sprawled back on the bed, propped up by his right arm and staring at Clark in wonder, looking a bit stunned. His eyes tracked up, fixing on something on the wall.

Clark looked up, then blushed brightly as he saw the glistening splotches on the wall a good three feet above the high headboard of the bed. "Um... sorry about that." he muttered, mortified.

Lex broke into a little smile, then crawled over, though Clark noted he wasn't using his left hand at all. Lex settled himself down on top of Clark. "No wonder I could feel that so much."

Clark's blush tried valiantly to darken even further.

Lex shifted down more, letting his nose brush Clark's. "You know... I wouldn't mind feeling that again..."

Clark glanced over at the clock, then a smile spread across his face as he gently reclaimed Lex's lips. They had about five hours before he was expected back in town. He had a pretty good idea how he wanted to spend that time...

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A/N – Well, that got a bit more graphic than I expected! What can I say? These two boys are randy ones! :) Please review!

BTW - Believe it or not, pink kryptonite is CANON. It is only mentioned once in passing in Supergirl Volume four issue 79, but it is real. It's cute. If you'd like to see it yourself, just Google "Pink kryptonite" in Google images and the comic panel comes right up. It's Superman leaning against the desk at the Daily planet hitting on Jimmy while Supergirl and Lois Lane are talking in the background about how odd he's acting. Of course, since it was only a brief passing mention I reserve artistic license to interpret the exact nature of the effects :)