Chapter 5- No Retreat
Lex walked into his study and sat down still reeling slightly from the shock of Clark's withdrawal. He should have guessed this would happen. In his mind he'd known it was inevitable-- he'd just refused to see. Lionel Luthor made sure to control all aspects of Lex's life and this was bound to happen. Lex had been caught with no game plan or counter attack prepared for the endless war that was his family.
Walking up the stairs to his suite, Lex tried to organise his thoughts. He needed to think. Plot and counter plot is how his father worked. As Lex changed for dinner he began to list his options. The most obvious card in his favour was the video of Lionel apparently accosting a young man. Why had Lionel allowed this if he knew the camera was there? His final look up indicated that he knew. He must then feel that Lex could not use it. Possibly it could be discredited as a fake if the heir to the empire were to present it in court to discredit his predecessor, clearing the path to billions. Lex also did not know what evidence his father had kept on him from some of his more flamboyant youthful indiscretions. This would only mean a tense Detente. Lex needed an edge to eventually beat his father at his own game.
Lex continued to ruminate over his meal, eating little and watching the clock for the time to leave to pick up Clark. They'd need to go somewhere to talk, though after Clark's reaction to his touch this afternoon, it had best be a nice neutral spot. Lex felt his heart lurch again at the thought of Clark being nauseated or afraid of his touch.
He berated himself for letting down his guard. He had always kept an emotional distance. Until he'd sped off a bridge at 60 miles an hour and wakened to the face of an angel begging him not to die. Lex had felt a connection immediately. Particularly when said angel proceeded to faint from the effort of rescuing Lex, reversing their roles as Lex sought help. When Clark's father had arrived Lex felt a twinge of jealousy for the concern he saw there and a jolt of reality when the man had refused to shake his hand.
His subsequent dealings with Clark had cemented a friendship based on a single feeling, acceptance. Lex was amazed at how easily Clark accepted him as he was, without ulterior motivation. Clark's wide innocent eyes never closed him out, even if they were not always truthful. When Clark was angry with him it did not seem to come with a threat that could end their friendship, indicating that disagreement was allowed. Lex had never experienced this before and it was intoxicating. He said what he thought and did not constantly need to weigh his words even though this was second nature to him now. It was almost trust and near enough to it that Lex had begun not to care. The experience of having a friend who was not wary of him on one level or another was formerly something he had never imagined.
And so Lex's behaviour had begun to change seeking the warm presence of Clark Kent at every opportunity. Hell, he'd even taken to hanging out with high school students. Unfortunately, his father's spies had noticed. Lex had only recently realised his feelings for Clark were becoming more complicated. Having always been aware of Clark's physical attraction, Lex had begun to find excuses to touch him, unable to keep any distance, emotionally or otherwise. He also knew that nothing could possibly make Clark Kent, All American farm boy, return these feelings. Now that Lionel Luthor was involved the relationship as it was would have to come to an end. Lex's father was nothing if not thorough. This was something he would not condone. Lex had felt the force of Lionel's wrath in the past and at one point in his life he had actively provoked it hoping to get his father's attention even if it was brief and unkind.
Perhaps it would be best if this meeting was just a goodbye. His last chance to savour Clark's presence before he cut off all ties. The thought was painful but the memory of Clark being hurt by his father was worse. Lex had little time to make this decision. He'd need to leave soon to see Clark. Looking up from staring blankly at the centerpiece on the long dining room table Lex was surprised to see the dark form of his father standing in the doorway. He had not heard him enter and considering the man usually charged everywhere with great energy it was a bit of a surprise to see him so still and silent.
Lionel appeared to be studying him. "I'm disapponted in you, Lex."
Where had Lex heard that before, oh yes, weekly. Lex stood, walking casually past his father towards his study. Turning his head as he passed his father his voice dripped with sarcasm."Gee, I'm sorry, dad. I do try so hard."
"Is that what the Cadmus lab fiasco was? Trying hard? I found your Nicodemus records and I am once again astounded by your cat like ability to land on your feet. This could have been a disaster of mythic proportions."
"Well you always wanted me to emulate Alexander the Great, mythic proportions would fall in that category." Lex continued to walk forcing his father to follow him.
"Don't mock me, Lex. You need to start taking responsibility for your actions. You have a legacy to live up to and playing the mad scientist is not part of your destiny. It is time to give up your childish things."
"I stopped being a child long ago."
"Yet you continue to play with an illegal lab and that doesn't even touch upon your questionable social activities here in Smallville. Then there's your unnatural friendship with a local high school student. Don't think I don't know your motivations."
"You wouldn't be capable of understanding my motivations if I sent you a written prospectus. I've actually made friends here. I'm becoming someone I can be proud of. I'd have thought,Father, you would want that for me."Lex's voice was a challenge.
"I need you to be someone I can be proud of. I built an empire and I can't leave it to someone who won't respect the demands that it will make."
"I don't honestly believe you plan to leave me a thing, Dad. Surely you've figured out a way to take it with you by now." Lex smirked and Lionel clenched his fists."You just want another drone. Well surprise, surprise, I am my father's son and can't fit that mold."
"I need you to behave, Lex, and if I have to do that with a harsh lesson then so be it."
"Is that what that attack on Clark was, Dad? A harsh lesson? Because it didn't take. Don't forget I have that little incident on tape and you looked suspiciously like you enjoyed it. You know what they say, like father like..."Lex let the sentence trail off with a suggestive smirk.
Lionel spoke through his teeth "You won't use it. I'd unleash a pandora's box of questionable information about your life in Metropolis. Not only would that destroy you as my heir but I don't think your farmer's son would hold you in high esteem either. Don't forget the Nicodemus experiment is not public knowledge." Lex stopped to remember the look on Clark's face when he asked him about the book that night on the street. That was the closest Lex had come to feeling fear in some time. His expression became sincere for the first time. "If that's what it would take to keep Clark Kent away from harm I wouldn't hesitate."
"Noble sentiments, Lex, but it won't put the boy into your bed."
"As long as it keeps him out of yours." Lex accused.
Lionel saw red and back handed his son with all the strength of years of fencing. Lex staggered back with the force of it.
"I'm tired of your defiance, as long as you remain dependent on me you'll be grateful for anything I give you." Lionel stepped closer to Lex with a look of menace and Lex braced himself for another blow.
A new voice cut in. "I don't think so." Lionel looked back to see Clark Kent in the doorway with what could only be described as murder in his eyes.
***
Clark felt his heart constrict when he saw Lex with a smear of blood on the corner of his mouth. The assailant was Lionel Luthor, standing tall and angry, obviously threatening his son. Clark knew hatred in that moment. This was the man who had humiliated and demeaned him. Now he was trying to do the same thing to Clark's best friend and he wasn't going to stand for it. What was the use of powers if you couldn't protect the ones you love?
Lionel was speaking, telling Lex he would do as he was told. By this evil man?
"I don't think so." Clark stepped forward.
"Stay out of this, boy. My son and I don't need your interference. Go home and stay there. Forget you saw this and forget my son." Lionel turned to Clark in challenge.
Lex sighed in defeat. "Do as he says, Clark. It's best if we don't see each other again."
"I won't do that, Lex." Turning to Lionel, Clark seemed to grow a few inches in size using his stature to intimidate. "You can't do what you want and get away with it. You attacked me and Lex and I WILL report you."
Lionel laughed "You do know that I can own your family's mortgage with a single phone call. I can have your parents tossed on the street. Some people are above the law. I happen to be one of them."
Clark's heart began to pound with fury and outrage. He let it mask the undercurrent of fear that Lionel's threat inspired. "You're not above this." Clark grabbed Lionel by his shirt front and lifted him up onto his toes.
Lionel's eyes widened in surprise. "You wouldn't dare."
"I would if you hurt me or mine. You caught me off guard before but I'm not a little boy." Clark thrust Lionel back with disgust.
Lionel had not been touched in a threatening manner in years and it unsettled him. Ridiculous, he shook it off. "Physical threats will get you nowhere."
Clark backed up, controlling some of his anger. "Lex says there's a tape of you touching me. I can take that to the police. With my testimony you'd be spending time in a jail cell." Lex smiled, thinking Clark naive to think his father would ever go to jail.
"Lex will never give you that tape and even if he did I can produce a dozen more, each with different faces added to discredit the first. If Lex goes ahead with this farce he turns his back on his family, his name, and his fortune. I'll not just disown him, I'll humiliate him in the most demeaning manner. Lex knows I can do it."
"I won't let you." Clark's frustration was tinged with worry.
"It's alright Clark." Lex's tone was soft and calm.
Clark and Lionel both turned to look at Lex who was now leaning on his desk having resumed his normal casual stance. He took a moment to study the two men before him, noting that for the first time Clark had the confidence of a man. Perhaps this could work. Lionel had underestimated Clark, expecting him to be fearful and easily controlled. This new Clark was a wild card that could be played, Lex had only to assess the cost.
"Gentlemen, I feel we have come to an impasse." Lex sounded confident and businesslike. Clark shivered reassessing the situation and feeling slightly off kilter by the sudden change. "Clark's threat is very real. A victim to back up the tape's veracity. I could remain neutral, uninvolved, and you would gain nothing by playing your hand."
Lionel straightened his back and smoothed down his jacket, taking the time to evaluate this. Lex he knew, would act on threats but the boy? Clark's demeanor remained outraged. He stood tall and ramrod straight with his jaw clenched. He opened and closed his fists as if wishing to wrap them around Lionel's throat. He was his father's son and believed in the sacred right of justice. Lionel recalled knocking heads with Jonathan Kent in the days of the creamed corn factory take over. His son would most likely not back down. Time to regroup.
"Lex, you've let this get out of hand. Neither of us wants to take this further. You need to concentrate on strengthening your business accumen. I've shown patience waiting for you to realise this but no longer."
"I'm not giving up my life in Smallville." Lex had thought this through when his father had offered him the job back in Metropolis. Lionel took in his son's determined look.
"I will get you to do as I say but you will not like my methods."
Clark stepped forward. "I won't let you hurt him."
"Take care, Kent, Lex will tell you what it means to take me on." His expression was hard, hinting at things Lex did not want to remember. "We'll resume this later Lex." Dismissing them as no longer important, Lionel strode out, already contemplating his meeting at 10:00 am the next day.
Clark turned almost smiling in relief and saw Lex sag, seeming to deflate from a hardened businessman to a lost boy with the force of one sigh.
Lex walked into his study and sat down still reeling slightly from the shock of Clark's withdrawal. He should have guessed this would happen. In his mind he'd known it was inevitable-- he'd just refused to see. Lionel Luthor made sure to control all aspects of Lex's life and this was bound to happen. Lex had been caught with no game plan or counter attack prepared for the endless war that was his family.
Walking up the stairs to his suite, Lex tried to organise his thoughts. He needed to think. Plot and counter plot is how his father worked. As Lex changed for dinner he began to list his options. The most obvious card in his favour was the video of Lionel apparently accosting a young man. Why had Lionel allowed this if he knew the camera was there? His final look up indicated that he knew. He must then feel that Lex could not use it. Possibly it could be discredited as a fake if the heir to the empire were to present it in court to discredit his predecessor, clearing the path to billions. Lex also did not know what evidence his father had kept on him from some of his more flamboyant youthful indiscretions. This would only mean a tense Detente. Lex needed an edge to eventually beat his father at his own game.
Lex continued to ruminate over his meal, eating little and watching the clock for the time to leave to pick up Clark. They'd need to go somewhere to talk, though after Clark's reaction to his touch this afternoon, it had best be a nice neutral spot. Lex felt his heart lurch again at the thought of Clark being nauseated or afraid of his touch.
He berated himself for letting down his guard. He had always kept an emotional distance. Until he'd sped off a bridge at 60 miles an hour and wakened to the face of an angel begging him not to die. Lex had felt a connection immediately. Particularly when said angel proceeded to faint from the effort of rescuing Lex, reversing their roles as Lex sought help. When Clark's father had arrived Lex felt a twinge of jealousy for the concern he saw there and a jolt of reality when the man had refused to shake his hand.
His subsequent dealings with Clark had cemented a friendship based on a single feeling, acceptance. Lex was amazed at how easily Clark accepted him as he was, without ulterior motivation. Clark's wide innocent eyes never closed him out, even if they were not always truthful. When Clark was angry with him it did not seem to come with a threat that could end their friendship, indicating that disagreement was allowed. Lex had never experienced this before and it was intoxicating. He said what he thought and did not constantly need to weigh his words even though this was second nature to him now. It was almost trust and near enough to it that Lex had begun not to care. The experience of having a friend who was not wary of him on one level or another was formerly something he had never imagined.
And so Lex's behaviour had begun to change seeking the warm presence of Clark Kent at every opportunity. Hell, he'd even taken to hanging out with high school students. Unfortunately, his father's spies had noticed. Lex had only recently realised his feelings for Clark were becoming more complicated. Having always been aware of Clark's physical attraction, Lex had begun to find excuses to touch him, unable to keep any distance, emotionally or otherwise. He also knew that nothing could possibly make Clark Kent, All American farm boy, return these feelings. Now that Lionel Luthor was involved the relationship as it was would have to come to an end. Lex's father was nothing if not thorough. This was something he would not condone. Lex had felt the force of Lionel's wrath in the past and at one point in his life he had actively provoked it hoping to get his father's attention even if it was brief and unkind.
Perhaps it would be best if this meeting was just a goodbye. His last chance to savour Clark's presence before he cut off all ties. The thought was painful but the memory of Clark being hurt by his father was worse. Lex had little time to make this decision. He'd need to leave soon to see Clark. Looking up from staring blankly at the centerpiece on the long dining room table Lex was surprised to see the dark form of his father standing in the doorway. He had not heard him enter and considering the man usually charged everywhere with great energy it was a bit of a surprise to see him so still and silent.
Lionel appeared to be studying him. "I'm disapponted in you, Lex."
Where had Lex heard that before, oh yes, weekly. Lex stood, walking casually past his father towards his study. Turning his head as he passed his father his voice dripped with sarcasm."Gee, I'm sorry, dad. I do try so hard."
"Is that what the Cadmus lab fiasco was? Trying hard? I found your Nicodemus records and I am once again astounded by your cat like ability to land on your feet. This could have been a disaster of mythic proportions."
"Well you always wanted me to emulate Alexander the Great, mythic proportions would fall in that category." Lex continued to walk forcing his father to follow him.
"Don't mock me, Lex. You need to start taking responsibility for your actions. You have a legacy to live up to and playing the mad scientist is not part of your destiny. It is time to give up your childish things."
"I stopped being a child long ago."
"Yet you continue to play with an illegal lab and that doesn't even touch upon your questionable social activities here in Smallville. Then there's your unnatural friendship with a local high school student. Don't think I don't know your motivations."
"You wouldn't be capable of understanding my motivations if I sent you a written prospectus. I've actually made friends here. I'm becoming someone I can be proud of. I'd have thought,Father, you would want that for me."Lex's voice was a challenge.
"I need you to be someone I can be proud of. I built an empire and I can't leave it to someone who won't respect the demands that it will make."
"I don't honestly believe you plan to leave me a thing, Dad. Surely you've figured out a way to take it with you by now." Lex smirked and Lionel clenched his fists."You just want another drone. Well surprise, surprise, I am my father's son and can't fit that mold."
"I need you to behave, Lex, and if I have to do that with a harsh lesson then so be it."
"Is that what that attack on Clark was, Dad? A harsh lesson? Because it didn't take. Don't forget I have that little incident on tape and you looked suspiciously like you enjoyed it. You know what they say, like father like..."Lex let the sentence trail off with a suggestive smirk.
Lionel spoke through his teeth "You won't use it. I'd unleash a pandora's box of questionable information about your life in Metropolis. Not only would that destroy you as my heir but I don't think your farmer's son would hold you in high esteem either. Don't forget the Nicodemus experiment is not public knowledge." Lex stopped to remember the look on Clark's face when he asked him about the book that night on the street. That was the closest Lex had come to feeling fear in some time. His expression became sincere for the first time. "If that's what it would take to keep Clark Kent away from harm I wouldn't hesitate."
"Noble sentiments, Lex, but it won't put the boy into your bed."
"As long as it keeps him out of yours." Lex accused.
Lionel saw red and back handed his son with all the strength of years of fencing. Lex staggered back with the force of it.
"I'm tired of your defiance, as long as you remain dependent on me you'll be grateful for anything I give you." Lionel stepped closer to Lex with a look of menace and Lex braced himself for another blow.
A new voice cut in. "I don't think so." Lionel looked back to see Clark Kent in the doorway with what could only be described as murder in his eyes.
***
Clark felt his heart constrict when he saw Lex with a smear of blood on the corner of his mouth. The assailant was Lionel Luthor, standing tall and angry, obviously threatening his son. Clark knew hatred in that moment. This was the man who had humiliated and demeaned him. Now he was trying to do the same thing to Clark's best friend and he wasn't going to stand for it. What was the use of powers if you couldn't protect the ones you love?
Lionel was speaking, telling Lex he would do as he was told. By this evil man?
"I don't think so." Clark stepped forward.
"Stay out of this, boy. My son and I don't need your interference. Go home and stay there. Forget you saw this and forget my son." Lionel turned to Clark in challenge.
Lex sighed in defeat. "Do as he says, Clark. It's best if we don't see each other again."
"I won't do that, Lex." Turning to Lionel, Clark seemed to grow a few inches in size using his stature to intimidate. "You can't do what you want and get away with it. You attacked me and Lex and I WILL report you."
Lionel laughed "You do know that I can own your family's mortgage with a single phone call. I can have your parents tossed on the street. Some people are above the law. I happen to be one of them."
Clark's heart began to pound with fury and outrage. He let it mask the undercurrent of fear that Lionel's threat inspired. "You're not above this." Clark grabbed Lionel by his shirt front and lifted him up onto his toes.
Lionel's eyes widened in surprise. "You wouldn't dare."
"I would if you hurt me or mine. You caught me off guard before but I'm not a little boy." Clark thrust Lionel back with disgust.
Lionel had not been touched in a threatening manner in years and it unsettled him. Ridiculous, he shook it off. "Physical threats will get you nowhere."
Clark backed up, controlling some of his anger. "Lex says there's a tape of you touching me. I can take that to the police. With my testimony you'd be spending time in a jail cell." Lex smiled, thinking Clark naive to think his father would ever go to jail.
"Lex will never give you that tape and even if he did I can produce a dozen more, each with different faces added to discredit the first. If Lex goes ahead with this farce he turns his back on his family, his name, and his fortune. I'll not just disown him, I'll humiliate him in the most demeaning manner. Lex knows I can do it."
"I won't let you." Clark's frustration was tinged with worry.
"It's alright Clark." Lex's tone was soft and calm.
Clark and Lionel both turned to look at Lex who was now leaning on his desk having resumed his normal casual stance. He took a moment to study the two men before him, noting that for the first time Clark had the confidence of a man. Perhaps this could work. Lionel had underestimated Clark, expecting him to be fearful and easily controlled. This new Clark was a wild card that could be played, Lex had only to assess the cost.
"Gentlemen, I feel we have come to an impasse." Lex sounded confident and businesslike. Clark shivered reassessing the situation and feeling slightly off kilter by the sudden change. "Clark's threat is very real. A victim to back up the tape's veracity. I could remain neutral, uninvolved, and you would gain nothing by playing your hand."
Lionel straightened his back and smoothed down his jacket, taking the time to evaluate this. Lex he knew, would act on threats but the boy? Clark's demeanor remained outraged. He stood tall and ramrod straight with his jaw clenched. He opened and closed his fists as if wishing to wrap them around Lionel's throat. He was his father's son and believed in the sacred right of justice. Lionel recalled knocking heads with Jonathan Kent in the days of the creamed corn factory take over. His son would most likely not back down. Time to regroup.
"Lex, you've let this get out of hand. Neither of us wants to take this further. You need to concentrate on strengthening your business accumen. I've shown patience waiting for you to realise this but no longer."
"I'm not giving up my life in Smallville." Lex had thought this through when his father had offered him the job back in Metropolis. Lionel took in his son's determined look.
"I will get you to do as I say but you will not like my methods."
Clark stepped forward. "I won't let you hurt him."
"Take care, Kent, Lex will tell you what it means to take me on." His expression was hard, hinting at things Lex did not want to remember. "We'll resume this later Lex." Dismissing them as no longer important, Lionel strode out, already contemplating his meeting at 10:00 am the next day.
Clark turned almost smiling in relief and saw Lex sag, seeming to deflate from a hardened businessman to a lost boy with the force of one sigh.