A/N: Thanks to The Die Hard, theoriginalflame, Witchflame, and Luscious
Cheese for the reviews. I think this is my fave chapter so far because it's
so much fun!
Chapter 5- Lettuce?
Clark sat at a table in the Talon drinking a cappuccino and trying not to think about Lex.
He had been distracted ever since the party, but today was the worst. Over the weekend he could at least be alone in his room or the Fortress. School was another matter. He had zoned out in every class, unable to pay attention because of the images floating through his mind, both real and imagined.
He still couldn't believe that Lex had gotten so drunk that he'd lost control like that. He looked up at the sound of his name to find Chloe and Pete walking toward him holding hands. 'At least the party did some good,' he thought. He was happy for his two best friends and glad, now, that he had told them what they'd done at the party when they asked.
"So Clark," said Pete, "We figured out what was in the punch."
That got his attention. "What was it? Alcohol?"
"No, we kinda figured it wasn't that since no one had a hangover. It was Chloe's idea to check all the ingredients to see if there was some funky mold or something that could have caused everyone to lose control like that."
"And?"
"And," said Chloe, "It turns out that the lettuce Pete used-"
"Lettuce????"
"Don't ask. It's a family recipe," Pete shrugged.
"So anyway, the lettuce was grown in a field that had been hit by a large amount of meteor rock during the shower. The old owners never tried to grow anything there because they were afraid of what it might produce. However, it was sold last year to a new family who thought they were just being superstitious not using that prime piece of land," Chloe explained.
"Ms. Sullivan brilliantly put two and two together and contacted me to help prove her theory," announced a new and familiar voice.
"Hey Lex," said Chloe cheerfully.
"Lex, have a seat," Pete invited with a grin.
"Hi Lex," Clark tried to smile, but only succeeded in looking nauseous. He was having trouble looking directly at Lex for fear of what he might do. He looked at Chloe who returned his gaze with an odd intensity and then smiled mischievously.
"So Lex, why don't you explain the results of all your tests on the lettuce," said Chloe innocently. "I know I've already heard them, but I'm sure Clark is eager to find out what happened. Right Clark?" Chloe looked at him triumphantly. 'She is way too excited about this Wall of Weird stuff. Maybe now that she's with Pete she'll get a life,' thought Clark knowing that not looking at Lex while he explained would seem rude. He looked up and managed to concentrate on the explanation by staring at the jukebox that was just beyond Lex's shoulder in his line of vision.
"Well, I tested the punch first from the leftovers and found tiny molecules of meteor rock. I found the same molecules in the sample of lettuce Chloe gave me. Apparently, ingesting these particles causes a loss of inhibitions and self-control as well as the appearance of being drunk, although without the hangover. Also, the drug works much more quickly than alcohol and its effects are much stronger."
'That explains why Lex seemed so drunk. Thank god I hate pineapple. Who knows what might have happened if I had gotten bits of meteor inside me?' thought Clark. Aloud he said, "Wow. There's never a dull moment in this town is there?"
With the exception of a few business related trips to the Talon Lex had been pretty much out of commission all weekend. After watching Clark get himself off he couldn't be expected to concentrate on much of anything. He had done nothing but eat, sleep, attempt to take his frustrations out in the gym, and jerk off.
Then last night Chloe had called him with her theory and he had welcomed the opportunity to focus on something else. He had suspected there had been more than liquor in the punch. According to what he'd overheard, almost everyone had behaved completely out of character. There had been a lot of regrets after the party and half the students who'd been there still couldn't look each other in the eye.
Lex felt sick to his stomach at Clark's refusal to look at him. Even while he explained about the meteor infected punch Clark was staring past him, pretending to be looking him in the face. 'Full of regret just like half the teenage population of Smallville these days,' he thought. He had hoped Clark would attribute his behavior to the punch, especially now that he had explained that it hadn't just been spiked. However, Clark still seemed to be avoiding his eyes and looked a bit ill.
Maybe Clark WAS feeling ill? After all, he was different. Lex wasn't sure how different, but he knew the meteors had an unusual effect on Clark.
He leaned over to his friend who was staring uncomfortably at his coffee. "Clark, are you feeling alright? You seem kind of. . . nauseous."
"I'm fine Lex," he replied distractedly, still looking pale and swallowing hard.
Lex's concern increased. Clark looked like he was about to heave. He hoped the farmboy wasn't trying to hide an illness to spare his friends. He reached out a hand and touched Clark's arm without thinking. "Are you sure? Maybe you're experiencing side effects from the punch. We should get you to a doctor."
"NO!" Clark yelled, then winced at the look on Lex's face. "I'm sorry. I just don't like doctors," he apologized finally really looking at Lex now that he was distracted from his distraction.
"I know Clark, but if you're sick you'll just have to deal with it. There might be something seriously wrong."
"I'm fine, Lex, really. I didn't actually drink any punch. Sorry Pete," Clark grinned sheepishly, "I never did like pineapples."
Lex relaxed glad to know that Clark was safe after all.
"It's ok man. I understand. I'm glad you avoided the insanity," said Pete.
"Uh-Pete, we'd better go now. We have that. . . uh meeting in twenty minutes remember?" asked Chloe tugging on Pete's arm.
"Meeting?" Pete asked looking perplexed. One glance at Chloe's face though and he was muttering, "Oh yeah. THAT meeting."
Lex laughed to himself as the two new lovebirds practically ran out of the Talon. 'Probably going off to find a closet somewhere,' he thought. He looked back at Clark who was staring after them and grinning. Suddenly Lex realized what Clark had said. 'I'm fine, Lex, really. I didn't actually drink any punch. I never did like pineapples.' Clark hadn't drunk the punch? But he had acted so totally. . . and then in the barn. . . it had to be. . .
"Clark, are you sure you didn't drink any punch? You wouldn't be saying that just to avoid the doctor would you?"
"No, really Lex. I could smell the pineapple juice in it and I don't like pineapples so I didn't drink any."
Lex doubted the explanation, but didn't argue. "Well, that's lucky then. You managed to escape the effects the rest of us experienced," he said expecting Clark to blush at the memory of what he had done under the effects of the punch. He could use that blush to get Clark to admit he was lying about not drinking the punch. However, surprisingly, Clark did not blush. He merely looked extremely relieved and a bit. . . was that guilt in Clark's eyes?
"So you guys don't remember what happened while you were drunk. . .or whatever? I guess that's for the best. People did a lot of embarrassing stuff," Clark commented refusing to look Lex in the eyes.
Lex's eyes opened wide as he realized that Clark was telling the truth. He really hadn't drunk the punch or he would know that there had been no loss of memory about the events of the party. No wonder the boy looked guilty; all his actions at the party had been completely of his own free will. A slow grin spread over Lex's face as he realized what this meant. Clark wanted him. This was going to be fun.
"So Clark, I've been wondering, what exactly did happen at the party? Have you got any interesting stories for me?"
Clark looked at him finally with a big grin. "Yeah, in fact that comment you made last week about people hanging from the chandeliers was pretty accurate. Everyone was running wild. I even found Chloe and Pete making out in the hall closet."
"What were you doing looking in the hall closet Clark? Were you going to maybe take a little advantage of Lana in her inebriated state?" Lex wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
"No," responded Clark, a blush rising into his cheeks. "I was actually looking for you."
"You were?" asked Lex softly. "And why were you looking for me?"
"Well, I noticed people were behaving oddly so I thought the punch might have been spiked. I hadn't seen you in awhile so I figured you must be hiding in one of the closets. I went looking for you so I could let you know what was up. I thought maybe we could calm everyone down together, but. . ." Clark trailed off shrugging.
"But what Clark?"
"Well, I could tell you had been drinking the punch too so I decided to just keep an eye on everyone and pray that no one called the cops."
"I'm curious Clark, what exactly did I do that made you think I was drunk?"
"Oh, um. I don't know if you really want to know Lex." The blush was back.
"I do Clark. I want to know all the details. What did I do?"
"Well, um, you, uh, y- you were um, dancing."
"Dancing? Just dancing?"
"On the bar."
"Really?" Lex tried to look surprised.
"Yeah. And um, you were uh, s- stripping too."
"Wow. I must've had a good time. Did I get lucky after all that?"
"Well, you almost did, but then you passed out. It's probably for the best though. You know, beer goggles and all." Clark turned an even brighter shade of red and looked past Lex's shoulder again.
Oh God. Clark thought. . . The boy must be blind. Lex had worried all this time that Clark was just pretending to ignore the flirting and the looks to spare his feelings. Beer goggles. . . Jesus. Lex turned to follow Clark's gaze and saw that he was staring at the jukebox. This gave him an idea. He turned back around and said abruptly, "Is it just me or is it too quiet in here? It's a shame no one is making use of that fine jukebox over in the corner."
"Uh, yeah," mumbled Clark.
"I think I'll go request a song. What do you think Clark? Any ideas?"
"No. Whatever is fine. Just um. Nothing by Def Leppard, ok?"
"Sure thing Clark," Lex tried not to laugh as he headed over to the jukebox. Clark might have ruined his original plan with that request, but that didn't mean he couldn't make a few modifications. He stared intensely at the selection until he found the perfect song. 'Even better,' he thought to himself, leaning against the machine and shaking with silent laughter. He chose one other to allow himself time. He couldn't wait to see the look on Clark's face.
After making his requests he sat back down next to Clark. "So, how did everyone manage to get home safely Clark? I assume you made sure of that." Lex leaned in closer to be heard over the music.
"Well, I drove everyone home in shifts. I was worried about what everyone would do while I was gone, but I couldn't think of anyone to call for help. I took Chloe and Pete home last. They were still in the closet so I figured they were pretty safe."
"I'm curious. What happened after I passed out? How did I end up in my own bed?"
"I carried you upstairs. I would never just leave you to sleep it off on the floor. I did that first before I took everyone else home." Clark looked hurt that Lex would think him such an inconsiderate friend.
Hmmm. This was better than he thought. Clark had carried him upstairs and put him in bed. He had also left his shirt for Lex to use as a pillow.
"So what time did you get home then? Were your parents mad?" Valid question this time. He would hate for the Kents to blame him for Clark getting home late after what seemed a drunken party.
"Um, actually, I called them after I put you to bed and asked if I could spend the night at the mansion. I knew it was going to be awhile before I could get everyone home. I hope you don't mind." Clark looked at him shyly.
"You spent the night at the mansion? Of course you're always welcome. I just didn't realize you had stayed."
"I left before you got up. I checked on you before I left and you seemed fine."
"I woke up at 8 a.m. Clark. When did you leave?"
"I left at seven. I had some chores and. . . things to take care of at home. I figured you would probably sleep late."
"Chores and things. Of course." Lex pretended not to notice the blush, which at this rate would become permanent, as he heard the first notes of the song he had chosen. "Isn't this a great song?" he asked.
I love myself
I want you to love me
When I'm feeling down
I want you above me
I search myself
I want you to find me
I forget myself
I want you to remind me
I don't want anybody else
When I think about you I touch myself
I don't want anybody else
Oh no, oh no, oh no
Clark hadn't been paying attention to the music Lex had selected. He had been concentrating very hard on what he said to Lex, trying not to give anything away. Now that it had been pointed out to him he focused in on the words. When he heard what song Lex had chosen the color drained from his face. He had a sudden moment of complete and utter panic before realizing that it had to be a coincidence. There was no way Lex could know what he had meant by things. He was just being paranoid.
'Calm down Clark,' he told himself. He took a deep breath and felt the color return immediately to his face. The blood kept rushing up until he was sure he was a bright, fiery red. He looked around the Talon for something, anything, to take his mind off the words of the song.
When he saw the color drain from Clark's face Lex had a moment of doubt. Maybe he was taking this game too far. He had expected Clark to blush with embarrassment, but he looked panic stricken and about ready to bolt. He was about to reassure Clark that he had only been teasing when the blood rushed back to the boy's face making him redder than Lex had ever seen him. He decided to make his final move.
Leaning in close he whispered, hot breathe blowing on Clark's ear, "One more question Clark?"
"Hmmm." Clark was beyond words. He was just waiting for the song to end so he could think of something besides jerking off in the barn on Saturday morning. Or any other time for that matter.
"How did I end up using your shirt as a pillow that night?" Lex barely brushed Clark's earlobe with his lips as he asked the question. Clark suddenly shot out of his seat and barely mumbled, "Uh, gotta go. Something came up," before tearing out of the Talon like his chair was on fire.
Chapter 5- Lettuce?
Clark sat at a table in the Talon drinking a cappuccino and trying not to think about Lex.
He had been distracted ever since the party, but today was the worst. Over the weekend he could at least be alone in his room or the Fortress. School was another matter. He had zoned out in every class, unable to pay attention because of the images floating through his mind, both real and imagined.
He still couldn't believe that Lex had gotten so drunk that he'd lost control like that. He looked up at the sound of his name to find Chloe and Pete walking toward him holding hands. 'At least the party did some good,' he thought. He was happy for his two best friends and glad, now, that he had told them what they'd done at the party when they asked.
"So Clark," said Pete, "We figured out what was in the punch."
That got his attention. "What was it? Alcohol?"
"No, we kinda figured it wasn't that since no one had a hangover. It was Chloe's idea to check all the ingredients to see if there was some funky mold or something that could have caused everyone to lose control like that."
"And?"
"And," said Chloe, "It turns out that the lettuce Pete used-"
"Lettuce????"
"Don't ask. It's a family recipe," Pete shrugged.
"So anyway, the lettuce was grown in a field that had been hit by a large amount of meteor rock during the shower. The old owners never tried to grow anything there because they were afraid of what it might produce. However, it was sold last year to a new family who thought they were just being superstitious not using that prime piece of land," Chloe explained.
"Ms. Sullivan brilliantly put two and two together and contacted me to help prove her theory," announced a new and familiar voice.
"Hey Lex," said Chloe cheerfully.
"Lex, have a seat," Pete invited with a grin.
"Hi Lex," Clark tried to smile, but only succeeded in looking nauseous. He was having trouble looking directly at Lex for fear of what he might do. He looked at Chloe who returned his gaze with an odd intensity and then smiled mischievously.
"So Lex, why don't you explain the results of all your tests on the lettuce," said Chloe innocently. "I know I've already heard them, but I'm sure Clark is eager to find out what happened. Right Clark?" Chloe looked at him triumphantly. 'She is way too excited about this Wall of Weird stuff. Maybe now that she's with Pete she'll get a life,' thought Clark knowing that not looking at Lex while he explained would seem rude. He looked up and managed to concentrate on the explanation by staring at the jukebox that was just beyond Lex's shoulder in his line of vision.
"Well, I tested the punch first from the leftovers and found tiny molecules of meteor rock. I found the same molecules in the sample of lettuce Chloe gave me. Apparently, ingesting these particles causes a loss of inhibitions and self-control as well as the appearance of being drunk, although without the hangover. Also, the drug works much more quickly than alcohol and its effects are much stronger."
'That explains why Lex seemed so drunk. Thank god I hate pineapple. Who knows what might have happened if I had gotten bits of meteor inside me?' thought Clark. Aloud he said, "Wow. There's never a dull moment in this town is there?"
With the exception of a few business related trips to the Talon Lex had been pretty much out of commission all weekend. After watching Clark get himself off he couldn't be expected to concentrate on much of anything. He had done nothing but eat, sleep, attempt to take his frustrations out in the gym, and jerk off.
Then last night Chloe had called him with her theory and he had welcomed the opportunity to focus on something else. He had suspected there had been more than liquor in the punch. According to what he'd overheard, almost everyone had behaved completely out of character. There had been a lot of regrets after the party and half the students who'd been there still couldn't look each other in the eye.
Lex felt sick to his stomach at Clark's refusal to look at him. Even while he explained about the meteor infected punch Clark was staring past him, pretending to be looking him in the face. 'Full of regret just like half the teenage population of Smallville these days,' he thought. He had hoped Clark would attribute his behavior to the punch, especially now that he had explained that it hadn't just been spiked. However, Clark still seemed to be avoiding his eyes and looked a bit ill.
Maybe Clark WAS feeling ill? After all, he was different. Lex wasn't sure how different, but he knew the meteors had an unusual effect on Clark.
He leaned over to his friend who was staring uncomfortably at his coffee. "Clark, are you feeling alright? You seem kind of. . . nauseous."
"I'm fine Lex," he replied distractedly, still looking pale and swallowing hard.
Lex's concern increased. Clark looked like he was about to heave. He hoped the farmboy wasn't trying to hide an illness to spare his friends. He reached out a hand and touched Clark's arm without thinking. "Are you sure? Maybe you're experiencing side effects from the punch. We should get you to a doctor."
"NO!" Clark yelled, then winced at the look on Lex's face. "I'm sorry. I just don't like doctors," he apologized finally really looking at Lex now that he was distracted from his distraction.
"I know Clark, but if you're sick you'll just have to deal with it. There might be something seriously wrong."
"I'm fine, Lex, really. I didn't actually drink any punch. Sorry Pete," Clark grinned sheepishly, "I never did like pineapples."
Lex relaxed glad to know that Clark was safe after all.
"It's ok man. I understand. I'm glad you avoided the insanity," said Pete.
"Uh-Pete, we'd better go now. We have that. . . uh meeting in twenty minutes remember?" asked Chloe tugging on Pete's arm.
"Meeting?" Pete asked looking perplexed. One glance at Chloe's face though and he was muttering, "Oh yeah. THAT meeting."
Lex laughed to himself as the two new lovebirds practically ran out of the Talon. 'Probably going off to find a closet somewhere,' he thought. He looked back at Clark who was staring after them and grinning. Suddenly Lex realized what Clark had said. 'I'm fine, Lex, really. I didn't actually drink any punch. I never did like pineapples.' Clark hadn't drunk the punch? But he had acted so totally. . . and then in the barn. . . it had to be. . .
"Clark, are you sure you didn't drink any punch? You wouldn't be saying that just to avoid the doctor would you?"
"No, really Lex. I could smell the pineapple juice in it and I don't like pineapples so I didn't drink any."
Lex doubted the explanation, but didn't argue. "Well, that's lucky then. You managed to escape the effects the rest of us experienced," he said expecting Clark to blush at the memory of what he had done under the effects of the punch. He could use that blush to get Clark to admit he was lying about not drinking the punch. However, surprisingly, Clark did not blush. He merely looked extremely relieved and a bit. . . was that guilt in Clark's eyes?
"So you guys don't remember what happened while you were drunk. . .or whatever? I guess that's for the best. People did a lot of embarrassing stuff," Clark commented refusing to look Lex in the eyes.
Lex's eyes opened wide as he realized that Clark was telling the truth. He really hadn't drunk the punch or he would know that there had been no loss of memory about the events of the party. No wonder the boy looked guilty; all his actions at the party had been completely of his own free will. A slow grin spread over Lex's face as he realized what this meant. Clark wanted him. This was going to be fun.
"So Clark, I've been wondering, what exactly did happen at the party? Have you got any interesting stories for me?"
Clark looked at him finally with a big grin. "Yeah, in fact that comment you made last week about people hanging from the chandeliers was pretty accurate. Everyone was running wild. I even found Chloe and Pete making out in the hall closet."
"What were you doing looking in the hall closet Clark? Were you going to maybe take a little advantage of Lana in her inebriated state?" Lex wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
"No," responded Clark, a blush rising into his cheeks. "I was actually looking for you."
"You were?" asked Lex softly. "And why were you looking for me?"
"Well, I noticed people were behaving oddly so I thought the punch might have been spiked. I hadn't seen you in awhile so I figured you must be hiding in one of the closets. I went looking for you so I could let you know what was up. I thought maybe we could calm everyone down together, but. . ." Clark trailed off shrugging.
"But what Clark?"
"Well, I could tell you had been drinking the punch too so I decided to just keep an eye on everyone and pray that no one called the cops."
"I'm curious Clark, what exactly did I do that made you think I was drunk?"
"Oh, um. I don't know if you really want to know Lex." The blush was back.
"I do Clark. I want to know all the details. What did I do?"
"Well, um, you, uh, y- you were um, dancing."
"Dancing? Just dancing?"
"On the bar."
"Really?" Lex tried to look surprised.
"Yeah. And um, you were uh, s- stripping too."
"Wow. I must've had a good time. Did I get lucky after all that?"
"Well, you almost did, but then you passed out. It's probably for the best though. You know, beer goggles and all." Clark turned an even brighter shade of red and looked past Lex's shoulder again.
Oh God. Clark thought. . . The boy must be blind. Lex had worried all this time that Clark was just pretending to ignore the flirting and the looks to spare his feelings. Beer goggles. . . Jesus. Lex turned to follow Clark's gaze and saw that he was staring at the jukebox. This gave him an idea. He turned back around and said abruptly, "Is it just me or is it too quiet in here? It's a shame no one is making use of that fine jukebox over in the corner."
"Uh, yeah," mumbled Clark.
"I think I'll go request a song. What do you think Clark? Any ideas?"
"No. Whatever is fine. Just um. Nothing by Def Leppard, ok?"
"Sure thing Clark," Lex tried not to laugh as he headed over to the jukebox. Clark might have ruined his original plan with that request, but that didn't mean he couldn't make a few modifications. He stared intensely at the selection until he found the perfect song. 'Even better,' he thought to himself, leaning against the machine and shaking with silent laughter. He chose one other to allow himself time. He couldn't wait to see the look on Clark's face.
After making his requests he sat back down next to Clark. "So, how did everyone manage to get home safely Clark? I assume you made sure of that." Lex leaned in closer to be heard over the music.
"Well, I drove everyone home in shifts. I was worried about what everyone would do while I was gone, but I couldn't think of anyone to call for help. I took Chloe and Pete home last. They were still in the closet so I figured they were pretty safe."
"I'm curious. What happened after I passed out? How did I end up in my own bed?"
"I carried you upstairs. I would never just leave you to sleep it off on the floor. I did that first before I took everyone else home." Clark looked hurt that Lex would think him such an inconsiderate friend.
Hmmm. This was better than he thought. Clark had carried him upstairs and put him in bed. He had also left his shirt for Lex to use as a pillow.
"So what time did you get home then? Were your parents mad?" Valid question this time. He would hate for the Kents to blame him for Clark getting home late after what seemed a drunken party.
"Um, actually, I called them after I put you to bed and asked if I could spend the night at the mansion. I knew it was going to be awhile before I could get everyone home. I hope you don't mind." Clark looked at him shyly.
"You spent the night at the mansion? Of course you're always welcome. I just didn't realize you had stayed."
"I left before you got up. I checked on you before I left and you seemed fine."
"I woke up at 8 a.m. Clark. When did you leave?"
"I left at seven. I had some chores and. . . things to take care of at home. I figured you would probably sleep late."
"Chores and things. Of course." Lex pretended not to notice the blush, which at this rate would become permanent, as he heard the first notes of the song he had chosen. "Isn't this a great song?" he asked.
I love myself
I want you to love me
When I'm feeling down
I want you above me
I search myself
I want you to find me
I forget myself
I want you to remind me
I don't want anybody else
When I think about you I touch myself
I don't want anybody else
Oh no, oh no, oh no
Clark hadn't been paying attention to the music Lex had selected. He had been concentrating very hard on what he said to Lex, trying not to give anything away. Now that it had been pointed out to him he focused in on the words. When he heard what song Lex had chosen the color drained from his face. He had a sudden moment of complete and utter panic before realizing that it had to be a coincidence. There was no way Lex could know what he had meant by things. He was just being paranoid.
'Calm down Clark,' he told himself. He took a deep breath and felt the color return immediately to his face. The blood kept rushing up until he was sure he was a bright, fiery red. He looked around the Talon for something, anything, to take his mind off the words of the song.
When he saw the color drain from Clark's face Lex had a moment of doubt. Maybe he was taking this game too far. He had expected Clark to blush with embarrassment, but he looked panic stricken and about ready to bolt. He was about to reassure Clark that he had only been teasing when the blood rushed back to the boy's face making him redder than Lex had ever seen him. He decided to make his final move.
Leaning in close he whispered, hot breathe blowing on Clark's ear, "One more question Clark?"
"Hmmm." Clark was beyond words. He was just waiting for the song to end so he could think of something besides jerking off in the barn on Saturday morning. Or any other time for that matter.
"How did I end up using your shirt as a pillow that night?" Lex barely brushed Clark's earlobe with his lips as he asked the question. Clark suddenly shot out of his seat and barely mumbled, "Uh, gotta go. Something came up," before tearing out of the Talon like his chair was on fire.