Chapter 17
The afternoon sun warmed Martha's shoulders as she pegged another piece of laundry to the line. A gentle breeze ruffled the cotton shirt she had just hung as she pushed the line away from her, dragging the next part through the pulley. She bent to pick up another shirt when she saw Lex Luthor exit the barn. She took a moment to study him as he walked to the wood pile. He was a strong young man of good height. He'd asked to be allowed to chop the wood for the physical exhilaration that came with hard work. Martha had been surprised that Lex actually enjoyed this type of labour but then remembered that he was in good shape. He most likely worked out. Lex picked up the axe and drove it into the wood with a powerful blow. Lex was certainly strong enough but he still seemed a bit fragile to her. Emotionally fragile. With all she had learned of his father recently she was surprised he was as confident as he seemed.
She had been watching him, trying to understand him when she'd begun to notice the undercurrent between Lex and her son. Their shared looks were a revelation on their own. Martha had known they were close but Lex looked at Clark like he was a lifeline thrown to a drowning man. There was hope in that look. What had surprised her more was that her son returned the look. She'd spoken to Jonathan about it last night and they'd weighed their options, planning a response if it was indeed true. Jonathan was not happy but she knew him for the reasonable man that he was when his temper calmed down. Acceptance may take time, but it would come. For all their discussion, it came down to the simple fact that they loved Clark and would not lose him over his choice of partner, whoever that would be. They trusted Clark's judgement and he knew Lex better than anyone. He must see good in him to love him. She and her husband had agreed their view of Lex had changed. Jonathan was worried for Clark's future but Martha reminded him not to jump to conclusions, yet. They merely needed to be prepared.
Martha smiled again at the reality of LEX LUTHOR chopping wood in her yard. Lex was wearing a flannel shirt and jeans that still had the store folds in them from the package. Martha had picked them up, as he needed farm wear and both Clark's and Jonathan's clothes were too big for his slim frame. He had accepted them this morning with a polite smile of grattitude and reassured her that he was not destitute. He was arranging his finances and would have it all in order soon. Martha had told him to shush and just say thank you. Lex's eyes had warmed with his smile as he opened the package and Martha knew she was starting to love this complicated young man. Returning to the present, she saw Lex stop as something along the drive caught his eye. Martha turned to follow his look.
A long black limousine pulled up the driveway of the Kent farm leaving a low trail of dust moving across the field in its wake. Martha heard the wheels crunch on the gravel and walked onto the front porch to watch it approach. It pulled up to the end of the drive and came to a stop with a final puff of dust like a dragon's sigh. Nothing happened and Lex pulled off his gloves and approached Martha. Just then, Jonathan came out of the barn and joined her on the porch. Jonathan put his arm around Martha as they waited. Lex remained stubbornly beside them. The driver's door opened and a large man in uniform stepped out and rounded the car to open the door. He returned to the front of the vehicle to stand imposingly with his arms crossed. Another man similarly dressed got out of the passenger door and stood next to him.
Lionel Luthor emerged, dressed in his customary long black coat and dark suit. The breeze ruffled his hair slightly, made his coat billow and writhe behind him. With a final squeeze of reassurance to Martha, Jonathan stepped down from the porch. Lex followed to stand at his side. Jonathan looked at Lex with a silent nod, acknowledging his right to be there.
"Mr. Luthor" Jonathan did not reach out his hand.
"Kent." Lionel's response was curt, looking past him at Lex. "I've come to collect my son."
"I don't believe he intends to go with you." Jonathan looked Lionel in the eye. He was slightly taller than Luthor, and certainly broader. He didn't use this to intimidate. He remained neutral, wary, waiting for the response.
Lionel scoffed. "He'll do what he's told and be glad for it."
"Your son is an adult and makes his own decisions. He is a guest in my house and wishes to stay." Jonathan remained casual, nonthreatening.
Lionel barely glanced at Jonathan, treating him as a minor annoyance. "This is between my son and me. I suggest you take your down-home opinions and go back in the house."
"This is my property and I can have you removed."
Lionel looked him up and down, finding humour in the idea. "You wouldn't dare." He turned back to Lex with a sound that was close to a chuckle.
"This young man is under my protection while a guest in my home." Clark Kent was not the only one who could imitate a stone wall.
"Your protection?" The chuckle became real and full of contempt. "That is rich."
"The law will protect me. Here in Smallville, the police are not owned by you."
"Who needs police? I can destroy this farm. I can influence your ability to sell your questionable produce. A word in the right ears and you won't be able to beg for change on the street."
"You can threaten all you like, but I think you'll find I also have some influence in this town."
"Not enough to free your son."
"What?" Jonathan's body became completely still.
"Isn't the younger Kent getting a little late?"
Lex was also immobile. His face was a mask, his expression unreadable, his voice even. "What have you done?"
"The boy has been detained pending the outcome of this little meeting."
Jonathan grabbed Lionel's lapel as fear lanced through him. "Where's my son?!"
Instantly, the driver had Jonathan pulled to the side. Jonathen jerked his arm free but kept his distance from Lionel, trying to choke down his fear and anger. He had to maintain control or this could be disastrous.
"Where is my son?" He repeated slowly.
"Safe." Lionel turned to Lex, smiling. "For now." Lex felt his stomach drop. He hadn't expected Lionel to have Clark. He knew his father was not lying. He felt the cliff's edge under his feet. One wrong step...
Martha started for the house. She was hoping to get the phone to call the police but Lionel's second bodyguard stopped her, taking her by the arm and moving her to stand by her husband. She took Jon's hand for reassurance. His grip was strong and warm but he didn't take his eyes from Lionel Luthor. Jonathan refused to feel helpless. "You can't do this."
Lionel's eyebrows went up, amazed at the man's obtuse response. "Watch me."
Martha and Jonathan held onto each other. Lex closed his eyes, burning the image of two more people he'd hurt into his extended list. Time enough for self-recrimination later, he needed to concentrate on his father. He could not let his father hurt Clark. That first attack had been for show, a video for Lex's benefit. Lex needed to know how far Lionel would take this and if he would hurt Clark for the sake of revenge. It seemed unlikely his father would risk the ramifications of hurting Clark if it wasn't necessary. It would be inefficient. Clark was probably only leverage. Lionel should have no interest in Clark without Lex to control. This would be endless if he didn't try to take Clark out of the loop now. Lionel would have to have him held somewhere. Somewhere temporarily out of Lionel's own reach as he stood here on the farm. That meant Lex had time to feel his father out. Surrender would be plan B.
Lionel Luthor walked forward, a dark presence in the glow of the setting sun. "It's time to stop this game and come back to Metropolis. We've danced around each other long enough. You've sowed your wild oats and pursued your foolish experiments and it's time to do as you're told. Get in the car."
"I'm not going anywhere with you." Lex moved to stand within inches of his father.
Lionel grabbed Lex's arm pulling him close and hissing quietly in his face. "Who do you think is going to patch things up when you destroy your life? I know you, Lex. You'll revert to form. You're not cut out for farming, even with a pretty boy keeping you warm."
Lex's face was a well practiced mask. Smirking, his eyes made a slow journey over the older man. "What makes you think I haven't reverted already? Clark is pretty but young. I imagined I cared for him but he's a boy, in high school no less. The Kents are a convenient sanctuary until my finances are in order. When I come back to Metropolis, it will be without you." Lex didn't let himself react to the whispered "Bastard" from Jonathan Kent behind him.
Jonathan tried to step forward and the limousine driver pulled his arm back. Martha put a hand on his chest. The driver would not let his arm go. The second man loomed large behind them. All four fell silent watching the battle of wills between the two Luthors.
Lionel smiled, his eyes lighting with laughter. "That's very good, Lex. Do you practice in the mirror?"
Lex let his anger surge and almost spat the next words. "I won't be your puppet."
"You're nothing without me." Contempt, impatience. How could Lex be so naive?
"I will live my own life." Lex's eyes narrowed with rage. "You taught me a long time ago that you don't care. These people have shown me kindness that I've never had from my own father. Why couldn't you have left Clark alone? I thought we had an agreement."
"You had one, Lex. I don't make promises. It's something I've tried to teach you." Lionel appeared satisfied, as if the arguement was over. "You'd best pack." Lex began to feel helpless. He couldn't leave Clark in his father's grip. He turned to the Kents but could see only worry in their eyes. He looked again at his father who leaned slightly forward and whispered in his ear, "Play your cards right and you can keep the boy. He has some interesting secrets that the Kents are desperate to hide. You can have him once we find out more about him. The Kents will be easily controlled, don't worry."
Lex jerked back and away from his father with disgust. "God! You never change."
Adjusting his tactics with the speed his father taught him, Lex schooled his face to be the picture of sincerity. "Let Clark go, forget about any secrets and I'll come back and be exactly as you ask." Lionel recognised the look.
"Don't pretend with me, Lex. You made the fatal mistake in caring for riff- raff."
"My fatal mistake was ever caring for you, you unholy bastard. Do you know how much pain the Luthor name has caused me? God, I'd give it up tomorrow if it would rid me of you." Lex was talking through his teeth. "I cringe at the thought that my mother ever had anything to do with you!"
His face contorted with rage, Lionel grabbed Lex by the front of his shirt.
***
"Pull over here." Clark's voice was strong and he seemed no worse for his recent ordeal. They were approaching the Kent farm. Chloe pulled over on the side of the road before they were in view of the house.
"Look, Clark, Lana and Whitney went for the police. I know this is some sort of thing with Lex and his dad." Chloe turned around in her seat to look at him. She placed her hand on the back of the seat and rested her chin on it. She looked at Clark expectantly.
Clark closed his eyes and took a deep breath trying to clear his head. "I don't know if I want them here. Let me find out what's going on with Lex. I'll go in through the field and maybe, I won't be seen. We all know how well the element of surprise works." Clark grinned at his friends, amazed again at their recent bravery. Would he be so bold with no powers to protect him?
Chloe and Pete grinned back still high from their adventure. Pete sobered first. "It could be dangerous. Extra help won't hurt."
"More people in danger won't help either." Clark's concern was well founded. He opened the door and got out, leaning back down to speak to them. "Let me go first. If I need help, I'll come back and let you know. If I'm not back in 15 minutes, come and get me." He grinned and didn't give them time to answer. Turning away, he leapt deftly over the fence heading off through the field.
Chloe looked at Pete and shrugged. Clark had always been wierd. Pete just shook his head in resignation and checked his watch. "I'll give him 15 minutes, then we're driving up that driveway."
"Clark takes too many chances. It's amazing we haven't had to rescue him before." Chloe smiled at Pete with confidence. Who would have guessed that they'd become a rescue team?
***
Clark approached from the far side of the house. Seeing the limo in the drive, he'd sped around to the back to remain unseen. Lionel and Lex were arguing as his parents stood by the limousine flanked by two large men, obviously in Luthor's employ. The two Luthors were almost spitting at each other in rage. Clark admired Lex's ability to stand head to head with the fightening black presence of Lionel Luthor. Clark's experience with the man had given him a healthy respect for how scary he could be. He watched as Lionel moved forward, suddenly becoming physically threatening. Clark felt a stab of fear. He would not let Lionel Luthor hurt Lex again. He moved silently closer to hear what was said.
Lex was almost whispering as his light eyes shone with pure hatred. "I cringe at the thought that my mother ever had anything to do with you!"
Lionel grabbed Lex by the front of his shirt, his face contorted with rage. He pulled the younger man forward, raising a fist in blind fury, but was suddenly knocked over by a blur of blue. The green eyes of Clark Kent, slanted with hatred, were inches from his own. Clark had him by the throat.
Lex staggered back, stunned by the sudden change of circumstance. Blinking to re-orient himself, he gasped as Clark exhibited his strength, lifting Lionel from the ground. Lex turned to look at Jonathan in surprise and noticed the silver flash in the hand of the limo driver next to him.
"No!" Lex made the only move he knew he had time for, and leapt in front of Clark as the gun went off. Searing pain shot through his side and he fell against Clark, who turned releasing Lionel, only to catch Lex with lightning reflexes. Clark lowered them both to the ground, sitting on his knees and cradling Lex against his chest. Horrified by the blood spreading on Lex's chest, Clark looked to see his mother running towards him. Lionel backed up to the limo never taking his eyes off Lex. Jonathan fought the bodyguard behind them. He fell with a blow from the large fist of the driver.
Brushing his hands together, having finished with Mr. Kent, the driver turned to Lionel Luthor. Lionel backhanded him with all his anger.
"You idiot." The slighter man exuded menace as he told his bodyguards to get in the car and wait. Turning back he approached Lex. Clark Kent's eyes were swimming with tears, rocking Lex back and forth slightly.
Lex shifted slightly, pushing against the solid bulk that seemed to be trying to absorb him. "Clark, I'm OK. I'll survive."
Clark gave Lex an intent look, as if he could see right through him. It seemed to calm him and the corner of his mouth quirked up. "You've got to stop scaring me like that. My heart can't take it."
Lex never wanted to kiss anybody so much in his life. "Don't worry, Clark. I'll take care of your heart." They took a moment to reassure themselves of each other's safety.
Lionel couldn't suppress a mild shudder as he looked down at the pathetically weak young man he had called his son. Who was he trying to fool? Lex would not change. Lionel Luthor would never have become a corporate giant if he didn't know when to cut a bad loss. Lex required more effort than he was worth. Without the Kent boy up his sleeve, Lex would not be controlled. This was currently a waste of time.
Martha Kent started towards the house. "I'll call for help."
Lionel and Lex spoke as one. "Don't." Lex could still take control, even while injured. He pushed a hand against Clark's chest, sitting straighter and meeting his father's eyes with strength and purpose. "We'll call Toby."
Martha looked as if she would protest when Lionel spoke. He gambled on a hunch. "If you get a doctor, he'll report the shooting. You really don't want to involve the police regarding that rather odd child of yours, now do you? I may have to reveal what I know." Martha hesitated, a sudden look of terror in her eyes. Lionel turned his attention back to Lex.
"Take care of this, Lex. If you want a new name you can have one. Clean this up and you're free of me." Lionel Luthor turned and walked back to get in the limousine. Bending to pick up the gun, Lionel wiped its shiny surface clean of any finger prints with his monagrammed kerchief and threw it on the ground, closer to Lex. "You're dead to me, Lex." He did not look back again as he got into the limousine. He could no longer be seen through the tinted glass as it pulled out of the drive and headed back towards Metropolis.
***
A/N: Hope you liked it. Please review? Constructive criticism is always welcome. I'm new at this and need to learn. Thank you to all who have reviewed.
LaCasta, your beta help has been out of this world. If I had a big, beautiful alien, I'd wrap him up and send him as a Thankyou. :D
The afternoon sun warmed Martha's shoulders as she pegged another piece of laundry to the line. A gentle breeze ruffled the cotton shirt she had just hung as she pushed the line away from her, dragging the next part through the pulley. She bent to pick up another shirt when she saw Lex Luthor exit the barn. She took a moment to study him as he walked to the wood pile. He was a strong young man of good height. He'd asked to be allowed to chop the wood for the physical exhilaration that came with hard work. Martha had been surprised that Lex actually enjoyed this type of labour but then remembered that he was in good shape. He most likely worked out. Lex picked up the axe and drove it into the wood with a powerful blow. Lex was certainly strong enough but he still seemed a bit fragile to her. Emotionally fragile. With all she had learned of his father recently she was surprised he was as confident as he seemed.
She had been watching him, trying to understand him when she'd begun to notice the undercurrent between Lex and her son. Their shared looks were a revelation on their own. Martha had known they were close but Lex looked at Clark like he was a lifeline thrown to a drowning man. There was hope in that look. What had surprised her more was that her son returned the look. She'd spoken to Jonathan about it last night and they'd weighed their options, planning a response if it was indeed true. Jonathan was not happy but she knew him for the reasonable man that he was when his temper calmed down. Acceptance may take time, but it would come. For all their discussion, it came down to the simple fact that they loved Clark and would not lose him over his choice of partner, whoever that would be. They trusted Clark's judgement and he knew Lex better than anyone. He must see good in him to love him. She and her husband had agreed their view of Lex had changed. Jonathan was worried for Clark's future but Martha reminded him not to jump to conclusions, yet. They merely needed to be prepared.
Martha smiled again at the reality of LEX LUTHOR chopping wood in her yard. Lex was wearing a flannel shirt and jeans that still had the store folds in them from the package. Martha had picked them up, as he needed farm wear and both Clark's and Jonathan's clothes were too big for his slim frame. He had accepted them this morning with a polite smile of grattitude and reassured her that he was not destitute. He was arranging his finances and would have it all in order soon. Martha had told him to shush and just say thank you. Lex's eyes had warmed with his smile as he opened the package and Martha knew she was starting to love this complicated young man. Returning to the present, she saw Lex stop as something along the drive caught his eye. Martha turned to follow his look.
A long black limousine pulled up the driveway of the Kent farm leaving a low trail of dust moving across the field in its wake. Martha heard the wheels crunch on the gravel and walked onto the front porch to watch it approach. It pulled up to the end of the drive and came to a stop with a final puff of dust like a dragon's sigh. Nothing happened and Lex pulled off his gloves and approached Martha. Just then, Jonathan came out of the barn and joined her on the porch. Jonathan put his arm around Martha as they waited. Lex remained stubbornly beside them. The driver's door opened and a large man in uniform stepped out and rounded the car to open the door. He returned to the front of the vehicle to stand imposingly with his arms crossed. Another man similarly dressed got out of the passenger door and stood next to him.
Lionel Luthor emerged, dressed in his customary long black coat and dark suit. The breeze ruffled his hair slightly, made his coat billow and writhe behind him. With a final squeeze of reassurance to Martha, Jonathan stepped down from the porch. Lex followed to stand at his side. Jonathan looked at Lex with a silent nod, acknowledging his right to be there.
"Mr. Luthor" Jonathan did not reach out his hand.
"Kent." Lionel's response was curt, looking past him at Lex. "I've come to collect my son."
"I don't believe he intends to go with you." Jonathan looked Lionel in the eye. He was slightly taller than Luthor, and certainly broader. He didn't use this to intimidate. He remained neutral, wary, waiting for the response.
Lionel scoffed. "He'll do what he's told and be glad for it."
"Your son is an adult and makes his own decisions. He is a guest in my house and wishes to stay." Jonathan remained casual, nonthreatening.
Lionel barely glanced at Jonathan, treating him as a minor annoyance. "This is between my son and me. I suggest you take your down-home opinions and go back in the house."
"This is my property and I can have you removed."
Lionel looked him up and down, finding humour in the idea. "You wouldn't dare." He turned back to Lex with a sound that was close to a chuckle.
"This young man is under my protection while a guest in my home." Clark Kent was not the only one who could imitate a stone wall.
"Your protection?" The chuckle became real and full of contempt. "That is rich."
"The law will protect me. Here in Smallville, the police are not owned by you."
"Who needs police? I can destroy this farm. I can influence your ability to sell your questionable produce. A word in the right ears and you won't be able to beg for change on the street."
"You can threaten all you like, but I think you'll find I also have some influence in this town."
"Not enough to free your son."
"What?" Jonathan's body became completely still.
"Isn't the younger Kent getting a little late?"
Lex was also immobile. His face was a mask, his expression unreadable, his voice even. "What have you done?"
"The boy has been detained pending the outcome of this little meeting."
Jonathan grabbed Lionel's lapel as fear lanced through him. "Where's my son?!"
Instantly, the driver had Jonathan pulled to the side. Jonathen jerked his arm free but kept his distance from Lionel, trying to choke down his fear and anger. He had to maintain control or this could be disastrous.
"Where is my son?" He repeated slowly.
"Safe." Lionel turned to Lex, smiling. "For now." Lex felt his stomach drop. He hadn't expected Lionel to have Clark. He knew his father was not lying. He felt the cliff's edge under his feet. One wrong step...
Martha started for the house. She was hoping to get the phone to call the police but Lionel's second bodyguard stopped her, taking her by the arm and moving her to stand by her husband. She took Jon's hand for reassurance. His grip was strong and warm but he didn't take his eyes from Lionel Luthor. Jonathan refused to feel helpless. "You can't do this."
Lionel's eyebrows went up, amazed at the man's obtuse response. "Watch me."
Martha and Jonathan held onto each other. Lex closed his eyes, burning the image of two more people he'd hurt into his extended list. Time enough for self-recrimination later, he needed to concentrate on his father. He could not let his father hurt Clark. That first attack had been for show, a video for Lex's benefit. Lex needed to know how far Lionel would take this and if he would hurt Clark for the sake of revenge. It seemed unlikely his father would risk the ramifications of hurting Clark if it wasn't necessary. It would be inefficient. Clark was probably only leverage. Lionel should have no interest in Clark without Lex to control. This would be endless if he didn't try to take Clark out of the loop now. Lionel would have to have him held somewhere. Somewhere temporarily out of Lionel's own reach as he stood here on the farm. That meant Lex had time to feel his father out. Surrender would be plan B.
Lionel Luthor walked forward, a dark presence in the glow of the setting sun. "It's time to stop this game and come back to Metropolis. We've danced around each other long enough. You've sowed your wild oats and pursued your foolish experiments and it's time to do as you're told. Get in the car."
"I'm not going anywhere with you." Lex moved to stand within inches of his father.
Lionel grabbed Lex's arm pulling him close and hissing quietly in his face. "Who do you think is going to patch things up when you destroy your life? I know you, Lex. You'll revert to form. You're not cut out for farming, even with a pretty boy keeping you warm."
Lex's face was a well practiced mask. Smirking, his eyes made a slow journey over the older man. "What makes you think I haven't reverted already? Clark is pretty but young. I imagined I cared for him but he's a boy, in high school no less. The Kents are a convenient sanctuary until my finances are in order. When I come back to Metropolis, it will be without you." Lex didn't let himself react to the whispered "Bastard" from Jonathan Kent behind him.
Jonathan tried to step forward and the limousine driver pulled his arm back. Martha put a hand on his chest. The driver would not let his arm go. The second man loomed large behind them. All four fell silent watching the battle of wills between the two Luthors.
Lionel smiled, his eyes lighting with laughter. "That's very good, Lex. Do you practice in the mirror?"
Lex let his anger surge and almost spat the next words. "I won't be your puppet."
"You're nothing without me." Contempt, impatience. How could Lex be so naive?
"I will live my own life." Lex's eyes narrowed with rage. "You taught me a long time ago that you don't care. These people have shown me kindness that I've never had from my own father. Why couldn't you have left Clark alone? I thought we had an agreement."
"You had one, Lex. I don't make promises. It's something I've tried to teach you." Lionel appeared satisfied, as if the arguement was over. "You'd best pack." Lex began to feel helpless. He couldn't leave Clark in his father's grip. He turned to the Kents but could see only worry in their eyes. He looked again at his father who leaned slightly forward and whispered in his ear, "Play your cards right and you can keep the boy. He has some interesting secrets that the Kents are desperate to hide. You can have him once we find out more about him. The Kents will be easily controlled, don't worry."
Lex jerked back and away from his father with disgust. "God! You never change."
Adjusting his tactics with the speed his father taught him, Lex schooled his face to be the picture of sincerity. "Let Clark go, forget about any secrets and I'll come back and be exactly as you ask." Lionel recognised the look.
"Don't pretend with me, Lex. You made the fatal mistake in caring for riff- raff."
"My fatal mistake was ever caring for you, you unholy bastard. Do you know how much pain the Luthor name has caused me? God, I'd give it up tomorrow if it would rid me of you." Lex was talking through his teeth. "I cringe at the thought that my mother ever had anything to do with you!"
His face contorted with rage, Lionel grabbed Lex by the front of his shirt.
***
"Pull over here." Clark's voice was strong and he seemed no worse for his recent ordeal. They were approaching the Kent farm. Chloe pulled over on the side of the road before they were in view of the house.
"Look, Clark, Lana and Whitney went for the police. I know this is some sort of thing with Lex and his dad." Chloe turned around in her seat to look at him. She placed her hand on the back of the seat and rested her chin on it. She looked at Clark expectantly.
Clark closed his eyes and took a deep breath trying to clear his head. "I don't know if I want them here. Let me find out what's going on with Lex. I'll go in through the field and maybe, I won't be seen. We all know how well the element of surprise works." Clark grinned at his friends, amazed again at their recent bravery. Would he be so bold with no powers to protect him?
Chloe and Pete grinned back still high from their adventure. Pete sobered first. "It could be dangerous. Extra help won't hurt."
"More people in danger won't help either." Clark's concern was well founded. He opened the door and got out, leaning back down to speak to them. "Let me go first. If I need help, I'll come back and let you know. If I'm not back in 15 minutes, come and get me." He grinned and didn't give them time to answer. Turning away, he leapt deftly over the fence heading off through the field.
Chloe looked at Pete and shrugged. Clark had always been wierd. Pete just shook his head in resignation and checked his watch. "I'll give him 15 minutes, then we're driving up that driveway."
"Clark takes too many chances. It's amazing we haven't had to rescue him before." Chloe smiled at Pete with confidence. Who would have guessed that they'd become a rescue team?
***
Clark approached from the far side of the house. Seeing the limo in the drive, he'd sped around to the back to remain unseen. Lionel and Lex were arguing as his parents stood by the limousine flanked by two large men, obviously in Luthor's employ. The two Luthors were almost spitting at each other in rage. Clark admired Lex's ability to stand head to head with the fightening black presence of Lionel Luthor. Clark's experience with the man had given him a healthy respect for how scary he could be. He watched as Lionel moved forward, suddenly becoming physically threatening. Clark felt a stab of fear. He would not let Lionel Luthor hurt Lex again. He moved silently closer to hear what was said.
Lex was almost whispering as his light eyes shone with pure hatred. "I cringe at the thought that my mother ever had anything to do with you!"
Lionel grabbed Lex by the front of his shirt, his face contorted with rage. He pulled the younger man forward, raising a fist in blind fury, but was suddenly knocked over by a blur of blue. The green eyes of Clark Kent, slanted with hatred, were inches from his own. Clark had him by the throat.
Lex staggered back, stunned by the sudden change of circumstance. Blinking to re-orient himself, he gasped as Clark exhibited his strength, lifting Lionel from the ground. Lex turned to look at Jonathan in surprise and noticed the silver flash in the hand of the limo driver next to him.
"No!" Lex made the only move he knew he had time for, and leapt in front of Clark as the gun went off. Searing pain shot through his side and he fell against Clark, who turned releasing Lionel, only to catch Lex with lightning reflexes. Clark lowered them both to the ground, sitting on his knees and cradling Lex against his chest. Horrified by the blood spreading on Lex's chest, Clark looked to see his mother running towards him. Lionel backed up to the limo never taking his eyes off Lex. Jonathan fought the bodyguard behind them. He fell with a blow from the large fist of the driver.
Brushing his hands together, having finished with Mr. Kent, the driver turned to Lionel Luthor. Lionel backhanded him with all his anger.
"You idiot." The slighter man exuded menace as he told his bodyguards to get in the car and wait. Turning back he approached Lex. Clark Kent's eyes were swimming with tears, rocking Lex back and forth slightly.
Lex shifted slightly, pushing against the solid bulk that seemed to be trying to absorb him. "Clark, I'm OK. I'll survive."
Clark gave Lex an intent look, as if he could see right through him. It seemed to calm him and the corner of his mouth quirked up. "You've got to stop scaring me like that. My heart can't take it."
Lex never wanted to kiss anybody so much in his life. "Don't worry, Clark. I'll take care of your heart." They took a moment to reassure themselves of each other's safety.
Lionel couldn't suppress a mild shudder as he looked down at the pathetically weak young man he had called his son. Who was he trying to fool? Lex would not change. Lionel Luthor would never have become a corporate giant if he didn't know when to cut a bad loss. Lex required more effort than he was worth. Without the Kent boy up his sleeve, Lex would not be controlled. This was currently a waste of time.
Martha Kent started towards the house. "I'll call for help."
Lionel and Lex spoke as one. "Don't." Lex could still take control, even while injured. He pushed a hand against Clark's chest, sitting straighter and meeting his father's eyes with strength and purpose. "We'll call Toby."
Martha looked as if she would protest when Lionel spoke. He gambled on a hunch. "If you get a doctor, he'll report the shooting. You really don't want to involve the police regarding that rather odd child of yours, now do you? I may have to reveal what I know." Martha hesitated, a sudden look of terror in her eyes. Lionel turned his attention back to Lex.
"Take care of this, Lex. If you want a new name you can have one. Clean this up and you're free of me." Lionel Luthor turned and walked back to get in the limousine. Bending to pick up the gun, Lionel wiped its shiny surface clean of any finger prints with his monagrammed kerchief and threw it on the ground, closer to Lex. "You're dead to me, Lex." He did not look back again as he got into the limousine. He could no longer be seen through the tinted glass as it pulled out of the drive and headed back towards Metropolis.
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A/N: Hope you liked it. Please review? Constructive criticism is always welcome. I'm new at this and need to learn. Thank you to all who have reviewed.
LaCasta, your beta help has been out of this world. If I had a big, beautiful alien, I'd wrap him up and send him as a Thankyou. :D