Clark watched Lex change from skeleton to flesh and back again over and over. He was absently using his x-ray vision instead of listening to what he was saying. Today they started learning about how the stock market works, and how everything from natural disasters and political appointments affects the country's economy. Lex had been warning them about this series of lessons because they had a very important paper to write over Christmas break on the subject. It was crucial he pay attention, but his mind was elsewhere. He couldn't seem to shake the incident that roused him out of a deep sleep around 2 am that morning. It was one of the few times he cursed his excellent hearing.

What he really wanted to know is what Braden, and whoever his counterpart was, were thinking. Even if they thought he was dead asleep, he still didn't feel it was something they should be doing just a few feet away from him. Someone must have said his name, because the first thing he remembered through his haze upon waking, was Braden whispering "Kent is the deepest sleeper I know, don't worry."

The next sounds he heard were a lot of fumbling and more whispering and then...moaning and gasps. At that point Clark turned over in his bed, keeping the covers over his head. The movement stopped and didn't resume until they were sure he was just shifting positions. When Clark got the courage to peek through his comforter he was a little shocked by the sight. There was Braden, facing him, with head thrown back and cheeks bright red, while another boy had a hand wrapped firmly around his penis, while his other hand continued to push his boxers down. Then the other guy did something that made Braden's eyes fly open and wince, then he started moving quickly behind him. At that point Clark had seen enough and shut his eyes, shifting his body back towards the window.

What bothered him most was how his own body responded to the sexcapade going on. His hard-on was almost painful and he had no choice but to quickly relieve the pressure, and bit his lip hard to keep any moans from escaping, hoping he'd be able to change his boxers before Braden woke.

He eventually drifted back to sleep, and had no idea when the other boy finally left their room--Braden was alone by morning. But there it loomed again, the question of his sexuality. He just wished someone could make sense of it all for him. There was just no one to ask...except maybe Lex--who was saying his name for the third time.

"Care to join us in reality Clark?"

Clark looked up, completely embarrassed to see everyone looking in his direction.

"What? Oh, sorry Professor, I didn't hear the question."

"That's pretty apparent. See me after class ends." And he moved on and asked someone else. There was much snickering around him and thankfully the bell rang before things could get any worse.

As soon as everyone left he approached his desk. Normally he'd be upset he'd disappointed him, but today he wanted to get the reprimand over with, he had more important things on his mind.

"I'm sorry I wasn't listening."

But Lex just waved his hand in dismissal. "Don't worry, I bore myself sometimes too."

Clark looked relieved but a little puzzled.

"I couldn't let you get away with zoning out like that, but I really just wanted to apologize for pushing you out last night."

He relaxed a little. "Oh, thats ok, it was late anyway. Who called?"

Lex's face immediately looked stoic. "Just an acquaintance. Is everything alright with you? I know you're still adjusting and everything."

He tried to smile. "I'm fine. I think I'm old news now anyway."

Lex nodded not entirely convinced. "Well, get to class. I'll see you tomorrow evening."

Clark went to leave, but stopped, hesitating.

"Something wrong?"

Clark shifted on his feet, not quite meeting his gaze. "Lex...do you know anything about..I mean of course you do, but at this age...I mean my age...weird things happen right? I mean it doesn't necessarily mean anything does it?"

Lex stepped closer. He didn't know whether to laugh or be scared. "Clark, whats going on?"

He sighed and shook his head. "Nothing, its nothing...I'm going to be late."

Lex looked concerned. "Clark...?"

"I gotta go."

"Well, if you need to talk..."

Clark nodded and quickly left.

He was halfway to class when he realized he didn't actually have one. He made a sharp turn toward the library--the last place he wanted to go, but students weren't permitted in the dorms during school hours, and were expected to "study" when they weren't in class. He normally loved to be surrounded by books, but there was something about the school's library he found oppressive. Why all the main buildings had to be swathed in dark mahogany he'd never understand, though his aversion to the wood was recent.

He entered the library building and saw Jesse and his friends in the large study hall situated just across from the main library room. He went to bypass the study hall completely when he saw that Jesse and his friends seemed to be hovering over someone. He moved in closer to the windows and noticed Jesse's horrible smirk right away. He and his friends were clearly taunting someone, and it looked like Eddie from his economics class. Eddie didn't have a ton of friends and small for his age, so he was an easy target. That was low even for Jesse. Clark pushed through the study hall entrance and walked directly over to Eddie's table. He had no idea what he was going to do or what he was going to say, but it angered him the aging study hall monitors seemed to let things like this go on too often. But the moment he neared Jesse, old Mr. Horace seemed to spring to life.

"Jesse, I think you'd better take your seat, and Mr. Kent, find somewhere to sit quickly."

It was if the incident with Jesse cast him in a new light as a trouble maker. Nothing else could explain how his presence suddenly made the monitor take notice. It left him feeling very uneasy and misjudged, but he took the seat across from Eddie silently. Eddie smiled at him appreciatively and returned to reading. Clark opened his book and started reading, wishing time moved as quickly as he did.

He ended up worrying for nothing. As mid-terms approached the days seem to fly by. There was definite tension in the air as the main activity of the campus became grouping up for intense cram sessions and staying up all hours of the night typing away on end-of-term papers. Clark had finished his ages ago, and he was tired of pretending he was as stressed as everyone else. He grew more and more restless with each day, though he had no idea why. Talk of his run-in with Jesse had ended after his first week back, though his image as a shining example of wholesome goodness was tarnished. He didn't mind, it kind of took the pressure off.

It was late afternoon, and he slipped down the backstairs of the dormitory, avoiding the common area where everyone was studying and went out the side door, sprinting towards the horse stables. He'd been spending more time there lately--it was the closest he could come to being on the farm. Maybe next semester he would give up swimming for his required sport and switch to the equestrian program. It was the one sport where his powers didn't factor and he'd be on an even playing field. His favorite horse was a beautiful Arabian mare, named Tornada. She reminded him of the horse he liked to ride most back home--beautiful, proud and temperamental. His Dad always said she didn't tolerate anyone except him. It was ironic that the closer winter break came, the more homesick he became. Maybe because he was no longer completely comfortable in his room.

Braden's nighttime activities had continued; though sporadically, which made it more nerve-wracking because he never knew when to expect it. It was like the giant elephant in the room--neither ever mentioned it, but he felt certain Braden knew he was aware of it by now--there seemed to be this new underlying tension between them. Every time Clark opened his mouth to say something, anxiety got the best of him and he remained mute. Often he retreated to Lex's room, but even that wasn't the sanctuary it once was. Lex had grown increasingly irritable and anxious lately, and he knew something was going on, but he was too chicken to ask. He overheard him yelling one day when he arrived outside his door, and it sounded like he was talking to his father. He didn't mention it when he let Clark in, but he was clearly agitated by the call. Clark hadn't stayed long that day.

He wanted to saddle Toranada and take her for a quick ride, but if you weren't enrolled in the equestrian program you weren't allowed to ride unless you had your own horse. He wondered if it would be too bratty to ask his parents for a horse just for school.

"You going riding?"

Clark jumped slightly and turned around. He hadn't seen Eddie approaching. So much for his exceptional hearing.

"No, I want to, but i don't have a horse here."

Eddie looked dressed for a casual ride in jeans and a parka. "Thats too bad, I was going to ask if you wanted to ride the trail with me. I'm sick of studying. I don't think anyone would mind if you took Tornada for a quick run; riding classes are over and she needs the exercise."

Clark took a quick look around. No faculty was insight and the trail was well away from any of the school buildings. He smiled and shrugged, reaching over to grab a saddle off the hook. They rode side-by-side into the clearing, not saying much. Finally Eddie cleared his throat.

"Um, Clark? I never got a chance to thank you for that day in the library."

He'd almost forgotten about that. "I didn't do anything, Mr. Horace stopped me before I got the chance."

Eddie looked a little embarrassed. "I know, but you were going to, and thats more than most people would do. I don't get guys like Jesse, I mean whats the point?"

Clark shrugged. "I don't know. I gave up trying to figure him out a while ago. I'm just sorry he's making your life here miserable."

Eddie smiled and guided his horse just ahead of Clark. "He's not as bad as he was. What you did to him seemed to knock him down a few notches. Anyway, its ok, I mean its not all that bad. Come on I'll race you to the pond."

Clark kicked his horse and followed. He knew it had to be hard for Eddie to thank him--the whole situation had to be humiliating for him. He hated that guys like Eddie got picked on because they were easy targets. He'd seen it all through school--anyone who was small or different was mocked and harassed. Fortunately, he'd never been a target, but it made him all the more protective of his secret. While he tried to combat it whenever he could, he knew part of him was grateful it wasn't him.

He'd been drifting and Eddie was far ahead of him, so he sent the horse into a fast gallop to catch up. Eddie looked behind him to see how far back Clark was and didn't see the fallen log he was coming up on. Clark saw it and reacted before he could think. In an instant he was off his horse and grabbing the reigns of Eddie's horse to keep it from tripping, while catching a falling Eddie before he hit the ground. The horse reared up but he gently guided him down, and went to make sure Eddie was ok. But he wasn't. He sat there wide-eyed, looking back at where Clark had left his horse and where Clark stood now.

As the realization of what Eddie must have seen dawned on him, he felt like he'd been doused with ice water. He stood frozen in one spot, waiting.

"Clark...what just happened?"

His throat was tight and his voice sounded strange "I..I saw the horse was going to trip over the log and..I didn't want either of you to get hurt..." He really wished Eddie's eyes stopped looking like giant saucers.

"But, you were back there, I saw you, and then you were here..I don't understand.."

"Please just forget it Eddie."

He struggled to get to his feet. Clark wasn;t sure he wanted him to help him right now--to be touched by him.

"But, how? I mean, I don't get it."

Clark was growing frustrated. "Just forget it. The important thing is you and the horse are ok, right? I can't explain what you think you saw."

"Clark..."

"Please."

Eddie stood there looking at him with an odd expression Clark didn't want to see. "So..." he lowered his voice, even though they were in the middle of the woods, "..are those myths about Smallville true then?"

"What?"

"You know, that something happened to the people there during that meteor shower when we were little."

Clark started to walk away. He knew he shouldn't--he knew that was as good as admitting the truth, but he couldn't stand that look. He didn't want anyone to look at him like that--like he was a freak.

"I'm taking Tornada back."

"But I just want to know what happened."

Clark turned around and looked at him. "I did you a favor, now I'm asking you to do me one--just forget it, please."

Clark hopped up on the horse and headed back to the stables as fast as he could. He had no idea if Eddie would tell anyone what he saw--hopefully no one believed him if he did. Christmas vacation really couldn't come soon enough.

"Its snowing again. Its the second time this week. Don't worry, i've lost my desire to make snowballs, but it doesn't stop everyone else. Honestly though, there's hardly enough snow on the ground to make much of anything, but its pretty when its coming down.

He pointed the camera towards the lake to show how beautifully serene it was, then sat it on a nearby rock and continued talking into it. He was desperately trying to sound cheerful, but he could barely muster a smile since taking the horses out with Eddie. He adjusted the focus and tried again.

"So...I'm really excited to come home next week. I never thought i'd say this, but i really miss Smallville. Um...Oh, my mid-terms are going well, i take my last one tomorrow. Lex, I mean Professor Luthor wasn't kidding when he said his would be killer, but i think I'll keep my A average...I'm sorry guys, I don't know whats wrong, I think I'm just ready for a break. I know you canceled the ski trip, so are we still having the usual New Year's Eve party at least? Chloe texted me yesterday and asked, I think she has someone she wants to bring... I think... I'm going to head back inside, its almost dinner time. Really crappy food awaits me. Love you."

Clark closed the camera and tucked it into his school bag. The snow was falling in big flakes now and he'd forgotten his coat. He didn't need it, but he worried even more now about causing suspicion. He'd avoided Eddie since that day, ducking around any corner to avoid walking his way, and avoiding eye contact whenever they were in the same vicinity, but there was no indication he'd told anyone anything. Maybe he was overreacting, and so far no one had questioned whether or not he was like everyone else, and it scared him more than he thought it would.

The whole school was bustling now as everyone was busy preparing to go home for the holidays—too busy to notice whether Clark wore a coat or not he was sure. Most exams were over, and their time was completely their own. He discovered pretty quickly how boring things became when there was no structure. They couldn't leave campus, so most people spent their time holed up in the common room watching bad movies, or His parents wouldn't be back in Smallville til the end of the week, so there was no early leave for him, and he'd be staying at school til the end of term with the rest of the stragglers. Braden was flying to Switzerland in the morning, and Clark was deeply jealous. Originally they thought they'd see each other on the slopes since the place they were planning on renting wasn't far from Braden's rented villa, but the lovely snowball incident had put an end to all that. Braden seemed more disappointed than Clark expected, but soon turned it into a new way of annoying Clark, by mentioning how amazing the slopes were at the resort, and giving daily weather reports about just how much powder the mountain was getting.

Neither had brought up his nighttime activities, and both continued to pretend it didn't exist. Clark kind of wished he had the courage to mention it, because even though they'd only known each other a few months, he didn't think it was like Braden to do that, and in some ways they were probably going through the same thing.

Clark was due at Lex's room to say his goodbye and finish up the last of their research before the break. Because he was busy studying for exams they hadn't really seen much of each other, and Lex was still acting sort of strange anyway. He headed up the hill towards the faculty housing, checking quickly to see if the present he bought was still inside his bag. He hoped he liked it—it wasn't really anything extravagant. Lex mentioned a passion for a comic character Clark used to love as a kid. He remembered his father getting a couple of issues signed for him by the artist during a trip to California when he was 10, and asked their housekeeper if she'd send one of them to school. It had arrived yesterday. As a joke , also in the box, he included a cookbook his parent's company put out and nod to his abysmal cooking skills. He just hoped he appreciated the joke.

Halfway up the hill he felt someone barrel into him followed by a very loud "FUCK!"

He turned around quickly, alarmed, and there was Braden nursing his shoulder and staring at him angrily.

"What the hell is your back made of Kent?"

Clark swallowed hard, but stayed calm. "Muscles and bone? Why are you running into me anyway?"

"Well I was going to knock you down in the snow, but I guess not, geez! Where you heading?"

"L…Professor Luthor's. I just need to drop of the rest of my research."

Braden rolled his eyes—something he always did whenever he mentioned Lex, and it was getting annoying.

"Well if you finish by 7 a few of us are sneaking off campus to go get pizza, a holiday gift to ourselves."

Clark smiled, he was not looking forward to another night of scary meat from the dining hall. Since it was the last week of school, they'd pretty much given up trying to prepare anything edible. "Yea, definitely."

"Cool, meet you around the back of our dorms?"

Clark nodded and headed back up the hill. Braden pretended to limp away holding his shoulder in mock anguish. He'd definitely miss him over break.

Lex looked at the piles of clothes scattered across his bed surrounded by open empty suitcases waiting to be filled. He'd decided to spend the holidays in Paris, and was in a sense, running away. He is expected at his father's home for the holidays and was to participate in several social functions over the next couple of weeks to solidify his re-entry to the Luthor world. Ever since that night his father showed up, he'd been pressuring him almost daily to take his rightful place at Luthorcorp—well his father didn't pressure, he simply and calmly insisted, like there was no other option. They argued a long time that first night, after his father declared how gracious and patient he'd been allowing Lex to pursue this idiotic profession and now that'd he'd proven his point, it was time to stop embarrassing him. Lex was so infuriated he could have punched his father. He had no idea how hard and painful it was to denounce everything he'd grown up with and find a passion of his own. He felt good when he stood up in front of his class and earnest eyes looked to him for answers, he loved that he could have a part in shaping some of the good inside of his students, and he loved that he had managed to inspire Clark Kent, who'd had the advantage of being raised by people who believed as he was trying to.

His father had never wanted him to stand on his own. Their whole relationship was about manipulation and control. Why did he have to be born to such a man? He sighed heavily and tossed his first sweater into the suitcase. There was a gentle but sturdy knock on the door and he knew Clark had arrived. He'd been keeping him at arm's length lately and he knew it was confusing and maybe hurtful to Clark, but he didn't know what else to do until his feelings subsided. When he opened the door Clark was standing there grinning with wind-tousled hair and pink cheeks. He was wearing rumpled jeans and a dark blue turtleneck sweater with a maroon scarf thrown carelessly around his neck. He always wore these dark, rich and colorful tones, and it always seemed funny to him that his backpack was a shocking bright red. He ushered him in quickly so he wouldn't stand there gazing at him forever.

Clark noticed his suitcase on his bed in the other room.

"When are you leaving?"

"Day after tomorrow. I thought I'd start packing now."

Clark smiled and put his bag down on the sofa. "You're good, I never start until the last minute, my room is still a complete mess. Are you going to see your father?"

Lex shook his head. "You want something to drink?"

"No thanks. Where you going?"

Lex poured himself a drink—he probably shouldn't be having wine, but he didn't care right now. "Paris."

"Oh cool, with who?"

"No one, just a last minute decision."

Clark looked very concerned. "You're spending Christmas by yourself? You can't do that."

Lex laughed a little. "Its not a big deal, I've done it before. Besides its hard to have a bad time in Paris, even if you're alone."

Clark went over to his bag and pulled out the present he had for him. "I was going to give you this, its nothing big, but I want to wait and give it to you on Christmas Day—if you'll agree to at least spend Christmas with us, you can go to Paris afterwards."

Lex had to admit he was completely floored by Clark's offer—he really wasn't expecting that. The extremely kind gesture hit him hard after dealing with so much animosity from his father, and for a moment he was afraid he'd lose it in front of Clark. But years of Luthor training dictated he hold it together.

"Clark, there's no way I would impose on you and your family like that, and I'm sure your parents wouldn't want you dragging home your professor with you."

Clark was growing more enthused by the prospect now, his eyes lit up the way they always did when he was excited.

"They'd love it! Seriously my family would love to have you. I talk about you all the time and my Dad really wants so meet you. If it'll make you feel better I'll call them right now and ask."

"Clark…"

But Clark already had his phone out, punching the number to speed dial his parents.

Clark stood there smiling and nodding at him as he talked to his mother.

"Mom, guess what? Professor Luthor isn't spending Christmas with his family, and was going to run off to Paris, but I convinced him to spend Christmas with us, if that's Ok?"

Clark started nodding emphatically and gave him the thumbs-up that made Lex laugh. He could look like a big kid sometimes. What he loved most was that he didn't make it sound like they should take pity on him, that he was the true winner in the situation. He really did want to meet the people who could produce such a person.

He closed his phone and beamed. "My mom's excited, so's my dad, he was in the room and yelled he couldn't wait to meet you. So, do you think you can put off Paris for just a little bit?"

Lex almost laughed. "Saying no to that face would be like kicking a puppy. I think Air France can wait another week for my patronage."

Clark's smile broadened, inappropriate or not, he was beyond happy and the week before the break didn't seem so unbearable now.

"Great. My parents are flying in from the west coast on Friday, then we'll all drive to Smallville together, and you're welcome to drive come with us, or you can meet us there."

Lex didn't know if he was ready to spend almost three hours in a car with Clark and his parents, and he really did need his car.

"I'll meet you there, I'll need my car anyway."

Clark nodded. "Right, I forgot. I'd say you could use my car, except I don't have one. I was supposed to save my money to help pay for my first car, but I never managed to by my 16th birthday, so my Dad said I'd have to wait. I still think its unfair though, everyone else I know has a car."

Lex smiled, only Clark's parents would be so careful not to spoil their son. "Well, I'm sure you realize that's a valuable lesson."

Clark slightly rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I know, its good for me. I'm hoping they'll let me borrow one of their cars so I can at least show you around and not make you drive. Of course that'll take all of five minutes."

"I've been to Smallville, its not that bad, at least not what I remember."

"Well, its boring, but its home." He really couldn't stop grinning, he hadn't been this happy in weeks.

"Oh! The whole reason I came over here. My research. That's everything so far." He handed Lex a thick pile of papers.

Lex weighed the stack in his hands. "I'll never understand how you get so much done, you put me to shame, seriously. I'm going to tell your parents what an amazing help you've been."

Clark shrugged. "Its not that much—anyway, I'd better go, I promised Braden I'd…" Clark stopped, he almost forgot Lex was a teacher and that he shouldn't be telling him plans of sneaking off campus.

"..um, sit with him at dinner."

Lex smirked; Clark was really the worst liar. "You'd better go then, dinner is almost over."

"Um, right, so…I'll see you tomorrow—definitely before Friday. I'm really glad you decided to come. I promise to try and make it fun for you."

"Don't worry about, I just appreciate being asked. Thank you, Clark."

Clark smiled a little more shyly this time and walked to the door.

"Clark? Have a slice for me Ok?"

Clark turned around and the look of alarm on his face was priceless, he finally relaxed when he saw Lex's expression of amusement and smiled, relieved.

"Goodnight, Professor."

"Goodnight, Clark."