Part 8 - Facing the Future…
The days passed quickly as the pair fell into a routine, they avoided celebrating Clark's one month
anniversary of getting out, it was not an occasion that needed commemoration but there was a definite
sombre tone to the day in question. They started a practice of spending time together, Clark would
make breakfast each morning and take it to Lex's room where they would share whatever he had
cooked up as well as a cuddle while Lex read the business section and Clark would look over the news
of the day or attempt the crossword. After that they would get up and either go out to some museum or
exhibit or Clark would read or occupy his own time quietly while Lex caught up with some business.
Lex hated that but at Clark's insistence he had started back at least part time, dealing with those things
that absolutely needed his attention. It would make his absence easier for the people that worked for
him, Clark reasoned and it also gave them each some time away from each other, besides, Clark was
not an invalid and despite his still frequent nightmares he wanted to appear strong to his would be
lover. Their evenings were spent cuddled on the couch, watching television or with Lex reading to
Clark, he had realised early on that his soon-to-be lover was soothed by the sound of his voice and that
Clark loved to be pampered in the smallest ways. Perhaps it was the years of isolation and neglect that
fed to a need for affection or just that Clark was more of a tactile person but Lex was willing to give it
as far as he was able, he would give Clark anything that it was in his power to give because that was
love.
To Lex it was interesting that they were so close and yet not having sex, he had rarely if ever been with
a virgin and now it seemed almost a learning experience for him as well as Clark. He had promised
Clark and himself that first day that they would take things slowly, it was not only because he was
waiting for Clark to be ready but also that he wanted to make sure that the boy's feelings were true.
There was a theory that many hostages became reliant on their captors and while he was not keeping
Clark prisoner he knew that the psyche of the Kent boy was so fractured that at some points he felt
trapped and he did not want to be with Clark physically just because Clark thought that was the only
way he could be in Lex's life. They shared a lot of physical affection because Clark needed the
tangible evidence that he was not alone but none of it had gone further than kissing. Lex was almost
enjoying the painful waiting for Clark because while it was driving him insane he also knew that when
the moment came for them both it would be special. All he needed to do was make sure that he took
plenty of cold showers and thought only pure thoughts. In ways Lex wondered if it was his own
deficiency too that made it so hard to be with Clark, he had always associated physical affection with
sex in the way that Clark never had. He could only hope that he would become more comfortable with
the tactile responses that Clark had in the same way that Clark would eventually get more comfortable
with the sexual nature of their intimacy.
"Let's go out." Clark said during one of their lazy afternoons. It was a long time since Lex had seen the
joyful enthusiasm on his friend's face and he wondered what had brought this on.
"Clark?" He asked as he looked up from the business report he was trying to work on raising one
eyebrow at the uncommon request.
"I just want to go out." Clark responded, hearing the unasked question in Lex's tone. "I mean, you said
that I could go out when I wanted." Clark added, trying not to let the panic creep into his voice even
though it was working it's way into his subconscious. He was feeling trapped but did not want that to
come across in his tone.
Lex realised that this was Clark testing his boundaries, he assumed that it was a good thing. After all,
if Clark was actually beginning to question his freedom he was truly starting to believe that he was not
a prisoner, that he was a free man and as such that he deserved freedom of movement.
"We can go wherever you want." Lex said as he looked at his watch, it was mid afternoon. "Well,
within reason." Clark's face fell. "I can't get a helicopter for a few hours yet so if it's out of the state we
might have to wait a while."
This made Clark laugh. Trust Lex to say something so offhand about something so extravagant. It was
the best way that the billionaire could show his feelings, with his wealth but Clark was more honoured
with Lex's time than any trip, no matter what the price. To a Luthor who had billions of dollars to
spare money meant nothing, but time was an expensive commodity and so it meant something when he
gave it so freely.
They ended up taking a trip to one of the many museums that the city had to offer, Clark was not that
interested in the collection but being around people again was good for him Lex supposed. Lex found
that it was relatively easy for him to go about unrecognised with just Clark at his side, a few people
whispered to their friends or colleagues but everyone expected Lex Luthor to be at work this early in
the afternoon, besides, he was on the board of the museum why would he visit it during the day when
he could quite easily have a private show arranged at his convenience.
The museum trip was pleasant, Lex spoke to Clark of the history of some of his favourite pieces, and
Clark took in every word, enjoying the way that his lover's voice became animated when he spoke of
some artefact or other that he had donated, or that he found of particular interest. To be honest he
could have been reading from the phone book of downtown Metropolis and Clark would have taken in
every word, as long as they were uttered in that soft tone and spoken to him. Lex's voice was just one
of the many things he realised now he had missed during his captivity.
"So…" Lex said as they stood on the steps of the museum and he reached for his cell phone. "Where to
now?"
Clark looked at him knowing that Lex was going to call for a car, but there was something that he
wanted to do, that he had not done in a long time.
"Can we walk?" Clark asked, somewhat uncertainly. It was probably a long way, they had been
dropped off by Lex's driver because they weren't really sure where they were going when they had set
out.
Lex looked up at Clark, raising an eyebrow suspiciously, but merely nodded and slipped his phone
away. It was Clark's day and he supposed that this was one way to see the city. He had never really
experienced it by foot before, even when he was almost certainly too drunk to drive. It might be an
adventure.
"Do you know which way we're going?" Lex asked with an amused smile as Clark looked left and right
as if he was lost before they had even started out. After a few moments Clark smiled as if he had made
a realisation and looked up.
"That way." He said as he pointed to a tower which stood above all of the others. Luthor Tower was
the tallest building in Metropolis, it had given Lex the feeling that he was above every one else. Now it
stood as a symbol of something else, something that made him feel even warmer inside. It would be
Clark's compass so that he would always find his way home, that no matter where he was Clark would
always find his way back to him.
That thought inside Lex decided that it would be a good idea to walk.
----------------------
Clark was a few blocks away from the museum when he paused just to check that Lex was behind him,
he turned and saw Lex walking a few paces back with his eyes lower than eye-level should be. Clark
smiled.
"Stop looking at my butt."
Lex looked up guiltily as if he had been caught like a kid with his hand in the cookie jar and he
supposed that he had. Lex knew that Clark was fast but he didn't see him pushing him into the alley or
realise what he was doing until he felt the roughness of the bare brick wall against his back. For a
moment he was worried that Clark had not taken his perusing well, then he felt the warm lips on his
own and knew that Clark had more than liked the attention. The couple shared a few soft kisses before
Clark licked Lex's upper lip, tasting it with his tongue and requesting entry for a deeper kiss. Lex
moaned slightly as he felt his arousal rise and allowed Clark what he wanted. They were deeply
involved in their kissing, not really aware of their surroundings because they were too lost in the
fervour of their kiss.
"Man, would you look at that, a couple of fags who think that they can stop and make out on our turf."
One voice said, Clark pulled back from the kiss and felt Lex stiffen against him. It had been a wilful
and reckless act and now they were going to pay. Clark tried to focus on how many there were, but as
he felt a hand on his shoulder he realised that it was too late for checking the perimeter or trying to
come up with a strategy. He had let his guard down and now he was going to have to fight blind if they
were going to survive.
"Yeah, couple of poofs who want their asses whooped." Another voice said, Clark turned to see who
was standing behind them and was glad that while they were built there were only four of them. At
least that narrowed down the chances that Lex would get hurt.
Without thinking Clark grabbed the one who still had a hand on his shoulder and threw him against one
of the others, using his super strength he was able to knock them both unconscious as the other two
advanced. One was ugly and was obviously used to fighting (or losing) as he had a scar on his left
cheek, the other was tan, and carrying a knife.
Scar came up on Clark's left while the knife wielding yob took his right side, they were trying to
surround him even though only two of them were left standing. Knife boy lunged and moved to get
past Clark and towards Lex, it was a mistake he would regret as he felt his arm thrust upward with an
audible snap as the bone broke. He dropped the knife in pain and reached for his arm, not liking the
fact that it was losing feeling from the iron grip that their supposed victim had on him or that the
appendage was bent in an unnatural position.
"Let him go." Scar said as he reached for Lex, this time thinking he had the man's weakness, the
wheedling lover that he must enjoy manhandling. At first Clark was scared, he spun around, taking the
man with the knife with his and unintentionally aggravating the broken arm as he did so. He was about
to let go when he saw Lex's arm snap back in an underarm swing and hit Scarface in the groin, forcing
him forward.
"Thanks for caring but I can look after myself." Lex said with a smile. "Now put your little playmate
down so we can get out of here." He said, pretending to chastise Clark as if he were the one in charge.
Clark took one look at the man that was doubled over, clutching at his groin where Lex had hit him and
then looked at the man that he still held, dangling from the now bruised and broken appendage. He
dropped the one that had carried a knife and pushed the other on top of him. Not noticing the groan
from both as one hit the floor too close to the other and jolted his already sore body.
Clark wanted to get them away from there as soon as possible, his nerves shattered as he wondered
what would happen if they reported them both. Lex Luthor was hardly a difficult man to spot. He sped
them away from the area, pulling Lex close to him as he did so, barely noticing when he had taken off.
"Erm…Clark…?" A worried Lex said as they rose above the skyline at a very fast rate.
"Cool." Clark said as he realised that he was flying, something he had always theorised that he would
be able to do. "I always thought I would be able to fly, I just never tested it."
"That's great." Lex said dryly. "But do you think you could set us down somewhere soon. I might not
have mentioned this before but I have a thing about heights."
"Oops." Clark said as he saw the Luthor tower building up ahead. He set them down on the balcony to
the Penthouse and waited a moment before setting the now slightly green Lex down at his side.
"Well, at least we have an alibi. No one could travel that far in that small amount of time." Lex said
with a laugh. He remembered some obscure reference to a highwayman in England that had used the
same excuse, crossing the country overnight by horse in a journey that was supposed to be impossible.
Clark was less amused and suddenly realised what he had done. His parents had always warned him
about using his powers against other people and now he had done just that. His entire childhood had
been geared around never hurting others and he had forgotten each of the well taught lessons. He was
a freak but he didn't have to be a mutant one like those in Smallville, his powers were for good not evil.
He was not supposed to hurt anyone, even if he was protecting someone he loved, the police and courts
dealt with Justice not him.
"Clark?" Lex asked worriedly as he saw the young man stalk inside, almost seeing all of the good that
their day out had done drain away in an instant as the boy retracted back inside himself and went off to
the bathroom where Lex could clearly hear the sound of retching. Clark never got sick, he was the
picture of perfect health, which meant that whatever it was that had made him vomit was something
that had occurred. Lex thought it over quickly and wondered if it was the violence, the flying or his
reaction to both that had made his lover ill. Taking a deep breathe he headed inside. There was after
all only one way to find out.
Clark was not in the bathroom when Lex got there, instead he was curled up on his own bed, wrapped
around a pillow in a foetal position. Lex tapped on the door gently but was not surprised when he got
no response. Clark was used to his own space, Lex never entered the boy's room without permission
and he would not start now. It was a hard decision to keep though when his lover was sobbing deeply
into a pillow and he was not able to cross the invisible threshold that kept him out.
"Clark?" Lex called softly. "I don't know what it is that upset you but whatever it is we can work it
out."
Clark seemed to shake his head as if disagreeing but Lex could not hear the soft mumblings of the boy.
He wanted to go to him, to hold him and be there for him but more than being afraid of encroaching on
Clark's private space he was afraid of the rejection from the younger man.
"Okay, well, I'll stay here until you want to talk." Lex said as he leaned on the door jam, not wanting to
go in. "You know that I won't come in to your room but if you want me I'm here."
"Why?" Clark said, sitting up abruptly and allowing Lex to see his already red-rimmed eyes and his
hollow expression. Lex raised an eyebrow, questioning exactly which 'why' it was that he was
supposed to answer. "Why would you want to be here? I'm a freak. No one wants a freak."
Lex had not realised how much of this insecurity Clark still held within him, he thought that if anything
the younger man would be more aware of his powers given the tests, he assumed this was something
else that they had to thank to government scientists for. Just another of the long list of failures that they
had toted up when taking Clark Kent prisoner.
"You're not a freak." Lex said as he hovered in the doorway, wanting to break his own rule so that he
could go to Clark. "You're one of the kindest and most gifted people I know Clark. You have honour
and integrity and I love you." The last words had slipped out, unbidden by their speaker but they
seemed to be what Lex wanted to say.
"My parents loved me and it got them killed." Clark said, his voice hollow and empty as he fought for
some semblance of meaning to express what it was that he was feeling inside. Lex went to his lover,
the rule forgotten as he needed to be with him, not being able to stay away any longer. He didn't know
how long Clark had carried this guilt but it was going to eat away at him eventually and Lex did not
want that.
"I love you." Lex said as he wrapped Clark into his arms. "Your parents loved you, but it's not your
fault that they are dead." Lex said. Clark shrugged but Lex knew that they had more work to do before
Clark would be ready to accept it. He did all that he could and held his lover, hoping that this way
Clark would know that he was loved and begin to accept the truth that Lex already knew.
--------------------
TBC…
The days passed quickly as the pair fell into a routine, they avoided celebrating Clark's one month
anniversary of getting out, it was not an occasion that needed commemoration but there was a definite
sombre tone to the day in question. They started a practice of spending time together, Clark would
make breakfast each morning and take it to Lex's room where they would share whatever he had
cooked up as well as a cuddle while Lex read the business section and Clark would look over the news
of the day or attempt the crossword. After that they would get up and either go out to some museum or
exhibit or Clark would read or occupy his own time quietly while Lex caught up with some business.
Lex hated that but at Clark's insistence he had started back at least part time, dealing with those things
that absolutely needed his attention. It would make his absence easier for the people that worked for
him, Clark reasoned and it also gave them each some time away from each other, besides, Clark was
not an invalid and despite his still frequent nightmares he wanted to appear strong to his would be
lover. Their evenings were spent cuddled on the couch, watching television or with Lex reading to
Clark, he had realised early on that his soon-to-be lover was soothed by the sound of his voice and that
Clark loved to be pampered in the smallest ways. Perhaps it was the years of isolation and neglect that
fed to a need for affection or just that Clark was more of a tactile person but Lex was willing to give it
as far as he was able, he would give Clark anything that it was in his power to give because that was
love.
To Lex it was interesting that they were so close and yet not having sex, he had rarely if ever been with
a virgin and now it seemed almost a learning experience for him as well as Clark. He had promised
Clark and himself that first day that they would take things slowly, it was not only because he was
waiting for Clark to be ready but also that he wanted to make sure that the boy's feelings were true.
There was a theory that many hostages became reliant on their captors and while he was not keeping
Clark prisoner he knew that the psyche of the Kent boy was so fractured that at some points he felt
trapped and he did not want to be with Clark physically just because Clark thought that was the only
way he could be in Lex's life. They shared a lot of physical affection because Clark needed the
tangible evidence that he was not alone but none of it had gone further than kissing. Lex was almost
enjoying the painful waiting for Clark because while it was driving him insane he also knew that when
the moment came for them both it would be special. All he needed to do was make sure that he took
plenty of cold showers and thought only pure thoughts. In ways Lex wondered if it was his own
deficiency too that made it so hard to be with Clark, he had always associated physical affection with
sex in the way that Clark never had. He could only hope that he would become more comfortable with
the tactile responses that Clark had in the same way that Clark would eventually get more comfortable
with the sexual nature of their intimacy.
"Let's go out." Clark said during one of their lazy afternoons. It was a long time since Lex had seen the
joyful enthusiasm on his friend's face and he wondered what had brought this on.
"Clark?" He asked as he looked up from the business report he was trying to work on raising one
eyebrow at the uncommon request.
"I just want to go out." Clark responded, hearing the unasked question in Lex's tone. "I mean, you said
that I could go out when I wanted." Clark added, trying not to let the panic creep into his voice even
though it was working it's way into his subconscious. He was feeling trapped but did not want that to
come across in his tone.
Lex realised that this was Clark testing his boundaries, he assumed that it was a good thing. After all,
if Clark was actually beginning to question his freedom he was truly starting to believe that he was not
a prisoner, that he was a free man and as such that he deserved freedom of movement.
"We can go wherever you want." Lex said as he looked at his watch, it was mid afternoon. "Well,
within reason." Clark's face fell. "I can't get a helicopter for a few hours yet so if it's out of the state we
might have to wait a while."
This made Clark laugh. Trust Lex to say something so offhand about something so extravagant. It was
the best way that the billionaire could show his feelings, with his wealth but Clark was more honoured
with Lex's time than any trip, no matter what the price. To a Luthor who had billions of dollars to
spare money meant nothing, but time was an expensive commodity and so it meant something when he
gave it so freely.
They ended up taking a trip to one of the many museums that the city had to offer, Clark was not that
interested in the collection but being around people again was good for him Lex supposed. Lex found
that it was relatively easy for him to go about unrecognised with just Clark at his side, a few people
whispered to their friends or colleagues but everyone expected Lex Luthor to be at work this early in
the afternoon, besides, he was on the board of the museum why would he visit it during the day when
he could quite easily have a private show arranged at his convenience.
The museum trip was pleasant, Lex spoke to Clark of the history of some of his favourite pieces, and
Clark took in every word, enjoying the way that his lover's voice became animated when he spoke of
some artefact or other that he had donated, or that he found of particular interest. To be honest he
could have been reading from the phone book of downtown Metropolis and Clark would have taken in
every word, as long as they were uttered in that soft tone and spoken to him. Lex's voice was just one
of the many things he realised now he had missed during his captivity.
"So…" Lex said as they stood on the steps of the museum and he reached for his cell phone. "Where to
now?"
Clark looked at him knowing that Lex was going to call for a car, but there was something that he
wanted to do, that he had not done in a long time.
"Can we walk?" Clark asked, somewhat uncertainly. It was probably a long way, they had been
dropped off by Lex's driver because they weren't really sure where they were going when they had set
out.
Lex looked up at Clark, raising an eyebrow suspiciously, but merely nodded and slipped his phone
away. It was Clark's day and he supposed that this was one way to see the city. He had never really
experienced it by foot before, even when he was almost certainly too drunk to drive. It might be an
adventure.
"Do you know which way we're going?" Lex asked with an amused smile as Clark looked left and right
as if he was lost before they had even started out. After a few moments Clark smiled as if he had made
a realisation and looked up.
"That way." He said as he pointed to a tower which stood above all of the others. Luthor Tower was
the tallest building in Metropolis, it had given Lex the feeling that he was above every one else. Now it
stood as a symbol of something else, something that made him feel even warmer inside. It would be
Clark's compass so that he would always find his way home, that no matter where he was Clark would
always find his way back to him.
That thought inside Lex decided that it would be a good idea to walk.
----------------------
Clark was a few blocks away from the museum when he paused just to check that Lex was behind him,
he turned and saw Lex walking a few paces back with his eyes lower than eye-level should be. Clark
smiled.
"Stop looking at my butt."
Lex looked up guiltily as if he had been caught like a kid with his hand in the cookie jar and he
supposed that he had. Lex knew that Clark was fast but he didn't see him pushing him into the alley or
realise what he was doing until he felt the roughness of the bare brick wall against his back. For a
moment he was worried that Clark had not taken his perusing well, then he felt the warm lips on his
own and knew that Clark had more than liked the attention. The couple shared a few soft kisses before
Clark licked Lex's upper lip, tasting it with his tongue and requesting entry for a deeper kiss. Lex
moaned slightly as he felt his arousal rise and allowed Clark what he wanted. They were deeply
involved in their kissing, not really aware of their surroundings because they were too lost in the
fervour of their kiss.
"Man, would you look at that, a couple of fags who think that they can stop and make out on our turf."
One voice said, Clark pulled back from the kiss and felt Lex stiffen against him. It had been a wilful
and reckless act and now they were going to pay. Clark tried to focus on how many there were, but as
he felt a hand on his shoulder he realised that it was too late for checking the perimeter or trying to
come up with a strategy. He had let his guard down and now he was going to have to fight blind if they
were going to survive.
"Yeah, couple of poofs who want their asses whooped." Another voice said, Clark turned to see who
was standing behind them and was glad that while they were built there were only four of them. At
least that narrowed down the chances that Lex would get hurt.
Without thinking Clark grabbed the one who still had a hand on his shoulder and threw him against one
of the others, using his super strength he was able to knock them both unconscious as the other two
advanced. One was ugly and was obviously used to fighting (or losing) as he had a scar on his left
cheek, the other was tan, and carrying a knife.
Scar came up on Clark's left while the knife wielding yob took his right side, they were trying to
surround him even though only two of them were left standing. Knife boy lunged and moved to get
past Clark and towards Lex, it was a mistake he would regret as he felt his arm thrust upward with an
audible snap as the bone broke. He dropped the knife in pain and reached for his arm, not liking the
fact that it was losing feeling from the iron grip that their supposed victim had on him or that the
appendage was bent in an unnatural position.
"Let him go." Scar said as he reached for Lex, this time thinking he had the man's weakness, the
wheedling lover that he must enjoy manhandling. At first Clark was scared, he spun around, taking the
man with the knife with his and unintentionally aggravating the broken arm as he did so. He was about
to let go when he saw Lex's arm snap back in an underarm swing and hit Scarface in the groin, forcing
him forward.
"Thanks for caring but I can look after myself." Lex said with a smile. "Now put your little playmate
down so we can get out of here." He said, pretending to chastise Clark as if he were the one in charge.
Clark took one look at the man that was doubled over, clutching at his groin where Lex had hit him and
then looked at the man that he still held, dangling from the now bruised and broken appendage. He
dropped the one that had carried a knife and pushed the other on top of him. Not noticing the groan
from both as one hit the floor too close to the other and jolted his already sore body.
Clark wanted to get them away from there as soon as possible, his nerves shattered as he wondered
what would happen if they reported them both. Lex Luthor was hardly a difficult man to spot. He sped
them away from the area, pulling Lex close to him as he did so, barely noticing when he had taken off.
"Erm…Clark…?" A worried Lex said as they rose above the skyline at a very fast rate.
"Cool." Clark said as he realised that he was flying, something he had always theorised that he would
be able to do. "I always thought I would be able to fly, I just never tested it."
"That's great." Lex said dryly. "But do you think you could set us down somewhere soon. I might not
have mentioned this before but I have a thing about heights."
"Oops." Clark said as he saw the Luthor tower building up ahead. He set them down on the balcony to
the Penthouse and waited a moment before setting the now slightly green Lex down at his side.
"Well, at least we have an alibi. No one could travel that far in that small amount of time." Lex said
with a laugh. He remembered some obscure reference to a highwayman in England that had used the
same excuse, crossing the country overnight by horse in a journey that was supposed to be impossible.
Clark was less amused and suddenly realised what he had done. His parents had always warned him
about using his powers against other people and now he had done just that. His entire childhood had
been geared around never hurting others and he had forgotten each of the well taught lessons. He was
a freak but he didn't have to be a mutant one like those in Smallville, his powers were for good not evil.
He was not supposed to hurt anyone, even if he was protecting someone he loved, the police and courts
dealt with Justice not him.
"Clark?" Lex asked worriedly as he saw the young man stalk inside, almost seeing all of the good that
their day out had done drain away in an instant as the boy retracted back inside himself and went off to
the bathroom where Lex could clearly hear the sound of retching. Clark never got sick, he was the
picture of perfect health, which meant that whatever it was that had made him vomit was something
that had occurred. Lex thought it over quickly and wondered if it was the violence, the flying or his
reaction to both that had made his lover ill. Taking a deep breathe he headed inside. There was after
all only one way to find out.
Clark was not in the bathroom when Lex got there, instead he was curled up on his own bed, wrapped
around a pillow in a foetal position. Lex tapped on the door gently but was not surprised when he got
no response. Clark was used to his own space, Lex never entered the boy's room without permission
and he would not start now. It was a hard decision to keep though when his lover was sobbing deeply
into a pillow and he was not able to cross the invisible threshold that kept him out.
"Clark?" Lex called softly. "I don't know what it is that upset you but whatever it is we can work it
out."
Clark seemed to shake his head as if disagreeing but Lex could not hear the soft mumblings of the boy.
He wanted to go to him, to hold him and be there for him but more than being afraid of encroaching on
Clark's private space he was afraid of the rejection from the younger man.
"Okay, well, I'll stay here until you want to talk." Lex said as he leaned on the door jam, not wanting to
go in. "You know that I won't come in to your room but if you want me I'm here."
"Why?" Clark said, sitting up abruptly and allowing Lex to see his already red-rimmed eyes and his
hollow expression. Lex raised an eyebrow, questioning exactly which 'why' it was that he was
supposed to answer. "Why would you want to be here? I'm a freak. No one wants a freak."
Lex had not realised how much of this insecurity Clark still held within him, he thought that if anything
the younger man would be more aware of his powers given the tests, he assumed this was something
else that they had to thank to government scientists for. Just another of the long list of failures that they
had toted up when taking Clark Kent prisoner.
"You're not a freak." Lex said as he hovered in the doorway, wanting to break his own rule so that he
could go to Clark. "You're one of the kindest and most gifted people I know Clark. You have honour
and integrity and I love you." The last words had slipped out, unbidden by their speaker but they
seemed to be what Lex wanted to say.
"My parents loved me and it got them killed." Clark said, his voice hollow and empty as he fought for
some semblance of meaning to express what it was that he was feeling inside. Lex went to his lover,
the rule forgotten as he needed to be with him, not being able to stay away any longer. He didn't know
how long Clark had carried this guilt but it was going to eat away at him eventually and Lex did not
want that.
"I love you." Lex said as he wrapped Clark into his arms. "Your parents loved you, but it's not your
fault that they are dead." Lex said. Clark shrugged but Lex knew that they had more work to do before
Clark would be ready to accept it. He did all that he could and held his lover, hoping that this way
Clark would know that he was loved and begin to accept the truth that Lex already knew.
--------------------
TBC…