Author's Note: Sorry this is so short, but I need to keep you interested! I'm going to put the rest up once I have the ending written (soon, my preciouss... soon!). So, enjoy this little taste..

And now for today's $64,000 question: How many shopping days left until Christmas?

The first thing Clark became aware of was that he was very nauseous. The second was that he was sandwiched in the trunk of a car. What the hell? His mind struggled to remember what exactly had happened. One minute he had been… Making out with Lionel, baby! his mind gleefully reminded him.

Clark Kent would have grinned if his lunch hadn't decided at that point to try to make its reentry into the world. Stay down, damn you! he growled at his belly, forcing the food back down. Who knew how long he would be back here? And there was nothing quite like the smell of old vomit, he was sure.

Think, think, think… What happened? Oh, yes, the security guy came over and told him and Lionel that Lex had escaped. His mind (and other parts) had tingled with anticipation. Soon Lionel would be convincing his parents that a quick trip to Metropolis was just what Clark needed until Lex was dealt with.

The guard had walked him inside… and then… and then… There was Lex with a green rock in his hand, swinging it about with all of the grace of a Neanderthal. The guard went down in a slow spray of blood. Lex was babbling at him, something about true love, destiny, and being together for all of eternity.

What was it that Lex had kept saying? Oh- "I need you, Clark." There was something about it that had set Clark's mind whirling. And perhaps his thoughts would have reached their natural fruition if the meteorite hadn't been brought so close. If only his head hadn't met a less gruesomely similar fate as the guards, he would have been able to reason with Lex.

Though reasoning may not be the best choice right now. Clark sincerely doubted it would work. Would Lionel be able to find him? If this got out of hand, would Lionel save him?

The car came to an abrupt halt. The meteorite had apparently been at the back of the trunk, for it rolled up next to Clark's head. Stay awake. Stay awake.

The trunk creaked open. Clark groaned as he tried to look up. Only a bleary Lex was in his line of sight. It was dark out.

This was going to be bad.

TBC