WARNING THE FOLLOWING HAS GRAPHIC SLASH MALE AND MALE SEXUAL SITUATIONS AND DIALGUE, IF THIS OFFENDS YOU PLEASE DO NOT READ. THANX
Day Nine
Clark was floating above the clouds. Unbothered by not being able to control the direction of his flight, he marvelled at the sight of the tiny town of Smallville passing underneath him. Surrounded by a beautiful blue sky he looked ahead and watched as his family's farm came into view. Then it happened. He began to plummet back to earth increasing speed until everything was a horrible blinding haze of the ground coming up to slam into his face. It didn't hurt. He crawled out of the hole he'd made only to be stunned to see his infant spaceship lying open inside the small crater. A voice from behind him made Clark turn around and stare as Lex stood tall, a dominant black figure against a sea of green, and told him that he had always known what he was offering Clark his hand. Taking it, Clark let himself be led into the unknown with his friend, not troubled in the slightest.
Ah yes, waking up to a brand new day. So terribly exciting. Clark turned off the alarm and began to review the previous day's events in his head.
Yesterday had been a complete and utter failure. He had gone to both Elizabeth's home and work addresses around ten am to find that she wasn't at either place. Predictably her co-workers at Bank of America had been quite troubled by her absence. From what he had heard, she was almost the ideal employee and a pleasant supervisor. The inside of her rather expensive Victorian house had been immaculately clean and plain, which seemed to fit her profile. It was obvious that a couple lived there, because there were many elegant wedding photos hanging on a few of the walls and both women's and men's clothes in the bedroom closet. There had been a strangely large salt-water fish tank and watching the exotic fish skeletons swim back and forth had been rather mesmerizing. Other than that, it was boringly normal.
Not knowing where her husband worked he had no where else to check, so he returned to 'Altizio's' the Italian restaurant Lex had taken him to, arriving there at nearly the same time as before. Unfortunately, they wouldn't even let him enter the premises without a reservation. The fact that he was dressed in a T-shirt and faded blue-jeans and not with Lex, had one of the waitresses giving him an appraisingly rude look before he had walked away from the front doors. It had been too demeaning to stick around.
So, he had then spent the rest of the day wandering around the city hoping to accidentally bump into her. Instead, Clark had thwarted a purse-snatcher and a knife-wielding mugger, and had saved a cat from getting turned into a street pizza by a semi-truck. Not even caring or paying attention when people had thanked him and called him some kind of super-hero, Clark had just walked past them and continued searching for the elusive Elizabeth.
That evening, he'd stood outside of Lex's penthouse moping when she had failed to walk past the street in front of it like she was supposed to. It was a crappy lonely night. Shortly after midnight, the futile day had ended abruptly, while walking along one of Metropolis' many streets.
Now he was magically back at home, dressed in the same boxer shorts he'd remembered putting on one Thursday night oh so long ago, and waking up from yet another Lex dream. Kudos to his annoying subconscious.
Getting out of bed, showering and dressing in much nicer clothes than yesterday, he finally realised that the day hadn't been a total loss. Logically, she should have been at one of those places. This meant for sure that he wasn't the only one who was able to change his repeating day. But how was he going to find her?
The two times that he had seen her so far he had been with Lex. Yesterday he had barely acknowledged his parents while eating before speeding to Metropolis, which had made it easy to avoid seeing anyone from Smallville, especially his wealthy eccentric friend. Chances seemed to indicate that if he was with Lex in that damn city then she could pop up. Then again, it probably was just dumb luck. Clark paced his room for several long minutes trying to figure out what he planned on doing that day.
Was it really wise to ask Lex to take him to the city again? He had sincerely missed his friend a great deal yesterday. But, bad things seemed to follow them around like a plague. And why did that stalker room fail to bother him anymore? Lex. That frustrating man wouldn't get out of Clark's head, even at night-time he was afflicted with dreams about him. 'Damn it.'
After greeting his mom downstairs, Clark munched on practically tasteless pancakes while watching some early morning cartoons; he had defiantly turned the channel away from the depressing earthquake news. Why didn't he just make some toast? 'Note to self, make toast tomorrow.' His mom wouldn't get that upset if he said that he didn't feel like eating pancakes, right? 'No more pancakes.'
As the road-runner evaded capture yet again and the coyote was humorously blown up, Clark smiled as he grasped the importance of the last few days. So much vital information had been revealed to him. Yo-yoing from seeing Lex at his most vulnerable, to him realizing his friend's greatest strengths was now fascinating to look back on from a whole different perspective. Out of all of his friends, Lex was his pillar of hope.
It had finally become blatantly obvious that Lex was the person who had been in practically all of his dreams for more than a chronological week. Trust, fear, and lust. Who could he talk to about these recent urges he was getting? He still wanted to do more than just kiss Lex, and that was beyond weird. Making a decision, Clark put on his leather boots and went outside.
Looking around, he took in a deep breath of air, while walking on the ground that was moist with morning dew. He smiled at the bright golden sun that slowly rose to warm the cool earth around him. Watching as a soft mist lifted off the ground, and made the landscape appear otherworldly beautiful. He marvelled how magnificent his family's farm was. This place was made with love, and it perfectly showed off his father's pride at getting a job done right. But would he still be here in ten years? Where was his place in the world going to be?
As Clark strolled out into the field where his dad was working on the tractor's recently flat tire he called out, "Hi, Dad. You need a hand?"
His dad glanced up, "Sure, the darn thing blew on me. The spare's in the barn under the hay-loft."
Minutes later it was fixed and ready to go. Clark on the other hand, had decided on having a father and son talk, because he longed for some parental advice about a topic that was going to make him feel very awkward. 'This wasn't going to be fun.' Plus, this was a good time for a trial run. If in the future, he ever wanted to talk to his dad about romantic advice, Clark would know how he'd react.
While he had made sure not to dirty his nice clothes, Clark's hands were actually sweaty from nervousness and he absently wiped them on his pants.
"I would like to ask you something. But, it's kinda embarrassing." This had to be a discussion man to man. Really, how would mom understand? Strangely enough telling this to his mother had scared him more.
"Son, you know you can ask me anything."
"I know."
His dad started to become a bit concerned when he didn't continue talking. "Are you okay? Is there something wrong at school or-?"
"No, it's just... I don't want you to freak out on me right now. I don't think I could handle it." The annoying orange streak across his dad's forehead caused him to grab a cloth and wipe it off with a bit of stressful agitation.
"I promise that I won't freak out. Whatever it is. I trust your judgment, Clark." His dad looked so confident saying that. 'Wow, was he in for a bombshell!'
Gathering his wits about him, Clark finally blurted out, "I've been having sexual feelings towards a guy."
"Oh." His dad's face was comically stunned.
"Is that normal? Like when you were younger did that ever happen to you?"
"Well, I can't say I did. No one really talked to each other about stuff like that back in the dark ages." His dad grinned and put a comforting hand on his shoulder, "But that doesn't mean that it's not normal. I'm sure many young men have thought about it and maybe even experimented a little." He could tell how much his dad was trying to look cool on the subject, and it was almost funny.
"It doesn't bother you?"
His dad pulled his jacket tight together as a strong cool breeze swept past them. "I'm very surprised. You've always been quite taken with Lana. Your mom and I never though that you may have feelings about other people like that."
"I know." He chewed a bit on his lower lip, "Should I tell him?"
"I don't know. It might not be a very good idea." Clark could see his dad making a list of the possible candidates who might have gained his affections; it wouldn't take much longer before it was narrowed down to likely one. The shock was probably making him think slower.
He decided to get the suffering part over faster, "It's Lex."
His dad made an annoying resigned sigh, "I was really hoping it wasn't."
"Dad!"
"Look you know how I feel about him. He can never be fully trusted." His dad shook his head negatively, "Like I said, I don't think it would be a good idea. He has shown himself to be a good friend, but it would be dangerous if you became more than friends. There's just too much at stake."
"What if I told you he already knows about me being different?"
"What!"
"I told him yesterday, and he was totally cool with it." He wasn't exactly lying. Please, let his dad relax a little on the Luthor detesting.
His dad seemed to be fighting off the urge to say something harsh about his statement, and viciously balled his hands into tight fists. Waiting patiently, Clark could almost hear him counting to ten in his head.
Finally, he got a decent reply, "Your mother and I had a discussion the other day and we agreed that you are old enough to make important decisions like that for yourself. I trust your judgement, Son, and if that's what you want to do than you have my support. For once, I truly hope that I am wrong."
Wow, when had his dad gotten so mature on the subject of the Luthor's? Hell just froze over. Clark smiled and hugged his father, "Thank you, for being so understanding. You have no idea how much this means to me. You're so cool!"
"I know when something means a lot to you, and this seems to be one of those times. You better get going or you'll be late for school."
Clark let go and beamed, "I love you, dad."
"I love you too. No matter what, you'll always be my son." His dad let go with a slightly far away sad look on his face that Clark tried not to notice.
Wanting his parents to believe that he was indeed going to school, Clark super-sped back towards the loft to grab his back-pack that was lying against the door.
After having such a heart warming talk with his dad, he became even more inclined to the idea of telling Lex, something. With such a great beginning to the day, how could it end badly? Trying not to jinx himself Clark superstitiously banged his knuckles on the barn door as he walked past it, knowing that it would almost certainly accomplish nothing.
Waiting eagerly a short distance from his house, Clark decided to delicately burn his name into a couple of trees and other oddly entertaining stuff, until around eleven am before going to the Luthor mansion. He thought that it would be more polite if he gave Lex sometime to finish that crucial phone call and do whatever it is he needed to accomplish for a few hours before Clark dragged him back to Metropolis. Really, that was the decent thing to do. By the time they got to the city, it would be a perfect time to have some expensive Italian lunch, and maybe even bump into a special blond haired woman.
When he finally got there, their conversation of, "Hey, lets go to Metropolis and have some fun." with the predicted reply of, "Are you really sure that is such a good idea?" had gone even more smoothly than last time.
Though Clark had the advantage of now knowing exactly what buttons he had to push to get that wonderful "Yes" out of Lex quicker. 'YES.' Didn't Lex say he would do anything for him? Now that was power, to be able to know something that hidden and personal about his friend. That statement along with that other dying confession love thing,which still made Clark's insides feel all woozy, had him on the brink of feeling passionate about spending more time with the great Lex Luthor. They could do anything he wanted; as long as his mind stayed out of the gutter it would all be just great.
As the sleek silver Ferrari 550 blazed down the highway in a streak of metal glory, passing by other inferior products as if they were going backwards, Clark internally cheered with joy. The car had been his idea of an added perk to the day. Clark laughed at the thought of how many students, male and female, must really envy and loathe him for having a friend like Lex.
Just for a little while, it was great not having to care or live up to other people's expectations of him. It was nice that Lex never openly judged him. He wanted to just be himself and have some fun, and if they happened to come across Elizabeth, big bonus. When had that been bumped to being his second priority? And why didn't he care that it had?
He must have made some kind of weird noise because Lex turned smiling at him with a look of silent inquiry as to what had been so humorous.
"This is great, Lex." He grinned from ear to ear stroking the dashboard. "What fun things are there to do in Metropolis on a Friday night?"
"Since you're underage, not much."
"Hey! Come on, I wanna get out and see some of the city tonight. Get your panties out of a twist. It won't hurt to have some fun with me."
"I don't feel very much like going to a nightclub tonight." Because Clark had been purposely vague about his motives earlier, Lex seemed bemused about what was expected of him once they got to the city.
"That's fine." Clark stated absently rubbing the panel in front of him harder and faster, "Whatever you think would be entertaining will be good."
"Clark, I think you should stop doing that." Lex stared at his hand with concern, probably for his car's interior.
A thin wisp of smoke had started to float up from underneath his moving hand and a slight nasty smell of burnt leather had just reached his nostrils.
"Oops. I guess I'm a bit excited." He immediately stopped and shoved his warm hand between his legs, offering no other explanations or excuses.
"Indeed." Lex frowned at him, looking like he wanted to say something else but didn't
Glancing up, Clark saw that where he'd been rubbing the expensive material was now slightly discolored. He hadn't been that careless in years.
Beside him, Lex declined the chance to comment further, instead his friend reached to put the air conditioning on to get rid of the smell, then changed gears as they took the ramp leading off the highway towards Metropolis. It had been an accidental use of his powers, but other than being slightly self-conscious, Clark wasn't bothered about Lex suspecting anything. Maybe he could see how far he could toy with his friend today using his special abilities in front of him. It could definably be fun to time how long it would take before Lex cracked under the pressure. Yes, that would be perfectly evil and very fun.
"Where did you hear about 'Altizio's'?" Lex sauntered to a stop in front of him.
They had entered the elegant establishment at a quarter past two pm. Wanting to look good, Clark fiddled with his cotton forest green shirt to the point that he looked like a male peacock preening himself. He briefly thought once again that the woman had better show up.
"I think, I heard you mention something about it a while back." He waved his hand haphazardly in the air, "You were giving me some lecture about the fine differences between American Italian food and Italian Italian food."
Lex looked mildly skeptical, "Really? I don't remember doing that."
"I guess, you were having an off day then." He grinned hoping that his friend wouldn't take offence to that statement. Stupid sanity issues. "Hey, it's not like you can remember everything."
His friend grimaced, "Quite true."
Now would not be a good time to tell Lex that Lionel had drugged him to make him appear crazy, and that Clark knew it and let him be admitted into the mental institution under false pretences anyway. The scene that would have caused wouldn't have been pretty. He couldn't be truthful all the time, yet.
Looking off to the side as Lex chatted with one of the mangers, Clark stuck out his tongue at the rude waitress from the day before. Stopping to stare back at him, the waitress of course had no idea who he was and quickly resumed what she had been doing, while Lex had been blissfully unaware of his childish but pleasant act.
A friendly hostess then began to lead them to a table near the back of the restaurant, when Clark quickly stopped and pointed to a table, which they had already passed by, near the front window.
"No. I want to sit there."
"There are still people at that table." Lex appeared mildly confused at Clark's choice of seating.
The woman also looked uncertain as she stood silently waiting for their decision. 'Perfect Lex slave.' Clark grinned.
"Look, they already have their bill. I'm sure they'll be leaving really soon."
Lex's jaw gaped open in astonishment before he promptly closed it, as a cynical expression briefly crossed his face, "Is there something special about that spot that I should know about?"
"No." Clark joked, "It won't kill you to wait five, ten minutes."
"I'm sure it won't. But I might-" Lex cut himself off and gave him a quick once-over.
Clark was smiling so prettily at Lex that his friend must have decided to just give up. It was already a lost cause to say, no.
"Never mind."
He hated being a bad liar, the fact that the table was somehow important to him must have been clearly apparent. It was the same place where they had been seated a few days before. The urge to sit there again had prompted him to speak up. Wow, that seemed like ages ago, so much had happened since then.
As they quietly watched the elderly couple finish off the last of their wine, he decided to show a bit of appreciation towards Lex and maybe let some of his charming personality shine through.
Standing next to his friend, Clark admired the table that they were both patiently waiting for. "Thanks, Lex. Isn't that table great? It has a beautiful scenic view of outside with the trees and flowers… oh look, Bambi."
A lady walking a rather large Great Dane had passed by the window, and he had given her a polite wave as Lex studied him. Then, he instantly appeared on Lex's right side, using super-speed, no one in the restaurant noticed but Lex. As his friend's head turned from left to right to left again, the look on his face was- priceless. 'When did I become so easily amused?'
Seemingly taking a moment to decide how to respond, Lex finally turned to the right one last time to stare disapprovingly at him, "Clark, you're a strange one."
"I know. But, not strange enough to chase you away."
Lex tilted his head in amusement. "At least, I could never say that you're boring."
"Your compliments give me a reason to go on at the beginning of everyday." The truth in his words almost hurt as Clark let himself lean against Lex, bumping him slightly at his shoulders and waist. The contact was quite comforting. He absently turned and smelled his friend's musky cologne as their eye's made contact at a slightly embarrassing close range. Looking closer, he became fascinated with the scar on Lex's upper lip. It was such a perfect little blemish, and why did Lex's face seem to be getting even closer to him? God, Lex was so-
"Mr. Luthor, your table is ready."
Finally able to sit down at his chosen throne, Clark looked over his menu- starving he felt like he could eat everything on it. Swallowing excess saliva, Clark tried not to look directly at Lex too much while they were making their small talk waiting for their food. Ever since sitting down, Lex kept appraising Clark like he was the entrée or even the main dish. And Clark's cock didn't seem to mind the attention. Stomach vs. dick, it was a very interesting battle.
What was it like to lose your mind? Where did it go? And how do you get it back? Clark stared into the mirror in the men's restaurant bathroom trying to gauge whether he looked sane or not. At the moment he felt what passed for normal, but you never can tell. Sighing in annoyance Clark suddenly grabbed his head as another freakishly occurring spell of dizziness hit. What the hell? The vertigo left too fast for him to think about it any further when he had much more important things too think about. Like the fact that a few minutes earlier, he had rushed into the room, with slightly super-human speed, under the premise of having to use the facilities. When, in truth, he had almost come in his pants. It was beyond mortifying.
He watched as his green eyes squinted in thought. Fact one: Elizabeth Hoffman had still not shown up. Fact Two: He didn't seem to care about fact one due to Lex giving him too much of his undivided attention and looking much too purposely sensual eating and drinking his lunch. Dear lord, he had almost kissed Lex again, and in such a public place. And why did all these thoughts not bother him, even in the slightest? Zero consequences were the only answer to that last question.
The almost kiss was what must have got Lex going in the first place. And whose fault was that? His damn friend was purposely bugging him for his stupid behaviour. Clark had been leaning over and maybe even had groaned just a wee bit when their waitress had finally come to take them to the right table. Ever since then, Lex had been intensely staring at him like he wanted to seriously fuck him right on the table, and Clark had been blushing non-stop for the last hour. It was time he got even.
Shaking his head one last time in the mirror, Clark turned and confidently strode back to their window seat prepared to get back at Lex.
"Sorry about that, I think my pasta had some mystery spice that bothered my stomach."
Eyeing him with an all-knowing smirk Lex passed him a small fork, "I thought you might like some dessert, so I took the liberty of ordering you some."
"Oh, what is it?"
"Tiramisu." Lex rubbed the bottom of his chin lightly before letting his finger fall near his Adam's apple, "I'm sure you'll love it."
Glancing down at the piece of rich cake, Clark was thrilled at this perfect opportunity of revenge. He gradually picked up the fork and put a large chunk of cake into his mouth. Making sure to suck loudly, he then withdrew the utensil in a very slow sexual manner while rubbing his lips tightly around the metal.
"Mmmm…. It's so good." Clark deliberately moaned at the explosion of espresso, rum and chocolate in his mouth.
After graciously licking off what was left on the utensil another idea sprang into mind, "Lex, why don't you try some?"
He quickly put some more cake on his fork and lifted it up near Lex's lips, staring at his friend in a way that implied his dare. Lex narrowed his eyes, and put his left hand on Clark's raised one.
"I'd be delighted to." He then guided Clark's hand to his mouth never breaking eye contact with him. Rose lips opened and seemed to suck and lick overly long on the fork, which vibrated somewhat to the touch, making Clark gasp. Then an expression of triumph and wonder crossed Lex's face.
Shit. He was throbbing hard again. Damn him. It just wasn't fair that Lex always won. He didn't have nearly as much practice playing these twisted games. Not that he wanted them to stop, but come on. Lex was definitely beating him in this odd mutually understood competition of wills.
But, underneath the charade he honestly didn't think Lex was joking around.
Up until recently, Clark had never imagined that his friend liked him that much in that way. Loved him, but it sure didn't seem to be the platonic kind. It was kinda weird and nice at the same time. He was beginning to accept the truth that he liked being loved by his friend, even if that meant he'd be getting the whole complete cynical package that was Lex Luthor in the deal.
Clark quickly finished eating the cake, while Lex went off to pay the bill with American Express, never leave home without it, plus ten other expensive credit cards to keep it company. Glancing at his watch it became apparent that Elizabeth was not going to show up no matter how much he hoped she would. He had been right in the assumption that she could change her environment around her like he could, unlike everyone else in Smallville or the rest of the world. Should he ask Lex to track her down? What if she wasn't even in the city? Or the country? There wouldn't be time to find her if she was in Europe or Africa. Was she another mutant of some sort?
"Is there something wrong?"
Looking up, he was surprised to see such a troubled expression on Lex's face.
"I was just thinking about someone."
Lex's voice was full of pure interest, "Really. Who?"
"Oh, this woman."
His friend frowned, seemingly from the indication that another woman had caught his romantic attention. "Does this woman have a name?"
"Yeah, it's Elizabeth Hoffman, and she's married." Clark looked sheepishly at Lex, "It's very important that I talk to her today. I was kinda hoping that you could find her for me." He couldn't stop playing with his cloth napkin, absently shredding it into several pieces.
Lex grabbed the green cloth's remains from his hands and put it back on the table. "I could try." Motioning for them to leave, Clark nodded and began to follow Lex to the car. "Should I know why you want to talk to her?"
"Well, I've been having a bit of a problem with something, and she might be able to help me with it."
Turning on his cell phone, Lex began to dial then left a detailed message with his assistant about finding one Elizabeth Hoffman, "It might take a few hours before they call me back with any information."
"That's fine. I'd like to hang out with you for a while first, anyway."
In an offhand manner, Lex asked, "Anything else you'd like to tell me?"
Clark teased, "Maybe later. If you're good."
'Ooooh yeah. One of those gorgeous priceless looks again.'
Glancing forward as they walked out of the building, Clark was mildly surprised to see that Lex's car had materialized for them directly in front of the restaurant. That valet should get a good tip. Lex crossed in front of the Ferrari and quickly got into the drivers seat. Opening his door and glancing into the quarter of a million dollar machine with enthusiasm, Clark smiled.
He leaned in and made sure not to hit his head on it's low ceiling. "I saw in the paper yesterday that there's a big car show in the city. I'd love to go to that."
"I had been thinking of attending, but didn't think I'd have the time."
As the stick shift jolted into third gear, Clark teased, "You could maybe even buy a few more cool sports cars while we're there."
"I don't purchase new vehicles that often." Lex scoffed, driving into a parking lot to quickly turn the car around.
Looking up into the clear afternoon sky, Clark assumed that they were now heading towards the Convention Center that was hosting the Metropolis International Automobile expedition.
Joking, Lex continued, "I'm pleased to admit that I've cut back to one a month."
"Oh really? Good for you." Clark snickered, openly admiring the inside of the car and ignoring the mar on the dashboard in front of him, "How many do you own now?"
Lex was about to answer him when 'Overture' from The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart began to play. Pulling out the cell phone from his front jacket pocket, Lex looked at the caller ID and scowled. "Yes?" His friend seemed to unknowingly speed through a red light.
"I'm sort of engaged right now in a matter of great importance."
The car jerked quickly around a right corner, causing Clark to thump into his friend's right arm. Glancing at him with a wounded expression, Lex rotated his shoulder with an obvious wince of pain, while continuing to talk into the phone-- quite pissed off. This was horrible. Lionel Luthor was on the damn phone demanding that Lex meet him at LuthorCorp. 'Over my dead body'.
"No, I don't think I can make it."
Clark, using super-speed, reached his arm around the back of Lex's neck and grabbed the phone from his friend's left hand.
"He's busy with me right now, so screw off!" Pushing the button to roll down the window, Clark hurled the cell phone out of the speeding car. Turning backwards, he watched as it shattered into tiny electronic pieces all over the road behind them with a sweet thrill.
"Clark! My phone. What do you think you're doing? My father's going to be seriously enraged."
"He'll get over it. I doubt that's the first time he's ever been hung up on." Thinking about Lionel anymore would make his blood boil, "Oh, and I don't want you to see him tomorrow either. The way he touches you creeps me out."
Lex gawked at him like a fish caught out of water that was slowly suffocating to death. Joking he finally replied, "What did you see that my relationship with him ends in a bloody massacre sometime in the near future?" Clark continued to appear unyielding in his stance against Lex. Slightly fuming Lex said. "Fine. How do you expect my assistant to contact me now, with your vital information?"
"You can call them back from a pay phone if you must. It's not like the end of the world." There was no way that he was going to feel bad about destroying Lex's phone. It's not like he couldn't afford a new one. Plain and simple, his friend wasn't going near Lionel Luthor today. No, they were going to go to a car show, and have lots of fun.
"You told off, my Dad, and threw my phone out of the window."
Clark tried to mimic Lex's usual smirk as he answered, "Yep, just try to tell me you haven't wanted to do that a thousand times?" Clark dropped the smirk for a mischievous grin as he continued, "At least now, you can blame it on me, and what can your dad do? I really did grab your phone and throw it out the window. You weren't being rude—I was. It's probably what he expects from me anyway- being a Smallville rube and all."
Lex scowled, but shook his head he finally appeared to relent. "You're insane."
"Only with you. What can I say, Lex? You bring out the best in me."
The cute snort-like noise that barely escaped Lex's lips made Clark grin, as it reminded him of a similar sound that he'd heard a new born foal make. Picturing Lex as a wet hairy animal, Clark began to loudly snicker.
At the next set of red lights Lex actually stopped this time, they glanced at each other and began to laugh.
"Do I even want to know what's so funny?" Lex had definitely warmed up to the fact that Clark had acted so spontaneous.
"No. You really don't." Clark was glad to see his friend's pearly whites, trying to garner a greater response he reached over and petted Lex's shoulder, hoping it no longer hurt him.
"Gee, that's comforting." Seeming to like the contact, Lex leaned slightly towards him. Was what he said comforting or what he was doing comforting? Lex's voice had been amused if not a tad sarcastic.
Letting his hand slide down Lex's right arm and settle onto his thigh, Clark firmly squeezed his leg hoping for an interesting response. When the light turned green the car sped up, at an extremely high velocity. Glancing down, he was delighted to see that he wasn't going to be the only one who had hard-on problems today. Unfortunately, Clark watched as Lex's back straightened and his lips became a thin line, screaming out to him on how uncomfortable he was. 'Physical touching is still off limits. Okay I can handle that, for now.'
Not wanting to bother his friend further, he removed his hand and honestly told Lex how he felt, "I want us to become closer friends, again."
"That would be nice." The sincerity in that statement made Clark's smile glow with pleasure. He wanted to hug Lex and never let go, even if that idea was extremely corny.
As the Ferrari rapidly approached their final destination, they continued to enjoy each others company for the next few minutes in silence.
Watching as the vast amount of skyscrapers flashed past his peripheral vision Clark was delighted how relaxed he felt at being in the big city once again. So many good and bad things happened here everyday; it boggles the mind on how the people living there can keep up with it all.
Clark would never be able to call Metropolis, uninteresting or dull. You could do anything there. The city was so huge and full of people wanting to be entertained that there was continually something of interest going on. Sometimes the crowds and excessive noise made him want to flee back to the peace and quiet of home. Really, he liked being a farm boy and he often worried about whether he would ever become used to the added pressure of so many millions of people. And yet, the thought of staying in Smallville to work on the farm for the rest of his life wasn't very appealing either. What was he going to do with his life? Who would he be in five or ten years?
They arrived exactly at four pm. The enormous glass four story high Convention Center was packed inside and out with people. Staring out of the window, Clark gawked at the colorful banners and advertisements covering the outside walls and streets. Through one on the larger room's walls he could see the vast amount of cars and accessories. 'Wow. This is going to be good.'
Upon entering, Lex immediately went to the service desk and asked how to acquire a brand new cell phone. One of the women actually gave Lex her phone for an exchange of what appeared to be about five hundred dollars. Lex quickly phoned his assistant to touch base with the new phone number as Clark watched him with amusement. Ah, his ever thrifty friend could not live without a phone.
After putting the prized possession in his Armani jacket, Lex turned to face him, "I should make you pay for it."
Clark tried to look innocent, "Me?"
Lex sighed, "I guess it's my turn to be your humble host, since you'd just get lost on your own. Maybe I should get you one of those special 'If you find me, take me here' stickers."
"Do and die." Letting his eyes turn red with inner heat, Clark grinned evilly at Lex, who appeared momentarily mystified by what he saw. After Lionel's phone call earlier, he had almost forgotten the promise he had made to himself on the way into the city, which was to drive Lex mental using his powers. This latest stunt had truly perturbed Lex.
"Well, are you going to show me around or stare at me for the next hour?"
"Incorrigible."
Promptly, Lex began to lead him through the maze of exhibitions; purposely acting like a tour guide on acid he somehow made boring information highly stimulating. To watch his friend being so un-characteristically comical was hilarious, and Clark had to control himself from laughing too hard. He had somehow made his friend really happy.
"The Metropolis International Automobile Show is considered to be one of the industry's most important global auto shows. I, myself, have been to the ones in Frankfurt, Detroit, Paris, Geneva, and Tokyo. This is indeed the largest-attended auto show in North America, with more than 1.2 million visitors each year. And I must confess that this dear city lives up to its reputation at being the best at everything." Lex's walk was surprisingly flamboyant as he then gracefully turned towards him. "Why else would our darling, Mr. Lionel Luthor, build LuthorCorp here?"
Openly mocking his father, Lex took on Lionel's stature and facial expression of displeasure. "Why, because it's the very best. And I will settle for nothing less than perfect."
Playing along, Clark also pretended to be Lionel. Walking over and standing in Lex's personal space, he tisked his friend by wagging his index finger right in front of his face.
"Son, you're a spoiled brat. But, it's all my fault. I'm so sorry. Neanderthal's could have done a better job at raising you than me."
Lex's left eyebrow shot up. "HA! Homer Simpson said it best, 'It's funny because it's true.' Alas, I'm forever burdened by my dishonored pedigree."
"I'm feeling so un-pretty today. Fruit of my loins, a need a good bitch slap, I forgot to put in my gallon of hair gel. The world is coming to an end." Clark groomed his longish locks and pretended to sob.
Lex swore under his breath before starting to laugh hysterically.
The openly astonished stares from some of the passer-by's made Clark realize how loudly they had just been laughing. Giggling like school girls, wouldn't have been too far off in describing them. Oops. If there could be headlines in Saturday's paper he could see it now, 'Lex Luthor and Boy Toy whoop it up at Sports Car Show.' Oh yes, he still hadn't gotten his mind back yet.
Looking back at his smiling friend, he realized how wonderful it was that Lex didn't seem to notice or care about the crowd of onlookers, and Clark didn't care either. It felt like they were in their own unique little world.
Quickly getting back into tour guide mode, Lex continued on, "In addition to more than 60 new vehicles here, they're also hosting a wide range of seminars, symposiums, award programs, competitions and conferences for the industry and press. After speed-reading the whole list, could you please inform me as to which ones you would like to attend? Some are invitation only, so I'll need an extra minute to get access to those ones."
Lex smiled and handed him a large pamphlet out of nowhere, which listed over 25 specialty events and lengthy descriptions about each of them. Complying with the suggestion of speed-reading, one glance gave him enough information to know what he would like go to, so he handed it right back almost a millisecond after Lex gave it to him.
"I'm interested in the Charity Gala Benefit Dinner, the Urban Tuner Specialty Vehicle Display and the Automotive Technology Competition thing could be interesting. But, I wasn't really planning on staying here all night. So, whatever you want to do would be great." Clark grinned at Lex's frowning face. Lex must be wondering if he had actually sped-read it or not. Check.
Watching as Lex bit down on the inside of his mouth, Clark was pleased to see his friend's control momentarily slip as he scanned the lists and actually found the events Clark had mentioned. Clark's grin widened.
Fighting his amazement, Lex glanced upwards past the top of Clark's head for a moment before replying with a smile, "Ah, good choices. You are right, tis but one evening instead of two, my fair Kent." Becoming more serious Lex asked, "Would you like to come back here tomorrow?"
"I can't." Clark sighed. "Lex, pretend that tonight is the last time you're ever going to see me. Make me remember it."
A concerned and questioning expression made Clark elaborate a bit more, "I'm not dying or anything. It's just such a long story, if you want I could give you the 'cliff notes' version?"
Lex gave a fretful sigh; appraising Clark like this was indeed a dying person who might disappear before his eyes. 'What a melodramatic actor.' Clark grinned at his friend's feigned lack of humor.
Closely watching Lex's uniquely marked lips, Lex replied, "No, you're right let's have some fun. You can always tell me at dinner. If my assistant doesn't contact me before six, I'll call him after dinner. We can worry about your, Lady Elizabeth, later." Lex looped his arm around Clark's and smoothly led him towards the unique looking concept vehicles in the first exhibition hall. It was bizarre to realize that Lex had probably figured out his new flirting game and seemed to like it.
Out of the dozen or so futuristic cars, one in particular caught his attention. Standing in front of it, Clark stared awestruck at the Audi LeMans Quattro, "This is like the coolest space age car ever."
"You have good taste." Sliding his hand over the silver-curved hood Lex bent over to peer inside the high-tech black leather interior. He commented something about the navigation system while Clark couldn't help but admire his ass. The expensive Hugo Boss pants hugged his friend's assets in a way that… he really should stop staring. Remember, cool car. Just a little to the left and right of Lex's body was indeed a very cool car. And it was impossible to look in either of those directions.
Having to wait another few minutes as Lex actually got into the car and fiddled around with some of the strange gadgets, and a promotion manger discussed finances with him, Clark was very pleased when he finally got out and stooped over extremely low, seemingly to forget to bend his knees, to inspect the mag's. 'Was it getting hot in here? Or is it just me?' Cool car. Cool, Lex poking at the tire rims with his fingers like he was trying to provoke some sort of vocal response from them. 'Oh my.' Cars were definitely another passion of Lex's, but this seemed to be going a bit too far.
Lex turned and took in his glazed expression, "I'm not boring you am I?"
"No." He blinked back into focus, "I want to see more." Yes, much more. Sometimes it sucked being a teenager, with these hormones that were much too problematic, and Lex was grinning at him really funny. Damn it, he hadn't realized that round two of their personal competition from the restaurant had come back to bite him in his own rear-end. Game on. Sure, he was slow at the uptake but hey, if Lex wanted a war he wouldn't mind obliging him. Juggling more than one contest of wills couldn't be that hard, right?
Clark wasn't a super-freak on knowledge about cars like some people he knew, but wow when Lex lifted the hood of the Audi, seeing that fully chromed V10 magnificent engine was almost enough to make him drool. In the liking of a car way too much way. And this was just the first sports car of many to be seen. 'WOW. Sexy cars and Lex. They go together like peanut butter and jam. All shiny and sticky. Crap.'
Trying to seem more interested in the vehicle in front of him than the personal intruder standing next to him, Clark stated, "That's an incredibly powerful machine."
"Yes, she is. Should I get one?" Lex questioned after brushing up against him.
Actually considering it, Clark wasn't sure how doable that would be due to it being a concept car, but with Lex anything was possible, "Yeah, I'd love it as a birthday gift. I'll tell, Dad, I won it."
Lex's eyebrow raised slightly as Clark resisted smelling him. "Too bad that won't work. Technically, it's still illegal for you to win anything."
"Fine. Then I get to tell, my Dad, to screw off because I'm keeping it. I'm old enough to do that."
Laughing Lex replied, "It sure seems like you are." Giving him another appraising once-over, his friend flashed him a devilish grin, "What makes you think I'd buy it for you?"
Clark put his arm on Lex's back and drew him in closer so that he could easily inhale his exquisite cologne and unique Lexness again, "Because I asked, nicely."
They were so close they could have kissed, and Clark watched as Lex's lips did indeed part invitingly for him. The sound of a camera and its flash lighting them up caused Lex to pull back like a startled colt, "There are some different cars I'd like to show you, please follow me."
As Lex turned away, Clark could see him glare at one of the Daily Planet's journalists standing nearby. Grinned at them, and way too impressed of the picture she'd just taken of them. Clark wondered what it would look like. Unfortunately, the annoying woman had to ruin the mood. In a different time, how much money would Lex have had to pay her off with? Or?
The next few vehicles Clark made sure to participate on the looking and touching parts of the whole car that was oh so vital to the overall experience as Lex had told him upon entering the new 2005 car room. Sitting next to Lex in a brand spanking new Cadillac XLR, Porsche Carrera GT, Mercedes SLK, and a Chevrolet Corvette, all but the latter being convertibles, oddly hadn't felt much different than when he had done so with all of Lex's other fancy cars. The company was what was different, it felt so much more intimate today, even with all the strange people talking and walking past them. Their personal bubble once again was able to block them all out. Sexy Lex and cars. Just the right place to be.
About an hour later, Clark almost floated in joy when Lex had left to use the washroom and he had casually began to super-eavesdrop on his friend when he had been gone longer than normal. Listening in on Lex's private phone call, Clark learned that he would soon be acquiring one 2005 Audi Lemans Quattro. That would have been so cool. Clark wondered what Lex would do if he ever asked him to buy him the world. Okay, maybe a small island would be more realistic. 'Sure Clark anything, whatever to make you happy.' He didn't notice as a woman gave him a weird look as he laughed staring intently at the blank white wall in front of him.
Soon after Lex rejoined him, Clark began to feel overly parched, buying a 1-liter Poland Spring Water he decided to use his special super-chugging abilities. Standing next to Lex he threw back his head and sucked the liquid back faster than humanly possible. Lex stared at him stupefied, as he wiped his wet lips with the back of his hand Clark beamed triumphantly at his friend. 'Check Mate.'
Eyes narrowing Lex smirked, "I hope you get a raging… stomachache from that."
"Na. But, I'm sure I'll have to use the bathroom soon."
It was hilarious to actually see Lex roll his eyes, "The Gala's going to be starting soon, dinner's at six."
"Oooo, I can't wait." Clark impeccably tossed the empty bottle into a recycle bin that had a small sized hole in the top and was located about thirty feet away.
Seeming to admire another one of his talents, Lex smiled, "Show off."
"Always. Plus, I know how much you like it." Clark laughed as they started to leave the room.
Lex looked away before Clark could see any change of expression, but Clark was positive that he would have seen a charming look of surprise on his friend's face. This day was turning out to be much more exciting than he would ever have hoped for, and his feelings for Lex were steadily growing to the point where he questioned whether what he felt was more than just a lusty crush or not. Like his dad had said, even young men that he had known may have experimented somewhat, so how far should he go himself? It would be wrong to overlook an opportunity like this. 'Yeah, sure just keep thinking that'.