The Sins of the Father Part II
A Smallville Story By Merrie Thomas
Disclaimer: I'll look after them if you don't want them. Really, I will. Summary: Lex has been targeted by an assassin, and it's up to Clark and Co. to save him before it's too late. Characters: All, Lucien Caldwell, OFC. Author's Note: While this is not my first attempt at fanfiction, this is my first attempt at Smallville fanfiction, and I'm not entirely up to date on all things Smallville, so please be kind with your comments and criticisms. Thank you. Oh, and by the way, this is an AU story. Also, I've recently discovered that I am a Lex/Chloe shipper, so some of that obsession may come out in this story. You have been warned. ;-) Oh, and for those of you who reviewed, thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I did a little, (well, not so little actually) happy dance when I read them. You guys are great!!!!!! Rating: This story is rated PG-13 For violence and language.
Chapter Two
'Damn it!' Lucien yelled at himself. 'You had him and you let him get away! He was in your sights, and you missed him! Damn kid! If he hadn't pushed Luthor out of the way, he would have accomplished his goal and Lex Luthor would have been dead. Lucien shook himself, forcing himself to be calm. 'It doesn't matter.' He thought with a grim smile. 'I will get another chance.' For a moment, some far away part of his brain rationally informed him that now Luthor knew that he was after him, he would most certainly heighten his security. Lucien ignored this voice, past the point of caring or even rational thought for that matter. The only thoughts that filled his mind were of the sweet feeling of revenge.
Despite what he had told Lex, Clark ran immediately for the windows, hoping to catch a glimpse of whoever had been shooting at him. He scanned the area around the farm, using his x-ray vision until he came upon a human skeleton. About 100 yards in front of his farm, a man was lying in a prone position with a rifle pointed at his front door. Clark sighed angrily. The shooter was still here, and didn't look to be leaving any time soon. Worse yet, the man had positioned himself to see all exits from the farm, and would know immediately if Lex tried to leave. Lex was trapped. Unless he wanted to be shot, he would have no choice but to stay with them tonight. "Oh man," Clark said to himself. "Dad is not going to like this."
In the Kent's living room, Lex thought over Clark's strange statement. 'What could he possibly need upstairs? And why would he need it now?' He absent mindedly rubbed at his neck. 'Damn Clark is strong. I wouldn't be surprised if I had a bruise tomorrow from when he pushed me to the ground.' Now that Lex had time to breath and think, he went over what had happened. He came to a sudden disturbing realization. 'Clark knew the bullet was coming before I did. There's no way I should be alive right now. Just how many secrets does he have?' Before his mind could even try and answer that question, Clark came back downstairs. He tried to keep his face blank, but he wasn't very successful. Something was up. "Dad? Can I talk to you in the kitchen for a minute?" Lex glanced over to Mr. Kent in time to catch his reaction. A look of understanding and non-surprise passed over his face. It was almost as if he had been expecting that Clark would want to talk with him privately after coming back. What was wrong with this situation?'
"Sure, Clark." He turned towards Mrs. Kent and I. "I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere." He said with a small smile. 'As if we could,' Lex thought grimly.
"What is it, son?" Jonathan asked once they knew they wouldn't be overheard. "Is the shooter still out there?"
"Yeah, dad. I saw him. He's in the field in front of the house, his gun aimed at our front door. He didn't seem camouflaged though, so my guess is that he'll leave after the sun comes up."
Jonathan sighed. "So what you're telling me is that if Lex leaves the house tonight, he'll most likely be shot."
"Yep. That seems to be the situation. Now, I know you don't like Lex dad, but we can't just let him go off into certain death, can we?"
"No Clark. I wouldn't do that to anyone. Not even a Luthor. He'll have to stay here tonight." He turned to go back into the living room, Clark following behind him. Lex and Martha glanced up when they entered the room.
"Lex? We all feel that the shooter is still out there, and that they were indeed aiming for you, not Clark, so I want you to stay here tonight."
"No-I couldn't-" Lex started, raising a hand.
"It's not an option, son. If you don't stay here, you'll most likely be shot and killed, and I could never forgive myself for allowing that to happen when I could have prevented it."
"But-" Lex stuttered, secretly relieved that Jonathan would be willing to accept him into his home. A Luthor in the Kent household.
"Jonathan's right, Lex. You need to stay here tonight. We have a guest room you can use. It's probably not what you're used to, but it will do for now." Martha added. "Let me get you some fresh linens from the closet."
Lex didn't know what to say, so he glanced up at Clark. "Please, Lex." Clark said. "Stay with us tonight. You're my friend, and I don't want anything happening to you."
"Alright. I'll stay. If you're sure I won't be causing any trouble." He glanced at Jonathan.
"No, you won't cause any trouble. You may be a Luthor, but you've also been a good friend to Clark, and that's good enough for me." Jonathan gave a small smile and turned to go help his wife.
"See? My dad doesn't think you're all bad." Clark said with a grin.
"I don't know, Clark. I just don't feel right about staying here. How about I just go back to the mansion?"
"And get shot on our front porch? I don't think so. You're staying here tonight, Lex. You might as well accept it."
"Ok, ok. I won't argue. But I'm leaving tomorrow morning."
"We'll see." Was all Clark would say to that. "It's late. How about we both get some sleep?"
Lex glanced at his watch, noting that the time wasn't even close to when he normally went to bed, but he didn't argue. "Alright, Clark." He said, following him up the stairs to the guest room. Inside, he found Jonathan and Martha just finishing making the bed and closing the curtains.
"There," Jonathan said. "As long as you stay away from the windows, I think you'll be fine for tonight. Good night Lex." Jonathan said, turning to leave.
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. I'm sure Clark will be able to lend you some pajamas and clothes for the morning. And tomorrow, we'll figure out what to do next. Good night." Martha said, placing a hand on Lex's shoulder. Lex flinched, but relaxed at her smile.
"Good night." he said.
"Let me get you some clothes." Clark said, leaving to get some from his room. He returned with a pair of flannel pajamas. "Now I know they're not silk, and they'll probably be a bit big for you, but they're clean and probably much more comfortable to sleep in than a suit. Also, here's a clean shirt for tomorrow. I don't have any pants that would fit you sorry."
Lex smiled. "I'm sure they'll be fine." he said, accepting the clothes. "Good night, Clark."
"Good night, Lex. If anything should happen during the night, my room is just down the hall."
"I'll keep that in mind, thank you." Clark turned and left, and Lex set himself to the task of changing into the overly large flannel pajamas. Lex chuckled. 'A bit big for me, huh? I'm swimming in them.' He laid his dirty clothes neatly on a chair beside the bed and turned off the light. He didn't think he would be able, but he would try and get some sleep.
Clark was awoken in the middle of the night by a strange sound. He groaned and blearily looked at the clock. 3:20 am. He silently cursed. He would have to get up in a few hours anyway, but it would have been nice to sleep soundly through them. He shook his head as he heard the sound again. Curious, he got out of bed and made his way into the hallway. He followed the sound to the door of the guest room. For a minute, his sleep-fogged brain couldn't figure out why there would be sounds coming from the room. No one ever used it. It suddenly came back to him in a flash. Lex! Lex was in that room! "Lex?" He called quietly, trying not to wake his parents. There was no answer. He tried the door knob, slowly pushing the door open. "Lex? Are you ok?" Again he got no answer, so Clark made his way into the room as silently as he could. Lex was having a nightmare, that much was obvious at first sight. The blankets were all on the floor, and Lex was covered in sweat. "No," Lex mumbled, still dreaming. "Don't leave me, I'm sorry. I'll do anything you want, just don't leave me!" Clark reached a hand over on his friend's shoulder gently, not wanting to frighten him.
"Lex? You're having a nightmare. Wake up." He gently shook Lex until he was greeted with a gasp and wide eyes.
"Clark? What are you doing here?" Lex asked.
"Quiet, we don't want to wake my parents up if they're not already. You were having a nightmare."
"I was?" Lex paused, obviously remembering it.
"What was it about? You were talking to yourself in your sleep."
"It's nothing, Clark. I don't even remember it. You can go back to sleep, thanks."
Clark didn't believe for a second that Lex was telling the truth, but he didn't want to push him. "Alright. You try and go back to sleep as well. I'll see you in the morning." He turned to leave, closing the door behind him as he went.
The next morning came without further incident, but Clark couldn't stop thinking about what had happened. 'Lex obviously remembered the dream, why wouldn't he tell me about it? Does he think he's the only one who has nightmares?' Clark sighed and made his way downstairs to do his morning chores before breakfast. He found his mother in the kitchen, already up and making breakfast. Clark was sometimes amazed how she could do it every morning. "Good morning, Clark." She said, interrupting his thoughts. "Did you have a good sleep?" Clark nodded, not wanting to tell his mother about Lex's nightmare. Somehow, he figured Lex didn't want anyone to know about it. "I don't suppose Lex is up yet, is he?" she asked.
Clark laughed. "Yeah right mom, he probably didn't get to sleep until late, as well. You should have seen the look on his face when I told him that I was going to bed. I don't think he's used to going to bed before the birds wake up."
"No, I don't imagine he is. Well, if you do see him, tell him breakfast will be on the table in a half an hour. You might as well get to your chores. Your father is already outside." Clark nodded and figured his previous assumption about the shooter was correct. His father wouldn't have gone outside if he had still been out there. Lex was safe to leave for now, but Clark didn't think that whoever was doing this would just give up and walk away without making other plans. Clark didn't want Lex to be alone today. Pushing these thoughts away for the time being, Clark raced around to do his chores, becoming little more than a blur in the early morning light.
Lex slowly awoke to the sound of knocking on the door to his temporary room. "Lex? I'm sorry to wake you, but breakfast is on the table." Clark's voice carried though the door.
"Alright, I'll be down. Give me a minute." Lex replied, rubbing a hand over his face. He leaned over to pick up his watch from where he had set it the night before. 7am. He thought disgustedly. He hated getting up early, but he knew an early start would be necessary in a farming household. He groaned and got out of bed, unbidden thoughts of his nightmare disrupting his thoughts. 'I haven't had that dream in years,' he mused to himself. He shrugged it off and decided it was probably due to the stress he had experienced the previous evening. He had been nearly killed. No wonder he was having nightmares. It wouldn't have been 'nearly killed' if it hadn't been for Clark. 'Just how many times has he saved my life?' He wondered. 'At least more than once. What is his story?'
He looked over the sweater Clark had left for him the night before. It would definitely be big on him, but he wouldn't have to wear it for very long anyway. He briefly thought over taking a shower, but decided it could wait until he got back to the mansion. He quickly changed back into his black dress pants, socks, and leather shoes from the night before, and pulled on the large blue sweater. Lex chuckled as the noticed how baggy it hung on him, the sleeves longer than his arms. He turned and made the bed neatly, and folded and placed the pajamas on it. He set his dirty silk shirt neatly beside it and after a quick smoothing over of his appearance, he made his way downstairs. 'That's one perk of being bald,' he thought with a small smile as he walked down the stairs, rolling the too-long sleeves up, 'no bed head in the mornings to worry about.' He found himself greeted with a scene he had only really seen on television, an entire family sitting down together for a family meal.
"Good morning, Lex. Please take a seat." Martha Kent said gesturing to an empty chair next to her and Clark. A warm feeling of acceptance shot through him, and he couldn't help but grin.
"Thank you, Mrs. Kent. It smells wonderful." he looked over what lay before him. Bacon, scrambled eggs, and black coffee.
"I didn't know how you'd want your coffee, so I just left it black. There's cream and sugar if you want it." She said, gesturing, trying for all her might to act like there was nothing unusual at all to having him in the house.
"Thank you, black will be fine. This looks excellent, thank you." Lex said as he began to eat quickly and precisely.
Jonathan Kent noticed his speed, and spoke up, "Slow down, Lex. The food's not going anywhere. Do you always eat like that, or do you just want to leave?"
Lex stopped eating and wiped his mouth with a napkin before speaking. "In answer to your question, I don't usually sit down to eat at all. Too much to do and too little time to do it in."
"You mean you don't have family meals?" Martha asked, her voice betraying a little shock.
Lex gave a small laugh at that. "Hardly ever. When I eat, it's usually in my office in front of the computer."
"You mean you don't have meals with your father?" Martha pressed.
"I don't see my father very often, Mrs. Kent. And when I do, it's usually for business rather than a family meal."
"Oh. I'm sorry." she said quietly.
"Don't be, it's not your problem." Lex said. The table sat in silence for a while as they ate.
"Lex? I know we talked about this last night and you didn't agree, but I still think that we should inform the police of what is happening." Jonathan said.
Lex sighed. "I know you're trying to help, Mr. Kent, but you must believe me. Calling in the police does no good whatsoever. The assassin is usually stopped, forced underground, but never caught. I'm not saying that I will keep the police out of it entirely, but for right now I have to handle things on my own."
"You sound as if you've gone through this before. Is that how your mother-" Martha trailed off, not wanting to bring up a sore topic, but curiosity getting the better of her.
"Yes, I have live under death threats before, and no that's not how my mother died." Lex answered quietly.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up." Martha said, looking down at the table.
"Don't worry about it, I'm not upset. You wanted to know, so you asked. There's nothing wrong with that."
"How many death threats have you lived under?" Clark asked, trying to save his mother from having to say something else.
"Oh I don't know, a few." Lex said, shrugging it off.
"A few as in how many?" Clark pressed.
"Son-" Jonathan started.
"No, it's ok, Mr. Kent. Like mother, like son. I don't mind answering their questions. I really don't." He turned to Clark. "I'm not quite sure though, Clark. A lot. I'm afraid that's the best answer I can give. I don't like to keep track of such things."
"How did you live like that? Knowing someone wanted to kill you?"
Lex sighed. "Unfortunately, it's one of the consequences of being the heir to something like Luthor Corp. Also, my father has managed to make quite a few enemies in his lifetime. He's not the most gentle of men as I'm sure you've realized. Some people wanted to get back at him for it. What better way than targeting Lionel Luthor's only heir? Without me, Luthor Corp would be finished."
"I don't see how you can treat this like it's nothing. Aren't you angry with your father for forcing you into that position?" Clark asked.
"Of course I am, Clark. But what am I going to do about it? You've seen the way people act around me because of my father. How they judge me based on what he has done."
Jonathan had the good grace to look embarrassed, although Lex wasn't aiming his comment toward him. "But I can't let it get to me. I won't let it get to me. If I did, my father will have won."
"I didn't know it was about winning." Clark said.
"Everything between my father and I is about winning, Clark. About who has won more battles. It has been that way for a very long time. We fight and claw at each other all the time. I'm ashamed to say that that was most of the reason for my dark past. I rebelled and did the things that I did because I knew they would hurt my father. In fact, after all the shit I've pulled, I wouldn't be surprised it he kicked me out of the house and sent me away where he wouldn't have to deal with me. Oh wait, he has done that." Lex joked, trying to make light of the situation.
'Why does he do that?' Clark wondered. 'He acts as if none of this is affecting him when I know it is. Why does he feel the need to hide from his emotions?'
"Thank you for the meal, and for your gracious hospitality, but I must go. I have to find out who is doing this to me."
"But Lex, what if the shooter is still out there?" Clark asked, trying to stall.
"Oh come on, Clark. In broad daylight? And besides, your father went out this morning, didn't he?"
"Yeah..." Clark answered slowly.
"And he wouldn't have risked it if the shooter had still been out there, now would he?"
"No, I guess not. I just don't like the fact that you're going off by yourself. I don't think this guy is going to give up after just one try. I wish I could go with you."
"I do too, Clark. I feel safer with you around. You've saved my life, what, three times now? Once is pretty incredible, but three times? I may have to hire you on as a professional body guard if you keep this up. I feel like I should be paying you."
Clark laughed. "It's not my fault you're a bad driver, a bad negotiator, and no one likes you."
"Hey!" Lex said mock punching Clark on the shoulder.
Martha and Jonathan smiled as they cleared the table. As much as anyone could say about Lex Luthor, he was good to Clark. He treated him as a confidant and friend. She just couldn't imagine what would happen to Clark if he should loose that friendship. Martha made her decision and picked up the phone.
Lex put his cell phone away with a sigh. "That was my driver. He said that the limo will be here in ten minutes. I wish you were going with me, Clark, but I don't want you to miss school." He glanced at his watch. "As it stands, you'll have to leave before I do to make it on time."
"No he won't." Martha said. All heads turned toward her.
"What do you mean, Mom?" Clark asked on top of "What do you mean, Martha?" asked by his father.
"I just got off the phone with the school. I called Clark in sick today."
"You what?" Jonathan asked. "You did this without telling me?"
"Jonathan, I don't want Lex to be alone right now, and I don't think you do either. I trust them to be careful."
"You mean, I can go with Lex?" Clark asked, not quite believing what he was hearing. He had almost never had a parent-approved day off from school in his life.
"Yes, Clark. You can go. But you must promise to call us if anything, and I do mean anything happens. I love you Clark."
"I will, Mom. Don't worry. We'll be careful. I love you too." he leaned over to give her a hug.
"Lex?" Martha called. He got up and went to her.
"Yes?" he asked, wary.
"I know I already told Clark this, but I want to reiterate it. Be careful. I expect both of you back by dinner time. Is that clear?" Martha could really on the parent voice when she wanted too, and right now she was using it for all it was worth.
Lex gulped. "Yes, Mam." he said without thinking.
Martha smiled at the 'Mam,' part. 'Lex's mother must have been a non nonsense woman if that's how he responds to a strong parental tone of voice. I bet I would have liked to have met her.' "Good." she said outloud. She then leaned in and gave Lex a hug as well. She felt him stiffen at the unexpected contact, but she wasn't going to let go until he relaxed a little. When he finally did, she released him. She then turned toward Jonathan. "Do you have anything to add?" she asked.
"Um, no. I think that about covers it." He said slowly. Before she could respond, she was interrupted by a knocking at the front door.
Lex cleared his throat and said, "That must be the limo. Goodbye Mrs. Kent, Mr. Kent. Thank you again." He glanced over at Martha. "We'll see you for dinner tonight. Coming, Clark?" He turned and left, Clark following behind, casting a slightly shocked expression at his Mother.
After the front door closed, Jonathan Kent turned toward his wife. "Have I ever told you how much I admire and love you, Martha Kent?"
"Yes, but it never hurts to say it again, Jonathan Kent." She said as she turned and embraced him.
TBC
A/N: Hope you liked. Please send feedback. It keeps me writing. Next chapter up soon. Also, does anyone else think Michael Rosenbaum should wear a hell of a lot more blue? I just melt when I see how it brings out his eyes. Sigh...
A Smallville Story By Merrie Thomas
Disclaimer: I'll look after them if you don't want them. Really, I will. Summary: Lex has been targeted by an assassin, and it's up to Clark and Co. to save him before it's too late. Characters: All, Lucien Caldwell, OFC. Author's Note: While this is not my first attempt at fanfiction, this is my first attempt at Smallville fanfiction, and I'm not entirely up to date on all things Smallville, so please be kind with your comments and criticisms. Thank you. Oh, and by the way, this is an AU story. Also, I've recently discovered that I am a Lex/Chloe shipper, so some of that obsession may come out in this story. You have been warned. ;-) Oh, and for those of you who reviewed, thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I did a little, (well, not so little actually) happy dance when I read them. You guys are great!!!!!! Rating: This story is rated PG-13 For violence and language.
Chapter Two
'Damn it!' Lucien yelled at himself. 'You had him and you let him get away! He was in your sights, and you missed him! Damn kid! If he hadn't pushed Luthor out of the way, he would have accomplished his goal and Lex Luthor would have been dead. Lucien shook himself, forcing himself to be calm. 'It doesn't matter.' He thought with a grim smile. 'I will get another chance.' For a moment, some far away part of his brain rationally informed him that now Luthor knew that he was after him, he would most certainly heighten his security. Lucien ignored this voice, past the point of caring or even rational thought for that matter. The only thoughts that filled his mind were of the sweet feeling of revenge.
Despite what he had told Lex, Clark ran immediately for the windows, hoping to catch a glimpse of whoever had been shooting at him. He scanned the area around the farm, using his x-ray vision until he came upon a human skeleton. About 100 yards in front of his farm, a man was lying in a prone position with a rifle pointed at his front door. Clark sighed angrily. The shooter was still here, and didn't look to be leaving any time soon. Worse yet, the man had positioned himself to see all exits from the farm, and would know immediately if Lex tried to leave. Lex was trapped. Unless he wanted to be shot, he would have no choice but to stay with them tonight. "Oh man," Clark said to himself. "Dad is not going to like this."
In the Kent's living room, Lex thought over Clark's strange statement. 'What could he possibly need upstairs? And why would he need it now?' He absent mindedly rubbed at his neck. 'Damn Clark is strong. I wouldn't be surprised if I had a bruise tomorrow from when he pushed me to the ground.' Now that Lex had time to breath and think, he went over what had happened. He came to a sudden disturbing realization. 'Clark knew the bullet was coming before I did. There's no way I should be alive right now. Just how many secrets does he have?' Before his mind could even try and answer that question, Clark came back downstairs. He tried to keep his face blank, but he wasn't very successful. Something was up. "Dad? Can I talk to you in the kitchen for a minute?" Lex glanced over to Mr. Kent in time to catch his reaction. A look of understanding and non-surprise passed over his face. It was almost as if he had been expecting that Clark would want to talk with him privately after coming back. What was wrong with this situation?'
"Sure, Clark." He turned towards Mrs. Kent and I. "I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere." He said with a small smile. 'As if we could,' Lex thought grimly.
"What is it, son?" Jonathan asked once they knew they wouldn't be overheard. "Is the shooter still out there?"
"Yeah, dad. I saw him. He's in the field in front of the house, his gun aimed at our front door. He didn't seem camouflaged though, so my guess is that he'll leave after the sun comes up."
Jonathan sighed. "So what you're telling me is that if Lex leaves the house tonight, he'll most likely be shot."
"Yep. That seems to be the situation. Now, I know you don't like Lex dad, but we can't just let him go off into certain death, can we?"
"No Clark. I wouldn't do that to anyone. Not even a Luthor. He'll have to stay here tonight." He turned to go back into the living room, Clark following behind him. Lex and Martha glanced up when they entered the room.
"Lex? We all feel that the shooter is still out there, and that they were indeed aiming for you, not Clark, so I want you to stay here tonight."
"No-I couldn't-" Lex started, raising a hand.
"It's not an option, son. If you don't stay here, you'll most likely be shot and killed, and I could never forgive myself for allowing that to happen when I could have prevented it."
"But-" Lex stuttered, secretly relieved that Jonathan would be willing to accept him into his home. A Luthor in the Kent household.
"Jonathan's right, Lex. You need to stay here tonight. We have a guest room you can use. It's probably not what you're used to, but it will do for now." Martha added. "Let me get you some fresh linens from the closet."
Lex didn't know what to say, so he glanced up at Clark. "Please, Lex." Clark said. "Stay with us tonight. You're my friend, and I don't want anything happening to you."
"Alright. I'll stay. If you're sure I won't be causing any trouble." He glanced at Jonathan.
"No, you won't cause any trouble. You may be a Luthor, but you've also been a good friend to Clark, and that's good enough for me." Jonathan gave a small smile and turned to go help his wife.
"See? My dad doesn't think you're all bad." Clark said with a grin.
"I don't know, Clark. I just don't feel right about staying here. How about I just go back to the mansion?"
"And get shot on our front porch? I don't think so. You're staying here tonight, Lex. You might as well accept it."
"Ok, ok. I won't argue. But I'm leaving tomorrow morning."
"We'll see." Was all Clark would say to that. "It's late. How about we both get some sleep?"
Lex glanced at his watch, noting that the time wasn't even close to when he normally went to bed, but he didn't argue. "Alright, Clark." He said, following him up the stairs to the guest room. Inside, he found Jonathan and Martha just finishing making the bed and closing the curtains.
"There," Jonathan said. "As long as you stay away from the windows, I think you'll be fine for tonight. Good night Lex." Jonathan said, turning to leave.
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. I'm sure Clark will be able to lend you some pajamas and clothes for the morning. And tomorrow, we'll figure out what to do next. Good night." Martha said, placing a hand on Lex's shoulder. Lex flinched, but relaxed at her smile.
"Good night." he said.
"Let me get you some clothes." Clark said, leaving to get some from his room. He returned with a pair of flannel pajamas. "Now I know they're not silk, and they'll probably be a bit big for you, but they're clean and probably much more comfortable to sleep in than a suit. Also, here's a clean shirt for tomorrow. I don't have any pants that would fit you sorry."
Lex smiled. "I'm sure they'll be fine." he said, accepting the clothes. "Good night, Clark."
"Good night, Lex. If anything should happen during the night, my room is just down the hall."
"I'll keep that in mind, thank you." Clark turned and left, and Lex set himself to the task of changing into the overly large flannel pajamas. Lex chuckled. 'A bit big for me, huh? I'm swimming in them.' He laid his dirty clothes neatly on a chair beside the bed and turned off the light. He didn't think he would be able, but he would try and get some sleep.
Clark was awoken in the middle of the night by a strange sound. He groaned and blearily looked at the clock. 3:20 am. He silently cursed. He would have to get up in a few hours anyway, but it would have been nice to sleep soundly through them. He shook his head as he heard the sound again. Curious, he got out of bed and made his way into the hallway. He followed the sound to the door of the guest room. For a minute, his sleep-fogged brain couldn't figure out why there would be sounds coming from the room. No one ever used it. It suddenly came back to him in a flash. Lex! Lex was in that room! "Lex?" He called quietly, trying not to wake his parents. There was no answer. He tried the door knob, slowly pushing the door open. "Lex? Are you ok?" Again he got no answer, so Clark made his way into the room as silently as he could. Lex was having a nightmare, that much was obvious at first sight. The blankets were all on the floor, and Lex was covered in sweat. "No," Lex mumbled, still dreaming. "Don't leave me, I'm sorry. I'll do anything you want, just don't leave me!" Clark reached a hand over on his friend's shoulder gently, not wanting to frighten him.
"Lex? You're having a nightmare. Wake up." He gently shook Lex until he was greeted with a gasp and wide eyes.
"Clark? What are you doing here?" Lex asked.
"Quiet, we don't want to wake my parents up if they're not already. You were having a nightmare."
"I was?" Lex paused, obviously remembering it.
"What was it about? You were talking to yourself in your sleep."
"It's nothing, Clark. I don't even remember it. You can go back to sleep, thanks."
Clark didn't believe for a second that Lex was telling the truth, but he didn't want to push him. "Alright. You try and go back to sleep as well. I'll see you in the morning." He turned to leave, closing the door behind him as he went.
The next morning came without further incident, but Clark couldn't stop thinking about what had happened. 'Lex obviously remembered the dream, why wouldn't he tell me about it? Does he think he's the only one who has nightmares?' Clark sighed and made his way downstairs to do his morning chores before breakfast. He found his mother in the kitchen, already up and making breakfast. Clark was sometimes amazed how she could do it every morning. "Good morning, Clark." She said, interrupting his thoughts. "Did you have a good sleep?" Clark nodded, not wanting to tell his mother about Lex's nightmare. Somehow, he figured Lex didn't want anyone to know about it. "I don't suppose Lex is up yet, is he?" she asked.
Clark laughed. "Yeah right mom, he probably didn't get to sleep until late, as well. You should have seen the look on his face when I told him that I was going to bed. I don't think he's used to going to bed before the birds wake up."
"No, I don't imagine he is. Well, if you do see him, tell him breakfast will be on the table in a half an hour. You might as well get to your chores. Your father is already outside." Clark nodded and figured his previous assumption about the shooter was correct. His father wouldn't have gone outside if he had still been out there. Lex was safe to leave for now, but Clark didn't think that whoever was doing this would just give up and walk away without making other plans. Clark didn't want Lex to be alone today. Pushing these thoughts away for the time being, Clark raced around to do his chores, becoming little more than a blur in the early morning light.
Lex slowly awoke to the sound of knocking on the door to his temporary room. "Lex? I'm sorry to wake you, but breakfast is on the table." Clark's voice carried though the door.
"Alright, I'll be down. Give me a minute." Lex replied, rubbing a hand over his face. He leaned over to pick up his watch from where he had set it the night before. 7am. He thought disgustedly. He hated getting up early, but he knew an early start would be necessary in a farming household. He groaned and got out of bed, unbidden thoughts of his nightmare disrupting his thoughts. 'I haven't had that dream in years,' he mused to himself. He shrugged it off and decided it was probably due to the stress he had experienced the previous evening. He had been nearly killed. No wonder he was having nightmares. It wouldn't have been 'nearly killed' if it hadn't been for Clark. 'Just how many times has he saved my life?' He wondered. 'At least more than once. What is his story?'
He looked over the sweater Clark had left for him the night before. It would definitely be big on him, but he wouldn't have to wear it for very long anyway. He briefly thought over taking a shower, but decided it could wait until he got back to the mansion. He quickly changed back into his black dress pants, socks, and leather shoes from the night before, and pulled on the large blue sweater. Lex chuckled as the noticed how baggy it hung on him, the sleeves longer than his arms. He turned and made the bed neatly, and folded and placed the pajamas on it. He set his dirty silk shirt neatly beside it and after a quick smoothing over of his appearance, he made his way downstairs. 'That's one perk of being bald,' he thought with a small smile as he walked down the stairs, rolling the too-long sleeves up, 'no bed head in the mornings to worry about.' He found himself greeted with a scene he had only really seen on television, an entire family sitting down together for a family meal.
"Good morning, Lex. Please take a seat." Martha Kent said gesturing to an empty chair next to her and Clark. A warm feeling of acceptance shot through him, and he couldn't help but grin.
"Thank you, Mrs. Kent. It smells wonderful." he looked over what lay before him. Bacon, scrambled eggs, and black coffee.
"I didn't know how you'd want your coffee, so I just left it black. There's cream and sugar if you want it." She said, gesturing, trying for all her might to act like there was nothing unusual at all to having him in the house.
"Thank you, black will be fine. This looks excellent, thank you." Lex said as he began to eat quickly and precisely.
Jonathan Kent noticed his speed, and spoke up, "Slow down, Lex. The food's not going anywhere. Do you always eat like that, or do you just want to leave?"
Lex stopped eating and wiped his mouth with a napkin before speaking. "In answer to your question, I don't usually sit down to eat at all. Too much to do and too little time to do it in."
"You mean you don't have family meals?" Martha asked, her voice betraying a little shock.
Lex gave a small laugh at that. "Hardly ever. When I eat, it's usually in my office in front of the computer."
"You mean you don't have meals with your father?" Martha pressed.
"I don't see my father very often, Mrs. Kent. And when I do, it's usually for business rather than a family meal."
"Oh. I'm sorry." she said quietly.
"Don't be, it's not your problem." Lex said. The table sat in silence for a while as they ate.
"Lex? I know we talked about this last night and you didn't agree, but I still think that we should inform the police of what is happening." Jonathan said.
Lex sighed. "I know you're trying to help, Mr. Kent, but you must believe me. Calling in the police does no good whatsoever. The assassin is usually stopped, forced underground, but never caught. I'm not saying that I will keep the police out of it entirely, but for right now I have to handle things on my own."
"You sound as if you've gone through this before. Is that how your mother-" Martha trailed off, not wanting to bring up a sore topic, but curiosity getting the better of her.
"Yes, I have live under death threats before, and no that's not how my mother died." Lex answered quietly.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up." Martha said, looking down at the table.
"Don't worry about it, I'm not upset. You wanted to know, so you asked. There's nothing wrong with that."
"How many death threats have you lived under?" Clark asked, trying to save his mother from having to say something else.
"Oh I don't know, a few." Lex said, shrugging it off.
"A few as in how many?" Clark pressed.
"Son-" Jonathan started.
"No, it's ok, Mr. Kent. Like mother, like son. I don't mind answering their questions. I really don't." He turned to Clark. "I'm not quite sure though, Clark. A lot. I'm afraid that's the best answer I can give. I don't like to keep track of such things."
"How did you live like that? Knowing someone wanted to kill you?"
Lex sighed. "Unfortunately, it's one of the consequences of being the heir to something like Luthor Corp. Also, my father has managed to make quite a few enemies in his lifetime. He's not the most gentle of men as I'm sure you've realized. Some people wanted to get back at him for it. What better way than targeting Lionel Luthor's only heir? Without me, Luthor Corp would be finished."
"I don't see how you can treat this like it's nothing. Aren't you angry with your father for forcing you into that position?" Clark asked.
"Of course I am, Clark. But what am I going to do about it? You've seen the way people act around me because of my father. How they judge me based on what he has done."
Jonathan had the good grace to look embarrassed, although Lex wasn't aiming his comment toward him. "But I can't let it get to me. I won't let it get to me. If I did, my father will have won."
"I didn't know it was about winning." Clark said.
"Everything between my father and I is about winning, Clark. About who has won more battles. It has been that way for a very long time. We fight and claw at each other all the time. I'm ashamed to say that that was most of the reason for my dark past. I rebelled and did the things that I did because I knew they would hurt my father. In fact, after all the shit I've pulled, I wouldn't be surprised it he kicked me out of the house and sent me away where he wouldn't have to deal with me. Oh wait, he has done that." Lex joked, trying to make light of the situation.
'Why does he do that?' Clark wondered. 'He acts as if none of this is affecting him when I know it is. Why does he feel the need to hide from his emotions?'
"Thank you for the meal, and for your gracious hospitality, but I must go. I have to find out who is doing this to me."
"But Lex, what if the shooter is still out there?" Clark asked, trying to stall.
"Oh come on, Clark. In broad daylight? And besides, your father went out this morning, didn't he?"
"Yeah..." Clark answered slowly.
"And he wouldn't have risked it if the shooter had still been out there, now would he?"
"No, I guess not. I just don't like the fact that you're going off by yourself. I don't think this guy is going to give up after just one try. I wish I could go with you."
"I do too, Clark. I feel safer with you around. You've saved my life, what, three times now? Once is pretty incredible, but three times? I may have to hire you on as a professional body guard if you keep this up. I feel like I should be paying you."
Clark laughed. "It's not my fault you're a bad driver, a bad negotiator, and no one likes you."
"Hey!" Lex said mock punching Clark on the shoulder.
Martha and Jonathan smiled as they cleared the table. As much as anyone could say about Lex Luthor, he was good to Clark. He treated him as a confidant and friend. She just couldn't imagine what would happen to Clark if he should loose that friendship. Martha made her decision and picked up the phone.
Lex put his cell phone away with a sigh. "That was my driver. He said that the limo will be here in ten minutes. I wish you were going with me, Clark, but I don't want you to miss school." He glanced at his watch. "As it stands, you'll have to leave before I do to make it on time."
"No he won't." Martha said. All heads turned toward her.
"What do you mean, Mom?" Clark asked on top of "What do you mean, Martha?" asked by his father.
"I just got off the phone with the school. I called Clark in sick today."
"You what?" Jonathan asked. "You did this without telling me?"
"Jonathan, I don't want Lex to be alone right now, and I don't think you do either. I trust them to be careful."
"You mean, I can go with Lex?" Clark asked, not quite believing what he was hearing. He had almost never had a parent-approved day off from school in his life.
"Yes, Clark. You can go. But you must promise to call us if anything, and I do mean anything happens. I love you Clark."
"I will, Mom. Don't worry. We'll be careful. I love you too." he leaned over to give her a hug.
"Lex?" Martha called. He got up and went to her.
"Yes?" he asked, wary.
"I know I already told Clark this, but I want to reiterate it. Be careful. I expect both of you back by dinner time. Is that clear?" Martha could really on the parent voice when she wanted too, and right now she was using it for all it was worth.
Lex gulped. "Yes, Mam." he said without thinking.
Martha smiled at the 'Mam,' part. 'Lex's mother must have been a non nonsense woman if that's how he responds to a strong parental tone of voice. I bet I would have liked to have met her.' "Good." she said outloud. She then leaned in and gave Lex a hug as well. She felt him stiffen at the unexpected contact, but she wasn't going to let go until he relaxed a little. When he finally did, she released him. She then turned toward Jonathan. "Do you have anything to add?" she asked.
"Um, no. I think that about covers it." He said slowly. Before she could respond, she was interrupted by a knocking at the front door.
Lex cleared his throat and said, "That must be the limo. Goodbye Mrs. Kent, Mr. Kent. Thank you again." He glanced over at Martha. "We'll see you for dinner tonight. Coming, Clark?" He turned and left, Clark following behind, casting a slightly shocked expression at his Mother.
After the front door closed, Jonathan Kent turned toward his wife. "Have I ever told you how much I admire and love you, Martha Kent?"
"Yes, but it never hurts to say it again, Jonathan Kent." She said as she turned and embraced him.
TBC
A/N: Hope you liked. Please send feedback. It keeps me writing. Next chapter up soon. Also, does anyone else think Michael Rosenbaum should wear a hell of a lot more blue? I just melt when I see how it brings out his eyes. Sigh...