"Why don't you tell me just what the hell is going on here."
Lex pointedly ignored him, turning away and walking towards the bar at the back of the room. Alcohol was definitely in order to get him through this confrontation and thank God his back was to his father as he poured the scotch. He would not allow the old man to see his hands shake.
"So did she tell you I was entertaining young boys in my boudoir and that you'd better get here quickly and put a stop to it?" He took a drink, and almost immediately felt the calming affects as the burning liquid ran down his throat. It gave him the courage to turn around. "Because judging from your expression when you burst through those doors, that's what you thought you'd found."
"Wasn't it?" Lionel demanded. "You, half dressed...."
"Him fully dressed?" Lex raised an eyebrow. "Come on dad. I'm home, in my own living room. I've been stuck in meetings all damn day, if I want to kick off the shoes and the tie why is that a problem? Secondly, in case you haven't noticed, its rather warm in here."
It was quite warm. The fire roared in the fireplace, and as he spoke Lex heard the furnace kick into high gear; not to mention the heat he and Clark were generating just moments earlier.
And how his face burned where Lionel had hit him.
"I'd be rather embarrassed if I were you. An emotional outburst? In front of company? And - you actually believed the lies of a double dealing whore like Victoria Hardwick? Shame on you dad. You're slipping in your old age." Lex raised his glass, keeping his eyes upon Lionel over its edge as he drank.
Point.
"Was she lying about Ryan Farrow?"
Counterpoint.
Damn Victoria. First Clark, now Lionel. Why didn't she just print the story in the fucking newspaper?
Lex drew a breath, held it, and let it out slowly. "No." He carefully advanced upon Lionel's position, which brought him back within striking range. "That - was a long time ago, and considering the fact he is very dead, hardly worth mentioning."
Ah, God! Ryan I'm sorry.
Lionel was, of course, merciless. "What other sick and perverted affairs have you hidden from me Lex? What scandals have you created? The ones I took care of for you were bad enough and you know what will happen if word of this is leaked to the public. I thought I taught you better."
Lex smiled. "Oh you did, dad. You taught me very well. Believe me, if it weren't for the fact Victoria opened her big mouth, you would have never found out about Ryan." He paused, the smile fading, but he did not allow Lionel to speak. "You taught me prudence, but you also taught me the art of the cover up, and I've prudently covered up quite a bit that even you won't be able to find. If I bedded every teen-aged boy in this fucking hell hole of a town you've dumped me in no one would ever know, including you, so don't you dare lecture me on discretion!"
"You underestimate me...." Lionel growled.
"No! You underestimate me!"
Later Lex would be surprised he did not retreat when Lionel charged him, but now, as his father rounded on him and they stood face to face within inches of each other, he stood his ground. He did not move, but stared stonily at a point somewhere past Lionel's shoulder as the elder Luthor raged at him.
"You listen to me, and you listen good. You are damn right I put you here, and I can move you out. I'm getting tired of this Lex. I'm tired of the games, the deceit, and your complete and utter disrespect for your position within my company...."
"Your company..."
"MY company!" Lionel roared, making Lex flinch. "I built LuthorCorp out of nothing - nothing! And I will not stand back and see it ruined by an irresponsible brat with nothing better to do than to diddle around playing sex games with anyone he can get his hands on, even if he is my son. Shape up, and do it now, or your next stop will make Smallville Kansas look like a Goddamn paradise! Is that clear?"
Lex said nothing.
"Is...that...clear?" Lionel grated.
"Absolutely crystal." Lex cut his eyes sideways, meeting his father's gaze.
This one was far, far from over.
Lionel's voice softened, but deceptively so, for his tone was cool. "I will ask you - one time - what was going on here tonight?
Lex made him wait for it.
"I was playing a game of pool with a friend," he said finally. "Nothing more."
He was lying. They both knew it.
"If you are lying Lex, and this blows up in your face, I will not support you. You'll be on your own, and you better hope you can cover it up." Lionel backed off, turned, and placed a hand on the end of the table. He did not look at Lex as he spoke. "That was the Kent kid, wasn't it?"
"I don't see what difference...."
Lionel jerked his head around. "Wasn't it?"
Lex hesitated, but answered, "Yes, it was." and again stood his ground as Lionel returned to face him.
"I'll give you this warning Lex, as your father who cares for you...."
Right.
"Do not cross Jonathan Kent."
Startled, Lex drew his brows together in a frown. Of all the things running through his mind that Lionel could have said, "do not cross Jonathan Kent" was not one of them. They stared at each other, and Lex, burning with the desire to demand an elaboration, knew he could not ask. Lionel wanted him to ask, and Lex refused to acquiesce even on that small point.
"I'll remember that dad, should I ever decide to seduce his son."
Lionel scowled, and turned away. "Get dressed, properly, dinner is in an hour." He threw open the doors. "Hannah!"
Lex was left alone to stare at his father's back as Lionel exited the room.
So. Clark had been telling the truth. His secrets involved more people than just himself.
Lionel Luthor?
Abruptly, Lex whirled, and in a blind rage, threw the glass of scotch he still held into the fire behind him. The glass shattered. The flames rose in snarling demons, fed by the alcohol; and Lex stalked out into the shadows of the hallway, following his father's path.
******************
Lionel was gone just after breakfast the next day, leaving Lex with a livid bruise across his cheek and in a foul temper. He made Hannah cry, and fired the gardener, before getting in his car and driving into town at well over the legal speed limit. A part of him cowered in the corner, begging him not to commit the act he knew was coming, but jealousy and hurt overwhelmed that bit of common sense. Lex wanted to know just how Lionel was involved with Clark and the secrets he kept, and by God, Clark was going to tell him.
Clark wasn't hard to find.
Lex stormed into the Beanery with his coat tails swirling out behind him like dark writing shadows, and with a stone cold expression gracing his face. He ignored the waitress who greeted him, and made his way to his goal with a determined stride until he came upon the correct table and dug his fingers into Clark's shoulder. Chloe, Lana, and Pete Ross were sitting with him, and they stared in silence as Lex growled his command.
"I need to talk to you."
Clark looked at him sharply. "Lex, what....."
"I need to talk to you, now!"
A trio of emotions flickered through Clark's grey eyes; confusion, anger, and finally - fear. He murmured a quick apology to his friends, and followed Lex out of the shop and into the street. They stopped around the corner where Lex had once again parked his car, and there Lex turned on him.
"Tell me the truth Clark, how is my father involved in your life?"
"What? What do you mean?"
Lex fought to keep his voice low and steady, despite the trembling rage he felt. "He has a history, with your father. What is it? Does it have to do with the secrets you keep from me? Does he know them? You don't trust me, but my father knows, is that it?"
"Lex, I have no idea what you're talking about...."
"You're lying to me."
Clark flinched, just as if Lex had hit him. His face froze into an unreadable mask, but the pain in those wide grey eyes was clear. His voice, when he finally spoke, was as chill as an arctic storm.
"Whatever happened between my father and yours started long before either of us were born Lex and most likely involves the unscrupulous business practices LuthorCorp used to take over this county. It has nothing to do with anything related to me what-so-ever, but if you are so petty, and jealous, to believe I'm lying about it, fine." He started to turn, but Lex stopped him.
"Then you tell me what I want to know."
Clark's eyes flickered to the hand on his elbow, and then back to Lex. "No."
"Why?" Lex raged.
"Why does it matter? Its nothing Lex, and its everything, but it shouldn't come between us. Let it go!"
"I can't Clark!"
It was Clark's turn, and his voice cracked a bit in his frustration. "Why?"
"Because....."
I love you.
"I can help you shoulder the burden." Lex whispered. "If only you would let me."
Their eyes met and held, until finally Clark looked away.
"You can't." he said softly. "Its mine to bear." He raised his head again, and again found Lex's eyes. "And its bigger than the two of us Lex. Its much bigger, and I can take no chances, not even with....the people I care about."
"I don't understand."
"I know."
"I want to understand."
"I know, but you can't help me Lex. Please, just let it go!"
A hard knot rose in Lex's throat, and he was having a very difficult time swallowing it back down. The ache of it made his eyes water, twisted his heart into a burning knot of pain, and filled his soul with darkness.
"Then it will always be between us, because I cannot let it go. Let me in Clark."
Because I can feel the shadows closing in on me and I'm afraid. I need you to need me.
"Don't do this to me." Clark whispered.
Lex stared at him, searching those cool grey eyes for an opening he knew he would not find. The answer was no, access denied, and it would remain so no matter what Lex would say or do. In the end all he could do was look away to hide the tears only one other person had ever seen him shed, and bring an end to the conversation.
He turned, and walked away.
***********************
"We weren't finished."
He could not escape.
But he wasn't particularly trying to either.
Lex did not turn around at the sound of the doors opening and shutting, nor did he when he heard the voice. He continued to stare out the windows at the rain which had begun earlier that afternoon after a day of relative sunshine. Fickle spring weather.
"I thought we were." He said quietly, placing a hand on one of the square panes. It was turning cold again too.
"Don't shut me out."
Lex's shoulders tightened, and this time he could not resist turning. "Oh that's rich Clark. Don't shut you out. Why? You can dish it out, but you can't take it? Is that it?"
"No."
"That's what it sounds like to me."
Clark came into the room in a manner much like Lionel had the day before; rushing forward to confront Lex with just a few long strides.
"You talk about trust? I'm trusting you Lex. I've given you absolutely everything I can without jeopardizing other people's lives and yet you demand more. What have you given me? Can't you trust me enough to accept that I cannot reveal everything? Its all I'm asking. One little item. Trust me to know what I'm doing when I keep things from you. Trust me to know its for your own good. Accept what you have of me, because its all I have to give."
Lex stood at the window, hands in his pockets, his gaze directed at the fire flickering upon the hearth. He could not, at that moment, look at Clark, but he could sense his presence and feel the warmth of his body even though they were still several feet apart.
"And if I don't?" he asked finally.
"Then we both have nothing." Clark whispered. "And I don't think either of us can stand to be alone again."
Lex looked up at him, then looked back to the fire with a sigh.
"I called my father, after I left the Beanery this morning. I asked him what he meant when he warned me about crossing Jonathan."
"And what did he say?"
His mouth quirking into a slight smile, Lex turned and crossed the few feet that separated them. "My father told me, " he said quietly. "that your father is a stubborn, hard headed son of a bitch and if I ever laid a hand on you he would not hesitate to rip out my guts with a pitchfork and use them to hang me from the rafters."
Clark pursed his lips in the slightly shy smile Lex found so reminiscent of Ryan.
"He said that?"
Ah, but Ry, you were never quite so difficult.
"Not in so many words, but that was the gist of it. Apparently Jonathan headed a campaign to keep LuthorCorp from purchasing land around the county, and things got a bit nasty. I also got the impression a woman may have been involved. Typical."
Outside, the rain beat against the glass, and Lex could hear the wind rushing through the trees. A low rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance and for once he was grateful for the mansion's thick, stone walled construction. It was going to be a rough night outside.
"I hate him Clark." he whispered.
"I know."
"All this, " Lex nodded towards the room in general. "Is his. I have nothing of my own. Everything I have comes from him, except for a few things my mother left me, my memories of Ryan - and you."
He raised his eyes to the grey ones before him. In the dim light of the room they were the same color as the stormy skies beyond the walls, and in them he found a compassion rarely graced upon him by anyone else.
And that is why I love you.
"I'm sorry." he said softly. "Clark, I am so sorry. I just - I thought he might have known your secrets - secrets you would not share with me. I thought, having that knowledge, he might have owned you on top of everything else in my life, and that I could not stand." Their eyes never broke their contact.
The reply was barely audible: "Nobody owns me Lex."
Lex moved closer, and he tipped his head slightly, his breath gentle upon Clark's lips.
"Not even me?" he whispered; and his kiss was light.
"Not even you." Clark breathed. His eyes were very wide, and almost all pupil in the fading light. "I called my mom from the foyer when I got here." He said quietly. "I told her I might be late because of the storm."
"Did you?" Lex raised an eyebrow.
"Uhhuh."
"You are getting devious Clark."
Clark smiled. "I know."
Mouths met again, this time lingering, and working together with an ever increasing intensity until with gentle sparring of tongues, the passion began to resonate from that connection outward into bodies slowly warming. Lex ran out of breath, and had to turn his head away with a gasp.
"I think we're back to where we were when daddy dearest staged his interruption." he managed with some difficulty.
"No, " Clark murmured. "We were on the pool table."
"You know what I mean." Lex eyed the table in question with some trepidation. "Bad luck?"
"I would say so."
"Bedroom?"
"Bedroom."
***********************
Lex curled his body around the one in his arms. They lay cupped together spoon fashioned, basking in the warmth generated from a great deal of rather pleasant activity just ended. He was tired, and Clark's broad shoulders were more than comfortable beneath his cheek, resulting in his eyelids slowly closing. He did not sleep, but instead lay listening to the beat of Clark's heart and the steady rise and fall of his breathing, wanting nothing more than to have this moment last forever. The quiet warmth of Clark's body was comforting, and the sounds of life coursing through it drove away the last of the shadows Lex felt Lionel had cast over him.
Lex's anger and frustration at his father had made his love-making a bit rougher usual, but as he carelessly spent himself out upon Clark's unresisting body, there had been not one utterance of complaint or protest. Clark was, on the other hand, perhaps more careful and more gentle than usual and as he quietly sought his own pleasure, he brought Lex's to the fore once again. Carefully orchestrated, delicately played, Clark timed everything perfectly until their bodies sang in harmony, rising to crescendo on a blinding wave of ecstasy - and drift back down to pianissimo with the softest of sighs.
"You're okay? I didn't hurt you?"
"No." Clark sighed, turned around, and curled himself into Lex's chest after a reassuring brush of his lips against the bruised cheek. "You can't hurt me."
Lex rested that bruised cheek upon the soft dark waves of Clark's hair, marveling, as always, at its texture. "How long is this going to last?" he asked quietly.
"At least another hour, unless we fall asleep."
"You know what I mean Clark."
A sigh.
"I don't know."
"You won't ever let me be alone will you?"
Clark's voice was faint, betraying that he was falling asleep. "No." he murmured. "I'll always be around."
"Good." Lex whispered. He closed his eyes. "You keep the shadows away Clark."
"Hmmm."
"Don't ever leave me."
"I won't."
But you will, Lex thought. They always do. I lost my mother. I lost Ryan...
I will not lose you Clark. No matter what happens. I will not let you go.
At any cost.
Lex pointedly ignored him, turning away and walking towards the bar at the back of the room. Alcohol was definitely in order to get him through this confrontation and thank God his back was to his father as he poured the scotch. He would not allow the old man to see his hands shake.
"So did she tell you I was entertaining young boys in my boudoir and that you'd better get here quickly and put a stop to it?" He took a drink, and almost immediately felt the calming affects as the burning liquid ran down his throat. It gave him the courage to turn around. "Because judging from your expression when you burst through those doors, that's what you thought you'd found."
"Wasn't it?" Lionel demanded. "You, half dressed...."
"Him fully dressed?" Lex raised an eyebrow. "Come on dad. I'm home, in my own living room. I've been stuck in meetings all damn day, if I want to kick off the shoes and the tie why is that a problem? Secondly, in case you haven't noticed, its rather warm in here."
It was quite warm. The fire roared in the fireplace, and as he spoke Lex heard the furnace kick into high gear; not to mention the heat he and Clark were generating just moments earlier.
And how his face burned where Lionel had hit him.
"I'd be rather embarrassed if I were you. An emotional outburst? In front of company? And - you actually believed the lies of a double dealing whore like Victoria Hardwick? Shame on you dad. You're slipping in your old age." Lex raised his glass, keeping his eyes upon Lionel over its edge as he drank.
Point.
"Was she lying about Ryan Farrow?"
Counterpoint.
Damn Victoria. First Clark, now Lionel. Why didn't she just print the story in the fucking newspaper?
Lex drew a breath, held it, and let it out slowly. "No." He carefully advanced upon Lionel's position, which brought him back within striking range. "That - was a long time ago, and considering the fact he is very dead, hardly worth mentioning."
Ah, God! Ryan I'm sorry.
Lionel was, of course, merciless. "What other sick and perverted affairs have you hidden from me Lex? What scandals have you created? The ones I took care of for you were bad enough and you know what will happen if word of this is leaked to the public. I thought I taught you better."
Lex smiled. "Oh you did, dad. You taught me very well. Believe me, if it weren't for the fact Victoria opened her big mouth, you would have never found out about Ryan." He paused, the smile fading, but he did not allow Lionel to speak. "You taught me prudence, but you also taught me the art of the cover up, and I've prudently covered up quite a bit that even you won't be able to find. If I bedded every teen-aged boy in this fucking hell hole of a town you've dumped me in no one would ever know, including you, so don't you dare lecture me on discretion!"
"You underestimate me...." Lionel growled.
"No! You underestimate me!"
Later Lex would be surprised he did not retreat when Lionel charged him, but now, as his father rounded on him and they stood face to face within inches of each other, he stood his ground. He did not move, but stared stonily at a point somewhere past Lionel's shoulder as the elder Luthor raged at him.
"You listen to me, and you listen good. You are damn right I put you here, and I can move you out. I'm getting tired of this Lex. I'm tired of the games, the deceit, and your complete and utter disrespect for your position within my company...."
"Your company..."
"MY company!" Lionel roared, making Lex flinch. "I built LuthorCorp out of nothing - nothing! And I will not stand back and see it ruined by an irresponsible brat with nothing better to do than to diddle around playing sex games with anyone he can get his hands on, even if he is my son. Shape up, and do it now, or your next stop will make Smallville Kansas look like a Goddamn paradise! Is that clear?"
Lex said nothing.
"Is...that...clear?" Lionel grated.
"Absolutely crystal." Lex cut his eyes sideways, meeting his father's gaze.
This one was far, far from over.
Lionel's voice softened, but deceptively so, for his tone was cool. "I will ask you - one time - what was going on here tonight?
Lex made him wait for it.
"I was playing a game of pool with a friend," he said finally. "Nothing more."
He was lying. They both knew it.
"If you are lying Lex, and this blows up in your face, I will not support you. You'll be on your own, and you better hope you can cover it up." Lionel backed off, turned, and placed a hand on the end of the table. He did not look at Lex as he spoke. "That was the Kent kid, wasn't it?"
"I don't see what difference...."
Lionel jerked his head around. "Wasn't it?"
Lex hesitated, but answered, "Yes, it was." and again stood his ground as Lionel returned to face him.
"I'll give you this warning Lex, as your father who cares for you...."
Right.
"Do not cross Jonathan Kent."
Startled, Lex drew his brows together in a frown. Of all the things running through his mind that Lionel could have said, "do not cross Jonathan Kent" was not one of them. They stared at each other, and Lex, burning with the desire to demand an elaboration, knew he could not ask. Lionel wanted him to ask, and Lex refused to acquiesce even on that small point.
"I'll remember that dad, should I ever decide to seduce his son."
Lionel scowled, and turned away. "Get dressed, properly, dinner is in an hour." He threw open the doors. "Hannah!"
Lex was left alone to stare at his father's back as Lionel exited the room.
So. Clark had been telling the truth. His secrets involved more people than just himself.
Lionel Luthor?
Abruptly, Lex whirled, and in a blind rage, threw the glass of scotch he still held into the fire behind him. The glass shattered. The flames rose in snarling demons, fed by the alcohol; and Lex stalked out into the shadows of the hallway, following his father's path.
******************
Lionel was gone just after breakfast the next day, leaving Lex with a livid bruise across his cheek and in a foul temper. He made Hannah cry, and fired the gardener, before getting in his car and driving into town at well over the legal speed limit. A part of him cowered in the corner, begging him not to commit the act he knew was coming, but jealousy and hurt overwhelmed that bit of common sense. Lex wanted to know just how Lionel was involved with Clark and the secrets he kept, and by God, Clark was going to tell him.
Clark wasn't hard to find.
Lex stormed into the Beanery with his coat tails swirling out behind him like dark writing shadows, and with a stone cold expression gracing his face. He ignored the waitress who greeted him, and made his way to his goal with a determined stride until he came upon the correct table and dug his fingers into Clark's shoulder. Chloe, Lana, and Pete Ross were sitting with him, and they stared in silence as Lex growled his command.
"I need to talk to you."
Clark looked at him sharply. "Lex, what....."
"I need to talk to you, now!"
A trio of emotions flickered through Clark's grey eyes; confusion, anger, and finally - fear. He murmured a quick apology to his friends, and followed Lex out of the shop and into the street. They stopped around the corner where Lex had once again parked his car, and there Lex turned on him.
"Tell me the truth Clark, how is my father involved in your life?"
"What? What do you mean?"
Lex fought to keep his voice low and steady, despite the trembling rage he felt. "He has a history, with your father. What is it? Does it have to do with the secrets you keep from me? Does he know them? You don't trust me, but my father knows, is that it?"
"Lex, I have no idea what you're talking about...."
"You're lying to me."
Clark flinched, just as if Lex had hit him. His face froze into an unreadable mask, but the pain in those wide grey eyes was clear. His voice, when he finally spoke, was as chill as an arctic storm.
"Whatever happened between my father and yours started long before either of us were born Lex and most likely involves the unscrupulous business practices LuthorCorp used to take over this county. It has nothing to do with anything related to me what-so-ever, but if you are so petty, and jealous, to believe I'm lying about it, fine." He started to turn, but Lex stopped him.
"Then you tell me what I want to know."
Clark's eyes flickered to the hand on his elbow, and then back to Lex. "No."
"Why?" Lex raged.
"Why does it matter? Its nothing Lex, and its everything, but it shouldn't come between us. Let it go!"
"I can't Clark!"
It was Clark's turn, and his voice cracked a bit in his frustration. "Why?"
"Because....."
I love you.
"I can help you shoulder the burden." Lex whispered. "If only you would let me."
Their eyes met and held, until finally Clark looked away.
"You can't." he said softly. "Its mine to bear." He raised his head again, and again found Lex's eyes. "And its bigger than the two of us Lex. Its much bigger, and I can take no chances, not even with....the people I care about."
"I don't understand."
"I know."
"I want to understand."
"I know, but you can't help me Lex. Please, just let it go!"
A hard knot rose in Lex's throat, and he was having a very difficult time swallowing it back down. The ache of it made his eyes water, twisted his heart into a burning knot of pain, and filled his soul with darkness.
"Then it will always be between us, because I cannot let it go. Let me in Clark."
Because I can feel the shadows closing in on me and I'm afraid. I need you to need me.
"Don't do this to me." Clark whispered.
Lex stared at him, searching those cool grey eyes for an opening he knew he would not find. The answer was no, access denied, and it would remain so no matter what Lex would say or do. In the end all he could do was look away to hide the tears only one other person had ever seen him shed, and bring an end to the conversation.
He turned, and walked away.
***********************
"We weren't finished."
He could not escape.
But he wasn't particularly trying to either.
Lex did not turn around at the sound of the doors opening and shutting, nor did he when he heard the voice. He continued to stare out the windows at the rain which had begun earlier that afternoon after a day of relative sunshine. Fickle spring weather.
"I thought we were." He said quietly, placing a hand on one of the square panes. It was turning cold again too.
"Don't shut me out."
Lex's shoulders tightened, and this time he could not resist turning. "Oh that's rich Clark. Don't shut you out. Why? You can dish it out, but you can't take it? Is that it?"
"No."
"That's what it sounds like to me."
Clark came into the room in a manner much like Lionel had the day before; rushing forward to confront Lex with just a few long strides.
"You talk about trust? I'm trusting you Lex. I've given you absolutely everything I can without jeopardizing other people's lives and yet you demand more. What have you given me? Can't you trust me enough to accept that I cannot reveal everything? Its all I'm asking. One little item. Trust me to know what I'm doing when I keep things from you. Trust me to know its for your own good. Accept what you have of me, because its all I have to give."
Lex stood at the window, hands in his pockets, his gaze directed at the fire flickering upon the hearth. He could not, at that moment, look at Clark, but he could sense his presence and feel the warmth of his body even though they were still several feet apart.
"And if I don't?" he asked finally.
"Then we both have nothing." Clark whispered. "And I don't think either of us can stand to be alone again."
Lex looked up at him, then looked back to the fire with a sigh.
"I called my father, after I left the Beanery this morning. I asked him what he meant when he warned me about crossing Jonathan."
"And what did he say?"
His mouth quirking into a slight smile, Lex turned and crossed the few feet that separated them. "My father told me, " he said quietly. "that your father is a stubborn, hard headed son of a bitch and if I ever laid a hand on you he would not hesitate to rip out my guts with a pitchfork and use them to hang me from the rafters."
Clark pursed his lips in the slightly shy smile Lex found so reminiscent of Ryan.
"He said that?"
Ah, but Ry, you were never quite so difficult.
"Not in so many words, but that was the gist of it. Apparently Jonathan headed a campaign to keep LuthorCorp from purchasing land around the county, and things got a bit nasty. I also got the impression a woman may have been involved. Typical."
Outside, the rain beat against the glass, and Lex could hear the wind rushing through the trees. A low rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance and for once he was grateful for the mansion's thick, stone walled construction. It was going to be a rough night outside.
"I hate him Clark." he whispered.
"I know."
"All this, " Lex nodded towards the room in general. "Is his. I have nothing of my own. Everything I have comes from him, except for a few things my mother left me, my memories of Ryan - and you."
He raised his eyes to the grey ones before him. In the dim light of the room they were the same color as the stormy skies beyond the walls, and in them he found a compassion rarely graced upon him by anyone else.
And that is why I love you.
"I'm sorry." he said softly. "Clark, I am so sorry. I just - I thought he might have known your secrets - secrets you would not share with me. I thought, having that knowledge, he might have owned you on top of everything else in my life, and that I could not stand." Their eyes never broke their contact.
The reply was barely audible: "Nobody owns me Lex."
Lex moved closer, and he tipped his head slightly, his breath gentle upon Clark's lips.
"Not even me?" he whispered; and his kiss was light.
"Not even you." Clark breathed. His eyes were very wide, and almost all pupil in the fading light. "I called my mom from the foyer when I got here." He said quietly. "I told her I might be late because of the storm."
"Did you?" Lex raised an eyebrow.
"Uhhuh."
"You are getting devious Clark."
Clark smiled. "I know."
Mouths met again, this time lingering, and working together with an ever increasing intensity until with gentle sparring of tongues, the passion began to resonate from that connection outward into bodies slowly warming. Lex ran out of breath, and had to turn his head away with a gasp.
"I think we're back to where we were when daddy dearest staged his interruption." he managed with some difficulty.
"No, " Clark murmured. "We were on the pool table."
"You know what I mean." Lex eyed the table in question with some trepidation. "Bad luck?"
"I would say so."
"Bedroom?"
"Bedroom."
***********************
Lex curled his body around the one in his arms. They lay cupped together spoon fashioned, basking in the warmth generated from a great deal of rather pleasant activity just ended. He was tired, and Clark's broad shoulders were more than comfortable beneath his cheek, resulting in his eyelids slowly closing. He did not sleep, but instead lay listening to the beat of Clark's heart and the steady rise and fall of his breathing, wanting nothing more than to have this moment last forever. The quiet warmth of Clark's body was comforting, and the sounds of life coursing through it drove away the last of the shadows Lex felt Lionel had cast over him.
Lex's anger and frustration at his father had made his love-making a bit rougher usual, but as he carelessly spent himself out upon Clark's unresisting body, there had been not one utterance of complaint or protest. Clark was, on the other hand, perhaps more careful and more gentle than usual and as he quietly sought his own pleasure, he brought Lex's to the fore once again. Carefully orchestrated, delicately played, Clark timed everything perfectly until their bodies sang in harmony, rising to crescendo on a blinding wave of ecstasy - and drift back down to pianissimo with the softest of sighs.
"You're okay? I didn't hurt you?"
"No." Clark sighed, turned around, and curled himself into Lex's chest after a reassuring brush of his lips against the bruised cheek. "You can't hurt me."
Lex rested that bruised cheek upon the soft dark waves of Clark's hair, marveling, as always, at its texture. "How long is this going to last?" he asked quietly.
"At least another hour, unless we fall asleep."
"You know what I mean Clark."
A sigh.
"I don't know."
"You won't ever let me be alone will you?"
Clark's voice was faint, betraying that he was falling asleep. "No." he murmured. "I'll always be around."
"Good." Lex whispered. He closed his eyes. "You keep the shadows away Clark."
"Hmmm."
"Don't ever leave me."
"I won't."
But you will, Lex thought. They always do. I lost my mother. I lost Ryan...
I will not lose you Clark. No matter what happens. I will not let you go.
At any cost.