Clark stared out the car window with interest. He'd been out of town many times before but had never been in the position to simply sit and watch as the urban landscape of Metropolis thinned out into the suburbs. Never got the chance to see the suburbs dwindle into flats of farmland. Whenever he had left the city it was usually in father's jet or father's helicopter. When he ran out of the city limits he had to concentrate on not hitting anything, and making sure nothing hit him. No time to watch anything. He admired the yellow-golden glow the sun cast upon the wall of wheat growing alongside the highway.
Corn grew on the other side, but he didn't look at it much. It was more comfortable to lean against the door and stare out of his window rather than sitting up straight and looking through the windshield. He thought he remembered a cornfield for some reason. There was something happening in it. Burning? It was too old and faded to recall correctly. He let it fall through.
Chloe sat in the driver's seat, tapping her hand on the steering wheel along to the beat of a song on the radio Clark didn't know. She jumped at the chance to drive his practically unused Mercedes convertible. Father had bought it for him the day he turned sixteen. He'd used it once, maybe twice since then. He wasn't fond of driving. He thought that the recurring dream of flight played a factor in his dislike.
"Thanks for asking me to come along," she said, fiddling with the radio. "I haven't seen my Dad in months."
No problem, he replied. It would have been pretty boring coming out here by myself. And honestly? I really didn't want to do it alone. Besides, he said smiling at her. Who else would had driven all this way?
She gave him a playful punch on the arm.
"I still say you're crazy for never driving this car. I mean, the handling alone is superb. I barely even have to steer."
You know I don't like driving, he said.
"I know, I know," she sighed. "Just saying I didn't get it is all."
So how come you don't visit your dad as much? He asked.
"Well, I used to come out here on weekends all the time. But that was before I was old enough to join the paper. Dad understands that I'm busy. But I do feel bad for leaving him alone sometimes."
Maybe he has a girlfriend.
"My dad? Ha."
You never know.
"I don't even want to think about that."
So is Smallville really as strange as it's cracked up to be?
"Well it's not Twin Peaks or anything," she replied. "But since that big meteor shower ten or eleven years ago, everyone in town seems to think it's the reason for all unexplained phenomena. I've read a bunch of articles written about the whole incident, my old friend Pete sends them to me. But I couldn't tell you much more than what they said. I don't live there, and when I visit my dad nothing weird ever happens."
Meteor crash huh? Clark said as the "Welcome to Smallville" sign slowly crept into view.
"That's the claim to fame," she replied as they zipped passed it.
***
The front gates were already open when Chloe drove up to them, and she maneuvered the car easily inside. Moving up the driveway she couldn't help but mumble "holy crap" at the sight of the house. It greatly resembled, and was as big as a castle.
"Nice digs Luthor," she said. "It's just your brother that lives here?"
Well, the help lives there too.
"The help?" She admonished. "In the short time I've known you that's the first time you actually sounded rich."
Sorry, he rushed to apologize, not liking the 'rich' label. What about homestead engineers? Is that better?
She laughed lightly.
"I swear Clark, if you weren't such a pretty boy I don't know what you'd have to offer humanity."
I have a few things, he replied.
She laughed again and shook her head. She parked the car next to the fountain, got out, and found herself staring skyward at the roof. "This is entirely too much house," she said.
Clark rang the bell, and could honestly say that Victoria was the last person he ever expected to open the door. He was even more surprised that he had to tilt his head downward to look her in the eye. The last time he'd seen her was when he was fourteen. She had nearly six inches in height on him then. How things changed. Though, if he wanted to keep being honest, he could say that her beauty hadn't.
"Why Clark Luthor," she said, her accent making his ears tingle. "How nice to see you."
She moved to hug him, but not knowing exactly how to react, he remained still while she wrapped her arms around him.
"My, my," she purred, running her hands up and down his back. "How you've grown."
"Ahem," Chloe scoffed, her brow furrowed at the display.
"Oh," Victoria said, turning her head in the blonde's direction, her arms still around Clark. "You've brought a little friend."
Chloe's furrowed brow morphed into a full-grown scowl at the "little friend" comment, but she said nothing.
Clark's cheeks flushed as Victoria slowly removed herself from him and stood aside in the doorway to let them pass. Chloe kicked Clark in the ass when he didn't move at first, and they both stumbled inside.
"I believe Lex is in his office," Victoria said. "I'll go get him."
Clark couldn't help but watch as she made her way up the stairs, pausing on one and turning back to give him a little smile. When she and Lex had "dated" before, he did have a small crush on her. He'd never thought much of it. He'd seen the "little brother gets a crush on the older brother's girlfriend" scenario on TV one too many times. Still, it felt weird seeing her here.
"So who's the bimbo with the accent?" Chloe asked once Victoria was out of earshot.
Clark was still staring at the stairs, and Chloe rolled her eyes before smacking his arm lightly.
"Hey," she huffed. "I'm still here you know."
What? Oh, sorry. It's just that...
"Just that what? I've never seen you go gaga over a pretty girl before Luthor. What's the deal?"
First crush, Clark admitted. She and Lex used to date a few years ago. I guess they're back together or something.
"First crush huh?"
Yeah.
"Not bad as far as first crushes go, I guess. That attitude isn't winning her any points though."
Sorry, Clark said again. She's just the last person I ever expected to see here.
"So you're not going to be 'blush and stare' boy all day? Because if you are I can go to my dad's house right now."
I won't be, Clark assured. I promise.
"Good."
Clark looked at his friend strangely. She was looking at the stairway Victoria had been on just moments ago and... Well the look on her face wasn't exactly friendly. If he didn't know any better, he would have thought she was jealous in some way. Of what, he didn't know. He would have asked if Lex hadn't come walking down the stairs.
"Clark," he said. "It's good to see you."
Clark smiled politely back at his brother. He knew Lex's "friendly in front of other people" routine better than anyone. He shook Lex's hand and exchanged pleasantries. Lex's eyebrow arched when he saw Chloe standing there watching them.
"Don't tell me you brought a girl home little bro," he said with a grin. "Girlfriend?" He asked.
"Just a friend," she replied sticking out her hand. "Chloe Lane-Sullivan."
"Lex," he said as he shook her hand and smiled. "Chloe... Gabe's daughter?"
"Yes."
"He talks about you all the time."
"Oh no," she replied. "Nothing too embarrassing I hope."
"Only to brag I assure you. I hear you're quite the up and coming reporter."
"Guilty," she replied with a laugh, which Lex echoed.
Clark unknowingly took a step closer to his brother, and stood towering over him.
"There a problem Clark?" He asked.
Clark, finally realizing the move, backed off immediately.
No, he mumbled.
"Good."
Lex turned back to Chloe.
"You're staying for dinner aren't you?"
"Is that an invitation?"
"It is."
"Then I accept. I'll have to call my dad and tell him I'll be coming home a bit later than expected."
"Of course."
"It'll be a party;" Victoria threw in as she came to the bottom of the stairs.
Clark watched the display of Lex talking, and even mildly flirting with Chloe. He'd seen Lex do it with a million girls before and never thought anything of it. But this time...
"I wouldn't worry about Lex," Victoria whispered in his ear. "His eyes like to roam but he's not a pervert. You're friend is only sixteen."
So am I, he replied, turning to face her.
He felt her fingertip brushing along the bottom of his earlobe. He brought his shoulders up to shrug her off. He didn't want to be tickled by her in front of Lex and Chloe.
"I didn't say anything about me," she whispered.
***
Dinner was currently going by without incident. Lex and Chloe's foyer chat escalated into full-blown conversation. One Clark didn't think he'd have much to offer for. He merely listened while they went from topic to topic, each expressing strong opinions toward one issue, agreeing on another, and disagreeing over several. Clark wasn't up to date on nearly half of what they discussed. Chalk up another line for how many times he'd felt left out. Victoria tossed in her thoughts every now and then, whenever they talked about something that interested her. But mostly she ignored them.
Every time Clark looked up from his plate he found her staring at him. Her look reminded him of a lioness on the hunt. He felt funny about being the prey. He hadn't seen her in two years, and even then she rarely acknowledged him beyond a mandatory 'hello' when she stopped by the apartment looking for Lex. One glance at the door and suddenly he was prime rib on her menu. He didn't understand. He didn't think he wanted to understand.
His arms tightened on the armrests of the chair every time Lex made Chloe laugh. He had to stop when he heard the wood begin to splinter and crack. The word jealously popped into his head, but he wasn't sure what it covered. The fact that Lex had this seemingly endless fountain of charm, or that Chloe was actually enjoying herself from it.
She was his only friend.
Some part of him wanted to keep it that way. To keep her from Lex and his smiles and bravado. He wanted it to be something that the poison the name Luthor brought with it couldn't touch.
He felt a foot slowly tracing its way up his leg and he lifted his eyes to meet Victoria's. She smiled softly at him and winked. He felt his cheeks grow hot again, and glanced quickly at Lex and Chloe.
He didn't want them to get along so well.
He didn't want Victoria to stir up trouble by shamelessly flirting with him.
He didn't want to eat the lasagna Abe the chef had prepared.
He didn't want anything in this house.
He never got what he truly wanted.
***
Chloe stood next to the Mercedes twirling the keys in her hands. She waved to Lex who remained at the doorway. Clark stood watching the water rippling in the fountain; the lights inside making it look red. He heard the door bang shut and he turned his head to make sure it was closed. It was. He looked back at Chloe, who still had a small grin on her face. He felt his hands tighten against it.
"He's good," she said.
What?
"Your brother. Real smooth talker, knows what to say and how to say it. Knows when to push and when to back off. Real good at keeping that dark cloud in his eyes at bay when he's talking to you. He'll make a killer businessman. Has all the skills already."
Huh?
"Lex," Chloe replied in a 'duh' manner. "You think I really believe he's that nice and genuine? Please. What kind of two-bit hack of a reporter do you take me for? I know how he really is. I've come across some stories and you already told me a lot about him. You don't hide the truth Clark, not even about your family. But Lex? Man. He just screams 'manipulator.' I mean wow. If he can fake being such a nice guy for that long and not even flinch, I feel sorry for whoever crosses him."
You mean you saw through all of that?
"Like looking through a window," she replied.
I thought you two were pretty chummy.
"Well of course I played along. Was I supposed to say 'I know all about you Lex Luthor, so you can just cut this good guy crap'? I don't think so."
Seemed like more than that.
Chloe looked up and smiled at him.
"I don't think green is your color Clark," she teased.
He didn't reply.
"Are you sure you want me to take your car? My dad would pick me up."
I'm not going to use it, he said. Better you have it than me.
"I still say you're crazy for not loving this car."
You and everyone else.
She laughed softly and Clark took a step closer. She smiled softly again and they stood in a comfortable silence. The lights from the fountain cast a small red glow over them and made her hair look pink. The next thing Clark knew he was pulling her closer to him and wrapping his arms gently around her shoulders. He'd never really hugged someone outside of his family. And all those times were completely meaningless. A mere show for no one really watching. Chloe responded by wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning her head against his chest. He felt that small reassurance somewhere inside him as they hugged. The small feeling that she could be trusted. That he could tell her everything. The time didn't feel right. But he was pretty sure it was growing closer all the time. She was his escape from his life. The one thing in a world of witnessed corruption and loneliness that made it all seem worth it. That his strength and power and instinctive nobility, that could in no way shape or form have come from the Luthors, was all meant for something. That he was truly destined for greater things and greater use. He knew it was silly to place all these things in the arms of one person. But at the moment it felt that way.
I glad you came, he said.
"Me too," she replied.
Drive safely, he said pulling back.
"I'll call you tomorrow," she said getting into the car. "We'll wander around town and you'll see that the 'small' isn't just a clever name."
He smiled.
She started the car and gave one last wave before putting it in gear and driving around the fountain. Clark watched as the taillights drifted down the drive and didn't move until they had disappeared. He sighed. He almost wished she were staying over. He didn't want to spend the night in the lavishly filled, yet empty, house.
***
Victoria was very good at being the last person Clark expected to see behind opened doors.
He'd wandered up the stairs to try and find Lex's office. He figured now was the best time to tell him father's intentions for his visit. He knew that father had probably taken his confession into account, but sent him anyway. The mansion seemed like more of a maze than a house. Even with his speed, finding the office was proving to be difficult. Stopping somewhere in the east wing, he focused his eyes to the point where all the walls slowly faded away. He saw the skeletal form of someone typing on a computer in a room just twenty doors away. Assuming it was Lex, he quickly made his way toward it. When he opened the door, there was Victoria. Typing furiously and not even noticing that he'd come in. Lex had never been the type to share his things before. And in one month's time, he doubted his brother had changed that much.
Does Lex know you're using that? He asked.
Her head snapped up quickly, and the look on her face was one of instant guilt. It easily faded away into a seductive smile, and Clark knew that Lex was probably unaware of her use of his computer.
"Not going to tattle on me I hope?" She said smoothly. "Just a curious little bird I am."
She moved around the edge of the desk, the smile never faltering, her eyes glowing with delight.
Um...
"Lex has been a very busy boy," she said nodding her head toward the computer. "Though I'm sure your father is quite aware of that. You are here after all..."
Uh....
"Tell me Clark," she asked. "You and your little friend. You are just friends aren't you?"
She was getting awfully close.
J-just friends, he managed to reply.
"Didn't look like a 'just friends' hug outside," she said.
You were watching us?
"You'd be surprised how many eyes this house has Clark."
Why do you want to know?
"A curious bird remember?" She smiled. "Haven't you been noticing the way I've been looking at you? Don't tell me you're really that naive."
I'm not.
"I didn't think so."
Even closer.
"Are you going to tell Lex I was playing in his sandbox?"
I...
"Because I could think of so many more fun things to do rather than talking to your brother."
So close.
"You've grown into quite the beautiful boy Clark," she purred, now close enough to run her hand slowly across his chest. "I knew that the second I opened that door today. So honest. So pure."
She circled around him. A lioness and her prey.
"I don't know how you can be this way. Not with that tyrant of a father you have, and certainly not with a brother like Lex."
Hands slowly moving underneath clothing, the skin of her hands so smooth against his stomach.
"Curious little bird," she whispered into his ear. "Wants to know what makes you tick."
Lips on the side of his neck. Hands moving lower.
I have to go, Clark said, breaking away from her.
She gave him a pout and tiptoed closer again.
"Don't want to play Clark?"
Chloe, he said.
"Just a friend."
Lex.
"We have an arrangement, you might say."
What kind of arrangement?
"Now, now," she cautioned. "Can't reveal all my dirty little secrets."
I should go find Lex.
"He's out on the balcony."
Okay.
"You're not going to tell on me are you Clark? You know he never liked it when I misbehaved."
So close again.
"You won't tell will you?"
I...
"Not if I let you touch me?"
I have to go, he said turning and fleeing out of the office.
***
"Either you have a will of steel," Lex said as Clark approached. "Or I just might have to question your orientation."
You saw all of that?
"There's very little that goes on in this house without me knowing Clark."
So you saw?
"That Victoria was going through files on my computer? Of course."
What? You know and you let her do it?
"I let her see what she wants to Clark."
I don't get it.
"It's better if you don't try to."
Clark frowned at his brother. So many things he wanted to say, never a way to actually say them.
"You know I was wondering just the other day how long it would be before Dad sent you to spy on me."
I really wish he hadn't, Clark replied.
"You shouldn't expect so much of him Clark," Lex replied with a grin. "You'll only be disappointed."
So you know why Dad sent me here, and you know Victoria is going through your files.
"I know a lot of things."
The look on Lex's face made something inside Clark feel uneasy. His brother looked at him with deceitful, yet knowledge filled eyes. He felt the instinctive urge to run away. He knew that whatever Lex might have to say, he truly didn't to know.
Like what? He found himself saying.
"Like details about your adoption."
Why would I want to know those?
"Because there is one interesting little detail, amidst a handful of other little interesting details mind you, that I think you might want to know."
Damn it Lex! Clark shouted. Why would you root around my adoption? What are you trying to do here? I know we haven't gotten along all the time. And I know why dad sent me here, but you know I was going to tell you. I've never lied to you Lex. Why would I start now?
"Are you sure you don't want to know?
Are you even listening? If it's about my real parents I don't want to know okay? They're either dead or simply didn't want me. It doesn't matter either way. It doesn't matter who they are.
"Actually," Lex said, a small smirk on his lips.
Clark wanted to knock it clean off his face.
"I wasn't talking about that Clark. You're file says nothing about any natural parents at all."
Then what are you talking about?
"The fact that dad essentially stole you from someone else."
What?
"Another family tried to adopt you Clark. They were pretty determined too it seems. But you know dad. He always gets what he wants."
Clark felt his body grow numb. Why would his father want to adopt him so badly he'd take him away from someone else? No thoughts could form through the haze. It was simply too much to process all at once. He took one last tired look at his brother and turned to leave.
"Hey Clark," Lex called after him. "I heard about the school paper gig. Nice to see you so outgoing for a change."
Corn grew on the other side, but he didn't look at it much. It was more comfortable to lean against the door and stare out of his window rather than sitting up straight and looking through the windshield. He thought he remembered a cornfield for some reason. There was something happening in it. Burning? It was too old and faded to recall correctly. He let it fall through.
Chloe sat in the driver's seat, tapping her hand on the steering wheel along to the beat of a song on the radio Clark didn't know. She jumped at the chance to drive his practically unused Mercedes convertible. Father had bought it for him the day he turned sixteen. He'd used it once, maybe twice since then. He wasn't fond of driving. He thought that the recurring dream of flight played a factor in his dislike.
"Thanks for asking me to come along," she said, fiddling with the radio. "I haven't seen my Dad in months."
No problem, he replied. It would have been pretty boring coming out here by myself. And honestly? I really didn't want to do it alone. Besides, he said smiling at her. Who else would had driven all this way?
She gave him a playful punch on the arm.
"I still say you're crazy for never driving this car. I mean, the handling alone is superb. I barely even have to steer."
You know I don't like driving, he said.
"I know, I know," she sighed. "Just saying I didn't get it is all."
So how come you don't visit your dad as much? He asked.
"Well, I used to come out here on weekends all the time. But that was before I was old enough to join the paper. Dad understands that I'm busy. But I do feel bad for leaving him alone sometimes."
Maybe he has a girlfriend.
"My dad? Ha."
You never know.
"I don't even want to think about that."
So is Smallville really as strange as it's cracked up to be?
"Well it's not Twin Peaks or anything," she replied. "But since that big meteor shower ten or eleven years ago, everyone in town seems to think it's the reason for all unexplained phenomena. I've read a bunch of articles written about the whole incident, my old friend Pete sends them to me. But I couldn't tell you much more than what they said. I don't live there, and when I visit my dad nothing weird ever happens."
Meteor crash huh? Clark said as the "Welcome to Smallville" sign slowly crept into view.
"That's the claim to fame," she replied as they zipped passed it.
***
The front gates were already open when Chloe drove up to them, and she maneuvered the car easily inside. Moving up the driveway she couldn't help but mumble "holy crap" at the sight of the house. It greatly resembled, and was as big as a castle.
"Nice digs Luthor," she said. "It's just your brother that lives here?"
Well, the help lives there too.
"The help?" She admonished. "In the short time I've known you that's the first time you actually sounded rich."
Sorry, he rushed to apologize, not liking the 'rich' label. What about homestead engineers? Is that better?
She laughed lightly.
"I swear Clark, if you weren't such a pretty boy I don't know what you'd have to offer humanity."
I have a few things, he replied.
She laughed again and shook her head. She parked the car next to the fountain, got out, and found herself staring skyward at the roof. "This is entirely too much house," she said.
Clark rang the bell, and could honestly say that Victoria was the last person he ever expected to open the door. He was even more surprised that he had to tilt his head downward to look her in the eye. The last time he'd seen her was when he was fourteen. She had nearly six inches in height on him then. How things changed. Though, if he wanted to keep being honest, he could say that her beauty hadn't.
"Why Clark Luthor," she said, her accent making his ears tingle. "How nice to see you."
She moved to hug him, but not knowing exactly how to react, he remained still while she wrapped her arms around him.
"My, my," she purred, running her hands up and down his back. "How you've grown."
"Ahem," Chloe scoffed, her brow furrowed at the display.
"Oh," Victoria said, turning her head in the blonde's direction, her arms still around Clark. "You've brought a little friend."
Chloe's furrowed brow morphed into a full-grown scowl at the "little friend" comment, but she said nothing.
Clark's cheeks flushed as Victoria slowly removed herself from him and stood aside in the doorway to let them pass. Chloe kicked Clark in the ass when he didn't move at first, and they both stumbled inside.
"I believe Lex is in his office," Victoria said. "I'll go get him."
Clark couldn't help but watch as she made her way up the stairs, pausing on one and turning back to give him a little smile. When she and Lex had "dated" before, he did have a small crush on her. He'd never thought much of it. He'd seen the "little brother gets a crush on the older brother's girlfriend" scenario on TV one too many times. Still, it felt weird seeing her here.
"So who's the bimbo with the accent?" Chloe asked once Victoria was out of earshot.
Clark was still staring at the stairs, and Chloe rolled her eyes before smacking his arm lightly.
"Hey," she huffed. "I'm still here you know."
What? Oh, sorry. It's just that...
"Just that what? I've never seen you go gaga over a pretty girl before Luthor. What's the deal?"
First crush, Clark admitted. She and Lex used to date a few years ago. I guess they're back together or something.
"First crush huh?"
Yeah.
"Not bad as far as first crushes go, I guess. That attitude isn't winning her any points though."
Sorry, Clark said again. She's just the last person I ever expected to see here.
"So you're not going to be 'blush and stare' boy all day? Because if you are I can go to my dad's house right now."
I won't be, Clark assured. I promise.
"Good."
Clark looked at his friend strangely. She was looking at the stairway Victoria had been on just moments ago and... Well the look on her face wasn't exactly friendly. If he didn't know any better, he would have thought she was jealous in some way. Of what, he didn't know. He would have asked if Lex hadn't come walking down the stairs.
"Clark," he said. "It's good to see you."
Clark smiled politely back at his brother. He knew Lex's "friendly in front of other people" routine better than anyone. He shook Lex's hand and exchanged pleasantries. Lex's eyebrow arched when he saw Chloe standing there watching them.
"Don't tell me you brought a girl home little bro," he said with a grin. "Girlfriend?" He asked.
"Just a friend," she replied sticking out her hand. "Chloe Lane-Sullivan."
"Lex," he said as he shook her hand and smiled. "Chloe... Gabe's daughter?"
"Yes."
"He talks about you all the time."
"Oh no," she replied. "Nothing too embarrassing I hope."
"Only to brag I assure you. I hear you're quite the up and coming reporter."
"Guilty," she replied with a laugh, which Lex echoed.
Clark unknowingly took a step closer to his brother, and stood towering over him.
"There a problem Clark?" He asked.
Clark, finally realizing the move, backed off immediately.
No, he mumbled.
"Good."
Lex turned back to Chloe.
"You're staying for dinner aren't you?"
"Is that an invitation?"
"It is."
"Then I accept. I'll have to call my dad and tell him I'll be coming home a bit later than expected."
"Of course."
"It'll be a party;" Victoria threw in as she came to the bottom of the stairs.
Clark watched the display of Lex talking, and even mildly flirting with Chloe. He'd seen Lex do it with a million girls before and never thought anything of it. But this time...
"I wouldn't worry about Lex," Victoria whispered in his ear. "His eyes like to roam but he's not a pervert. You're friend is only sixteen."
So am I, he replied, turning to face her.
He felt her fingertip brushing along the bottom of his earlobe. He brought his shoulders up to shrug her off. He didn't want to be tickled by her in front of Lex and Chloe.
"I didn't say anything about me," she whispered.
***
Dinner was currently going by without incident. Lex and Chloe's foyer chat escalated into full-blown conversation. One Clark didn't think he'd have much to offer for. He merely listened while they went from topic to topic, each expressing strong opinions toward one issue, agreeing on another, and disagreeing over several. Clark wasn't up to date on nearly half of what they discussed. Chalk up another line for how many times he'd felt left out. Victoria tossed in her thoughts every now and then, whenever they talked about something that interested her. But mostly she ignored them.
Every time Clark looked up from his plate he found her staring at him. Her look reminded him of a lioness on the hunt. He felt funny about being the prey. He hadn't seen her in two years, and even then she rarely acknowledged him beyond a mandatory 'hello' when she stopped by the apartment looking for Lex. One glance at the door and suddenly he was prime rib on her menu. He didn't understand. He didn't think he wanted to understand.
His arms tightened on the armrests of the chair every time Lex made Chloe laugh. He had to stop when he heard the wood begin to splinter and crack. The word jealously popped into his head, but he wasn't sure what it covered. The fact that Lex had this seemingly endless fountain of charm, or that Chloe was actually enjoying herself from it.
She was his only friend.
Some part of him wanted to keep it that way. To keep her from Lex and his smiles and bravado. He wanted it to be something that the poison the name Luthor brought with it couldn't touch.
He felt a foot slowly tracing its way up his leg and he lifted his eyes to meet Victoria's. She smiled softly at him and winked. He felt his cheeks grow hot again, and glanced quickly at Lex and Chloe.
He didn't want them to get along so well.
He didn't want Victoria to stir up trouble by shamelessly flirting with him.
He didn't want to eat the lasagna Abe the chef had prepared.
He didn't want anything in this house.
He never got what he truly wanted.
***
Chloe stood next to the Mercedes twirling the keys in her hands. She waved to Lex who remained at the doorway. Clark stood watching the water rippling in the fountain; the lights inside making it look red. He heard the door bang shut and he turned his head to make sure it was closed. It was. He looked back at Chloe, who still had a small grin on her face. He felt his hands tighten against it.
"He's good," she said.
What?
"Your brother. Real smooth talker, knows what to say and how to say it. Knows when to push and when to back off. Real good at keeping that dark cloud in his eyes at bay when he's talking to you. He'll make a killer businessman. Has all the skills already."
Huh?
"Lex," Chloe replied in a 'duh' manner. "You think I really believe he's that nice and genuine? Please. What kind of two-bit hack of a reporter do you take me for? I know how he really is. I've come across some stories and you already told me a lot about him. You don't hide the truth Clark, not even about your family. But Lex? Man. He just screams 'manipulator.' I mean wow. If he can fake being such a nice guy for that long and not even flinch, I feel sorry for whoever crosses him."
You mean you saw through all of that?
"Like looking through a window," she replied.
I thought you two were pretty chummy.
"Well of course I played along. Was I supposed to say 'I know all about you Lex Luthor, so you can just cut this good guy crap'? I don't think so."
Seemed like more than that.
Chloe looked up and smiled at him.
"I don't think green is your color Clark," she teased.
He didn't reply.
"Are you sure you want me to take your car? My dad would pick me up."
I'm not going to use it, he said. Better you have it than me.
"I still say you're crazy for not loving this car."
You and everyone else.
She laughed softly and Clark took a step closer. She smiled softly again and they stood in a comfortable silence. The lights from the fountain cast a small red glow over them and made her hair look pink. The next thing Clark knew he was pulling her closer to him and wrapping his arms gently around her shoulders. He'd never really hugged someone outside of his family. And all those times were completely meaningless. A mere show for no one really watching. Chloe responded by wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning her head against his chest. He felt that small reassurance somewhere inside him as they hugged. The small feeling that she could be trusted. That he could tell her everything. The time didn't feel right. But he was pretty sure it was growing closer all the time. She was his escape from his life. The one thing in a world of witnessed corruption and loneliness that made it all seem worth it. That his strength and power and instinctive nobility, that could in no way shape or form have come from the Luthors, was all meant for something. That he was truly destined for greater things and greater use. He knew it was silly to place all these things in the arms of one person. But at the moment it felt that way.
I glad you came, he said.
"Me too," she replied.
Drive safely, he said pulling back.
"I'll call you tomorrow," she said getting into the car. "We'll wander around town and you'll see that the 'small' isn't just a clever name."
He smiled.
She started the car and gave one last wave before putting it in gear and driving around the fountain. Clark watched as the taillights drifted down the drive and didn't move until they had disappeared. He sighed. He almost wished she were staying over. He didn't want to spend the night in the lavishly filled, yet empty, house.
***
Victoria was very good at being the last person Clark expected to see behind opened doors.
He'd wandered up the stairs to try and find Lex's office. He figured now was the best time to tell him father's intentions for his visit. He knew that father had probably taken his confession into account, but sent him anyway. The mansion seemed like more of a maze than a house. Even with his speed, finding the office was proving to be difficult. Stopping somewhere in the east wing, he focused his eyes to the point where all the walls slowly faded away. He saw the skeletal form of someone typing on a computer in a room just twenty doors away. Assuming it was Lex, he quickly made his way toward it. When he opened the door, there was Victoria. Typing furiously and not even noticing that he'd come in. Lex had never been the type to share his things before. And in one month's time, he doubted his brother had changed that much.
Does Lex know you're using that? He asked.
Her head snapped up quickly, and the look on her face was one of instant guilt. It easily faded away into a seductive smile, and Clark knew that Lex was probably unaware of her use of his computer.
"Not going to tattle on me I hope?" She said smoothly. "Just a curious little bird I am."
She moved around the edge of the desk, the smile never faltering, her eyes glowing with delight.
Um...
"Lex has been a very busy boy," she said nodding her head toward the computer. "Though I'm sure your father is quite aware of that. You are here after all..."
Uh....
"Tell me Clark," she asked. "You and your little friend. You are just friends aren't you?"
She was getting awfully close.
J-just friends, he managed to reply.
"Didn't look like a 'just friends' hug outside," she said.
You were watching us?
"You'd be surprised how many eyes this house has Clark."
Why do you want to know?
"A curious bird remember?" She smiled. "Haven't you been noticing the way I've been looking at you? Don't tell me you're really that naive."
I'm not.
"I didn't think so."
Even closer.
"Are you going to tell Lex I was playing in his sandbox?"
I...
"Because I could think of so many more fun things to do rather than talking to your brother."
So close.
"You've grown into quite the beautiful boy Clark," she purred, now close enough to run her hand slowly across his chest. "I knew that the second I opened that door today. So honest. So pure."
She circled around him. A lioness and her prey.
"I don't know how you can be this way. Not with that tyrant of a father you have, and certainly not with a brother like Lex."
Hands slowly moving underneath clothing, the skin of her hands so smooth against his stomach.
"Curious little bird," she whispered into his ear. "Wants to know what makes you tick."
Lips on the side of his neck. Hands moving lower.
I have to go, Clark said, breaking away from her.
She gave him a pout and tiptoed closer again.
"Don't want to play Clark?"
Chloe, he said.
"Just a friend."
Lex.
"We have an arrangement, you might say."
What kind of arrangement?
"Now, now," she cautioned. "Can't reveal all my dirty little secrets."
I should go find Lex.
"He's out on the balcony."
Okay.
"You're not going to tell on me are you Clark? You know he never liked it when I misbehaved."
So close again.
"You won't tell will you?"
I...
"Not if I let you touch me?"
I have to go, he said turning and fleeing out of the office.
***
"Either you have a will of steel," Lex said as Clark approached. "Or I just might have to question your orientation."
You saw all of that?
"There's very little that goes on in this house without me knowing Clark."
So you saw?
"That Victoria was going through files on my computer? Of course."
What? You know and you let her do it?
"I let her see what she wants to Clark."
I don't get it.
"It's better if you don't try to."
Clark frowned at his brother. So many things he wanted to say, never a way to actually say them.
"You know I was wondering just the other day how long it would be before Dad sent you to spy on me."
I really wish he hadn't, Clark replied.
"You shouldn't expect so much of him Clark," Lex replied with a grin. "You'll only be disappointed."
So you know why Dad sent me here, and you know Victoria is going through your files.
"I know a lot of things."
The look on Lex's face made something inside Clark feel uneasy. His brother looked at him with deceitful, yet knowledge filled eyes. He felt the instinctive urge to run away. He knew that whatever Lex might have to say, he truly didn't to know.
Like what? He found himself saying.
"Like details about your adoption."
Why would I want to know those?
"Because there is one interesting little detail, amidst a handful of other little interesting details mind you, that I think you might want to know."
Damn it Lex! Clark shouted. Why would you root around my adoption? What are you trying to do here? I know we haven't gotten along all the time. And I know why dad sent me here, but you know I was going to tell you. I've never lied to you Lex. Why would I start now?
"Are you sure you don't want to know?
Are you even listening? If it's about my real parents I don't want to know okay? They're either dead or simply didn't want me. It doesn't matter either way. It doesn't matter who they are.
"Actually," Lex said, a small smirk on his lips.
Clark wanted to knock it clean off his face.
"I wasn't talking about that Clark. You're file says nothing about any natural parents at all."
Then what are you talking about?
"The fact that dad essentially stole you from someone else."
What?
"Another family tried to adopt you Clark. They were pretty determined too it seems. But you know dad. He always gets what he wants."
Clark felt his body grow numb. Why would his father want to adopt him so badly he'd take him away from someone else? No thoughts could form through the haze. It was simply too much to process all at once. He took one last tired look at his brother and turned to leave.
"Hey Clark," Lex called after him. "I heard about the school paper gig. Nice to see you so outgoing for a change."