WARNING: SLASH, ABANDON HOPE ALL YE WHO ENTER HERE.
Day Ten
The room seemed two dimensional, like watching a movie, while at the same time observing himself as a character in it from afar. Clark could see his still prone form lying on the ground, and strangely enough he appeared to be dead. All overtly pale and blue lipped. The rest of the people in the bar-like area continued on with their meaningful discussions, walking past him and in general totally ignoring his lifeless body laying abandoned on the floor. This was a dream, right? Finally, a frantic figure pushed through the crowd and stumbled onto his hands and knees next to Clark's outstretched arm, shaking. It was Lex, and his friend was weeping while hugging his body. He was dismayed to see the dept of pain on his friend's face because of him. Trying to call out and tell Lex that he wasn't dead, he found out that he couldn't.
'I'm not dead! Lex.'
'Fuck, God, Fuck! She'd killed me.' Gasping for breath and falling out of his bed and onto the chilly morning floor Clark stared around his room in absolute horror. Still gripped in fear from his nightmare he didn't notice as someone came up the stairs behind him. He felt so cold.
"Honey? Are you okay?" His mom stood at his doorway looking down at him in concern. "I heard you yelling something."
"Sorry. It was just a bad dream." He got up trying hard not to shake as he turned off the alarm.
"I'm making pancakes-"
"No! I think I just want some toast." Feeling too light-headed to notice whatever facial expression his mom may have made, he walked past her and entered the bathroom.
Sitting on the closed toilet lid to think, Clark hugged himself tightly for support and began to slightly rock back and forth. He had been dead for over three hours last night. What had happened to his body during that time? How would Lex have reacted? Would his friend have phoned his parents or taken him to a hospital? Even though his subconscious liked the idea of a comforting and mourning Lex, he honestly had no idea what actually happened.
He had been told by a few gifted people, whom he'd trusted, that he was doomed to live forever. As his powers continued to grow, he began to believe that he would. It wasn't a very happy thought to outlive everyone he loved; immortality could never be a gift. Burden or curse maybe but never a gift. So, it wasn't often that Clark was forced into realizing that even he sometimes could be only human. The memory of Van McNulty shooting him out of misplaced hate flashed into his mind. He shuddered as he recalled the kryptonite bullet ripping into his shoulder, burning his lungs, flaying his flesh around it, and quickly draining the life out of him. The pain had been immeasurable. Without his parents, Clark doubted whether he would still be around today, he had sincerely thought at the time that he would die. But this time he had, and without his greatest weakness being anywhere near him. What was he going to do?
He tried to clear his head. Concentrating on only listening to the steadily slowing and calming thump thump that was his greatest lifeline, he stopped shaking. Not sure how long he had sat there; he stood, undressed and had one extremely hot shower. Greedily sucking in the warmth, Clark blinked the water out of his eyes and sighed. He'd have to talk to Lex. There would be no time for fun and games today. He would have to be one hundred percent serious from now on in order to find a way to stop her. Elizabeth. She was still an unknown, but everyone has a weakness. 'I just have to find it.'
"It's imperative that I speak with Elizabeth Hoffman today." He stood looking confidently at Lex with a private conviction that was almost forced.
Clark had appeared out of nowhere seconds before, jolting his friend and making him spill half of his morning coffee onto the glass table in front of him. Rising up, as the liquid poured onto the carpet by his feet, Lex glared at the unexpected intrusion in his office.
"Clark!"
"Ooops." He super-sped to the kitchen and grabbed some dish towels.
As he dropped one towel onto the floor to absorb some of the mess Clark continued, "Long story short. You're right, I have super-powers."
The telephone beside Clark began to ring as he mopped up the coffee from the transparent tabletop.
"Hello? No, I'm gonna have to get back to you on that later. I know how important it is, but it can wait." Lex slammed the phone down with slightly more force than necessary. Intensely staring at Clark, he frowned, "Why are you telling me this now?"
"We have a very big problem on our hands, and I'm willing to do anything to stop it." Shit, nerves had finally kicked in, and he had been doing so well a minute ago. Clark desperately wanted to sit down. Leaning against the table, he was surprised to watch the damp towel quivering in his tense grip.
Seeming to hunt for answers Lex coolly asked, "Care to elaborate any further?"
"She is controlling time. And we're all stuck in today. Only I know." He felt so rushed and out of breath. 'God damn nerves.' Why couldn't Lex remember anything? Why did he have to do this over and over every time? WHY! Because of that bitch. Oh, how he wanted to pummel her into mush at this very moment.
"Clark, you're not making any sense."
"We had such a great day. I hate this so much." He felt so horribly lost and alone. Startled out of his despair, Clark felt Lex tentatively touch his still shaking hand. Afraid to look up, Clark shared the horrific knowledge that he had woken up with this morning, "God, Lex, I know it sounds impossible—but, she killed me last night. Only, I didn't stay dead because she's controlling time."
Appearing greatly concerned, Lex pried the towels from his clenched fingers, and dropped them onto the floor. "I think you need to calm down and explain to me exactly what is going on."
With sad eyes, Clark looked at his friend pleadingly, "I need your help."
Play, record then rewind. Lex always seemed to look the same. Play and rewind. Same eyes staring at him with a deep brilliance that only Lex seemed to possess. Play. Stop. Rewind. Same expressions of doubt and hope. Play. But this was going it be different. Clark was sick of seeing the same things. He was different. New feelings had surfaced and damn if he was going to suffer for hours all over again. Honesty can be a good thing.
"Counting yesterday's experience of overkill, I think it's been about ten days now."
A deeply engrossed Lex, said appallingly, "You said that she… How did she do that to you?"
"I think she stopped time around my chest. Because I couldn't breathe, but it didn't hurt." Clark watched as his friend began to pace away from him. Yes, this was going to be a problem. He'd told Lex almost everything including all of their personal explorations, and Lex had taken it all in stride, it was the fact that someone had hurt Clark that seemed to unsettle Lex the most. Elizabeth's demise was most certainly being plotted at that very moment. 'Was that such a bad thing?'
"I promise to find her as soon as possible, but you're not to go anywhere near her. Do you understand?" Lex looked so strikingly determined.
"No."
"No? She killed you in cold blood in the middle of a crowded bar without so much as breaking a nail!"
Clark firmly grabbed onto Lex's shoulders, "I can't watch you die again." Lex looked beautifully exquisite as he peered up at him- appearing strangely pleased with what Clark had just stated. The fact that he had died also, didn't seem to phase Lex, but that Clark cared about him, thrilled him. Cautiously, Clark leaned over and tenderly kissed Lex's beautiful lips. He had been yearning for some sort of comfort and in that moist warmth Clark found it.
'Wrong move.' Astonished fear flashed in his friend's too close eyes as Lex pulled back from his embrace. Turning his head away from Clark, he murmured under his breath. "You have no idea what you do to me."
Maybe Lex had taken it all in stride so easily, because he hadn't had the time to process all of the mass of information properly. 'Why was Lex so afraid of him?' "I'm sorry. I need your help to find her, but I have to stop her by myself. I don't think she sees you as a threat to her right now. I want to keep you safe."
Clark approached Lex to reassure him, only to have him brush his hand away and mockingly announce, "Don't. I'm not feeling very touchy-feely at the moment."
"Do you want me to leave?" Clark felt awful. It must seem like he had gone from being mostly a jerk that had been ignoring and acting selfishly towards his friend the last few weeks, and now, when Lex only remembered Thursday, Clark comes out of the blue and barges in like a twisted tornado acting like he had just come from the Wonderful World of Oz. Hi Dorothy, I'm your lost dog Toto. Remember me? Can I lick your face with the joy of being back in your majestic presence without your permission? Great. Just fucking great.
"Yes."
A jagged ice cold dragger stabbed Clark, deep within his breast. "Okay… sure. I'll just go then." Averting his eyes, he turned to make his way to the front door.
"Do you mind coming back in about an hour?" Clark turned to see Lex toying with his empty cup like it held the meaning of life within. "We have a great deal to discuss."
Clark smiled hesitantly, and nodded silently.
Clark left the mansion with no idea what he could do during what he was sure would be an agonizingly slow hour; in fact, the only thing he was certain of was that at the end of the hour, he had better be prepared for an uncomfortable confrontation with Lex.
It was like he couldn't act normal around his friend anymore, having become so accustomed to a closeness that was not quite there at the beginning of each brand spanking new day. The endless Fridays had all but blurred together except for one vital constant. Lex. Who had always been willing to help and give more than Clark felt he deserved. He had gained an immense knowledge about his friend, while Lex remained oblivious. Oh yeah, this hour was going to be a very long and brooding one.
The Talon was bustling with business; being 8:30 in the morning everyone appeared to be in a rush to grab their morning caffeine fix. Poor sad people. He drank coffee, but only to appear normal not for the taste or the need for some waking up enhancement. Today, he had forgotten to bring any money for this unplanned visit, so he sat coffeeless amongst a sea of streaming mugs.
Glaring up at the clock for the hundredth time, Clark groaned to see that it had been a whole ten seconds since the last time he stared at the almost unmoving hands. Was the damn thing going backwards when he wasn't paying attention? He wanted to go back to bed and sleep the day away. Starting the day fresh over again, sounded like a great idea plus maybe with practice he wouldn't scare Lex off quite so fast with his 'tall tales' and sexual advances.
A charming and slightly concerned sounding voice said, "You look like you need some cheering up."
Jerking out of his depressing thoughts, Clark glanced up at Lana from his seat. Wasn't she supposed to be in school right now? He tried to give her a bright smile as he sat back in his chair and replied stiffly, "Hi."
"Clark, why aren't you in school?" She returned his smile and sat down beside him laying a notepad on the table. He let out a long breath as he saw a long to do list written on it. Reading upside down really wasn't that hard.
"I finished a test early and felt like a coffee?" Okay, why was it that sometimes when he lied he made it seem like a question instead of a statement? Stupid. He didn't even have a cup on the empty table in front of him to validate his words. "You really are closing the Talon this weekend, huh?" Clark tried to look into her sweet hazel eyes with interest. It felt like forever since the last time he had talked to her. Oooo crying and rolling around in his own filth, now that wasn't a great memory to dreg up.
"Yeah. I'm going to miss it. But I came to realize that it was a part of my past, and I want to do so much more with my life then stay in Smallville forever."
"I know. I hope you find whatever it is you're looking for in Paris… and well, don't forget to write."
Lana stared at him strangely. Why can't he get a useful power, like mind reading? Her smile seemed to waver before falling flat entirely. God. Wasn't he unintentionally pissing off everyone today, or what?
"What?"
Lana shrugged, "I just thought you'd try to talk me out of going some more."
"Oh." Clark guessed that meant that she wanted him to try to talk her out of it. Women tended to use that reverse psychology a lot. Too bad, he wasn't in the mood. "Well, I've been thinking, and I totally understand why you want to get away. This place can feel like a trap sometimes."
"Thanks. I'm glad you've seen things my way." She didn't appear happy though.
Clark started to examine the tabletop in displeasure as a disconcerting silence passed between them.
"So, why are you here looking all mopey, anyway?"
"I…" What would happen if he told her the truth? It could be interesting. "I kissed Lex."
Lana's eyes widened as her month fell open in a gasp. Not a great look on her. It seemed like she was trying to say something, and after a couple of times of not quite getting any actual words out, Lana was finally able to ask, "When?"
"Yesterday… and today."
Lana's brows pushed together in anger as she scrutinized him. "You know after all the times I practically begged you to be honest with me, why did you decide to start now?"
Clark mumbled, "Practice makes perfect, I guess."
"You're not telling me this in some warped way to try to stop me from leaving, are you?"
"No! Not everything is about you, Lana." Clark immediately felt terrible after seeing how hurt she looked at his unkind words. Some damage control was definitely necessary. "Sorry, I didn't mean it quite like that."
He watched her eyes freeze over as she glared at him harder. 'Has it been an hour yet?'
"You know, Clark, you can be a real jerk sometimes." Lana picked up her notepad and seemed to be debating on whether to stand up or not.
"I'm having a very bad week." 'Month, year… life.'
"Fine. Why have you been kissing Lex?" She crossed her arms in front of her chest in a defensive position.
"I don't know." 'Because I really wanted to. Because, he makes me feel the way that you used to. Just because I could.'
"That isn't something you can call off as being some kind of accident. Clark, you've made out with me, Chloe, Jessie, Kyla, Alicia and God only knows who else. You can't keep on using people… we have feelings you know." 'She'd been keeping track?'
"I know that."
"Really? You could have fooled me." She was absolutely pissed off at him now.
All Clark wanted to do was tell her to shut up, it wasn't any of her business anyway they weren't even a couple anymore, and he wasn't even sure if they had ever been one.
Lana appeared to have a different idea as she continued to rant, "All you've managed to prove to me is what a bad liar you are and that I can never count on you. You push people away, Clark. I don't know what to think about you anymore."
"It's too bad that you feel that way. But, you'd never understand what it's like to be me every single day."
"You think everyone is living in their own sweet paradise? No. Everyone has problems, I know I've had my share of them… do you think making out with Lex is gonna change his life or yours for the better?"
"I think I'm in love with him." Those words didn't just come out of his mouth, did they? Clark watched Lana's apparent disbelief flash across her face, it almost matched his own. See life can't get much more bizarre than this.
"If that's true, then I ask you one thing as a friend to you both. Don't treat him like you've treated me. He doesn't deserve it." Lana swiftly stood up from the table, and thundered away from Clark looking darker then a raging storm cloud. Clark had the vague notion that she may have actually been jealous.
Well, that went just super. Good thing the hour was almost up because Clark couldn't get out of the Talon fast enough. Going back to the mansion couldn't possibly get any worse than this.
Lex casually stood up from his desk, and noiselessly came over to Clark with a sunny smile upon his face. It did little to conceal his friend's true emotions from him. Clark knew too much about him now, so the worry and stress radiating off of Lex was glaringly apparent to him. Super.
Appearing nonchalant Lex asked, "How do you plan on stopping her?"
"I thought that I could try to reason with her some more, and if that didn't work… well I don't think she knows what powers I have, so I'd try some of them out." Clark watched as Lex's head seemed to nod slightly in agreement. "I would kinda need to test her limits and then try to find her weakness. Before she gets to me first."
"That all sounds really great and all, but what if she gets to you first? What are you going to do then… other than leave a good-looking alien corpse floor ornament?" Lex replied, appearing much too impressed with himself.
"I guess I'd have to try again tomorrow."
"Clark, what you don't seem to get is the fact that yesterday was a warning. A blatant threat against you. For all you know there's the distinct possibility that tomorrow may not come for you, to try again."
True, there was always that. But, it was so much easier to not think about that part of the equation. Lex was being too analytical and stuff. His friend really had no idea how many meteor mutants or enhanced people he had already dealt with in the past. There was so many of them that he couldn't count them all on his hands and feet together, and he had learned so much on how to handle tough out of control situations. Hell, their powers have ranged from being able to suck out heat, fat, life and youth… that's a lot of sucking, to becoming a bug boy, splitting into two people, or transporting into his bedroom at night and… that's one long list.
And Lex looked really good in that royal blue dress shirt. Trying to relax his tense muscles, Clark was slightly annoyed at how his mind kept pulling its way back to intimate sexual thoughts whenever Lex was near him now. He had to stay on topic and win this round against his overprotective friend before he honestly did go insane.
"Do you know where she is or not?"
Lex frowned, "Yes, I do."
Trying to sound a bit more intimidating, Clark asked again, "Where?"
There was no reply.
Clark glanced around, his eyes making their way around the dim room to his friend's large desk. It was messy. He'd never seen it look chaotic before with piles of papers covering almost every square inch of it. 'Interesting.' One of the colored folders caught his eye and he began to walk towards it. X-raying the contents upside down, before he could see them with normal vision, Clark read the name Elizabeth Hoffman and Metropolis on several of the pages.
Just as he was about to open the green folder, a hand grasped Clark's shoulder close to where it met his neck. He stopped dead as Lex whispered into his left ear from behind him, "I'm going with you."
Clark shuddered at the dual sensations. No, that was a very bad idea. As the hand massaged him, the tip of Lex's nose brushed against his ear lobe and hot breath tickled the inside of his ear.
Squeaking out, "Okay." Clark leaned his head back into Lex as his friend's other hand pulled their very willing bodies together.
"We still have something else to discuss." The words feathered down Clark's neck as they flowed out of Lex's mouth. Oh my. If this was a diversionary tactic, he didn't mind one bit. The pressure of teeth made Clark turn 180 degrees and standing face to face with his new obsession he toyed with the possibilities.
"I know you have a warped room dedicated to me." Blue eyes widened with alarm. It was all about winning, games had to be played dirty in order to get to the next challenging but fun level. Tracing finger-tips along the back of Lex's scalp, he was pleased to watch his obsession gasp. Oh, how Clark would love to give him one long lick across his temple.
Clark grinned evilly and continued in a sultry voice, "It's really almost poetic in a, Lex Luthor, kind of way. Tell me, have you ever had any wet dreams about me?"
Their eyes met, and a million fantasies appeared to shine from Lex's gaze. "You've been haunting my dreams ever since you first saved me."
If his heart had strings, they were definitely being pulled at that very moment. The way Lex had said 'saved me' made Clark believe that the meaning had gone far beyond saving his life. Had he really helped save his friend's soul?
"I'm selfish that way. Every time I save you, I'm keeping a piece of myself intact." How can a man look that beautiful? Innocence… it was a virtue that rarely crossed Lex's features, but right now it did and Clark instantly decided to cherish this moment for quite some time.
Then, Lex kissed him.
Their lips glided against each other before opening up to further indulgence. Remembering the night before and Lex's wanton exploration of his body, Clark resolved to do some discovering himself. He cupped Lex's ass with both of his hands and hungrily squeezed it while grinding their groins against each other. Their bodies felt glued together as Clark took a steady step backwards to lean against the desk. Trying to ignore the throbbing hardness in his pants that demanded attention, Clark nuzzled against Lex's pale neck feathering kisses down the side of it.
Panting, Lex pulled back and moaned before moving again towards him to suck and bite on Clark's bottom lip, the wonderful pressure caused him to lick at Lex's flawless teeth and hiss with pleasure. Once again their mouths joined together in harmony. Seeming to seek out some sort of release to an ache that must have been there for quite some time, Lex started to undo Clark's jeans. The vibration of the zipper being lowered had never been such a turn on before.
Leaving one hand on a hard cheek, Clark stroked Lex's lower back in encouragement as Lex's hand glided under the elastic band of his boxers. The tantalizing movement by his crotch caused Clark to yearn for the feeling of bare skin against his own. Drawing back Clark slid both of his hands to the front of Lex's chest and ripped his shirt wide open. The sound of torn fabric sent a thrill up his spine as the buttons flew into several directions.
Lex smirked, "That's the second time you've done that. A couple more and it may become a bad habit."
Yes, it would. Then again, maybe it already had. Blushing Clark glanced down at the hand that was still clasped somewhat under the top of his underwear. The obvious bulge of his erection was inches from Lex's touch, and Clark grinned as he replied, "I want to tear the rest of your clothes off too." God, touch me… feel me Lex, now!
The whites of Lex's eyes flashed for a second before he lunged forward and grabbed Clark's sweater, pulling it over his head with one swift yank. Wow. Clear want and need came out of Lex in the form of a long deep groan as Clark returned the favor by shredding the rest of Lex's shirt. Dipping his head down to quickly nip and lick at Lex's right nipple Clark abruptly continued lower and tore the clasp and button to Lex's pants. Before he could do any more, Lex grabbed onto his shoulders and tugged upwards.
Standing face to face again, Lex strangely appeared to be very concerned for him, "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Absolutely, one hundred percent, yes."
Clark let his eyes linger on Lex's well toned and highly attractive body. Ooooh, he had freckles. Placing a finger on one of the small dots, he traced it from one to another and another, slowly moving his hand across Lex's smooth pecks. Lex quivered under his gentle massage until he couldn't seem to hold back any longer and he seized Clark in another passionate embrace.
Their naked torso's brushed together as Clark moaned out encouragements for new sensations. He felt like he was flying, soaring above the heavens, and joyfully unafraid of doing so. Being in Lex's arms was so soothing and erotic at the same time, he wanted more. Then the world started spinning and spinning. And, spinning. 'Fuck not now.'
As the full onslaught of dizziness and nausea hit, Clark cried out as his knees buckled from under him. Falling backwards and forcefully taking Lex with him, Clark smashed through the desk behind him sending shards of glass, files and folders of papers flying everywhere. Lex landed hard on top of him with an unpleasant sounding oomph. That had been the worst case yet. Why did he keep getting dizzy spells?
"Lex, are you okay?"
Grunting as he rolled off of Clark, Lex seized his left arm with his right hand and proceeded to pull out a large jagged piece of glass from his bicep. Shit. Clark super-sped to the bathroom and grabbed a large towel then just as quickly returned before Lex could have acknowledged the fact that he'd been gone.
"I'm so sorry. I don't know what happened, I just felt really sick for a couple seconds." Clark inspected the wound seeing that it would certainly need stitches. It was a mid-sized but deep gash that had broken Lex's skin in a slightly erratic diagonal line. Applying pressure with the white towel, Clark felt ill for a totally different reason as he watched the cloth quickly turn red.
"It's all right. I've had worse." Lex stared at him with an amazed expression before he took his good hand and felt Clark's bare and yet unblemished back. Under Lex's close supervision, a few small pieces of glass fell off of his slightly damp body. At the moment, it was obvious to Clark that Lex was much more interested in Clark's lack of physical damage than his own bleeding arm.
Lex seemed highly pleased about witnessing some of Clark's powers first hand: invulnerability and super-speed, and he just wouldn't stop staring at Clark like he was a magical Leprechaun. Maybe it was shock? Hell, just his luck this whole event could lead to Lex obsessing about him for the rest of the day. Not that it wouldn't be flattering. 'What did Lex just say again?'
"Really, when?" Frowned Clark. The thought of a severely hurt Lex screaming in agony made him want to hunt down whomever had been responsible and… and do something rash, again.
Panting a bit uneasily, Lex leaned against Clark and replied, "Ah, during my alleged misbegotten youth, of course." Lex grumbled a bit in pain, finally seeming to feel the burn of his injury, even though it didn't appear to Clark that his friend's interest in his abilities had waned any. One day, curiosity really would kill Lex.
"Can anything normal hurt you?"
"No. Do you want me to take you to the hospital? I could drive… or?" Clark had led Lex to a nearby chair, helped him in it, and was fretting over Lex like a mother hen on speed.
A forced smile lit up Lex's slightly fevered looking face. "Stop acting like Mrs. Kent. I'm not dying for Christ-sake."
"Well something has to be done. Any suggestions?"
"Let me think for a second." Lex closed his eyes and sighed.
Letting his head rest gently on Lex's right shoulder, while at the same time Clark continued to lay pressure on Lex's hurt arm, Clark realized that the only thing he could hear was the beating of their hearts. He swore that they had synchronized in a perfect rhythm together. And as Clark slowly relaxed and started breathing slower so did Lex.
"Can you find my phone in there somewhere, using your…?"
"Sure."
First tearing a long strip of cloth from the towel and tying it in a semi-professional tourniquet around Lex's arm, Clark then proceeded to x-ray the mess on the floor. Seeing the small rectangular object, he bent over and dug his hand into the far right corner of chaos. "What number do you want me to dial?"
As Lex recited the seven numbers from memory, Clark noticed that his friend's pants were almost falling off. If Lex stood up too fast they probably would. The tattered front opening reminded Clark of how close they had come to fully crossing over the line of friendship and into an entirely different area altogether. 'Maybe it had been a bit too fast.'
Lex held his left arm up at a forty-five degree angle as he took the phone that as offered to him. Waiting impatiently Clark listened to the three rings before a sleepy and irritated sounding voice answered the phone.
"What!"
"Toby, I'm in the need of your services. How soon can you arrive at the mansion?"
An even dozen stitches, it was one dozen too many. Clark had watched in special technicolor as the little metal needle had slowly sewn Lex's flesh together, and it had been an equally fascinating and gut wrenching experience. He was becoming increasingly frustrated with these unpredictable bouts of vertigo, and the fact that this last one had caused Lex physical damage made a well of rage occur deep within him at the injustice of it all. This whole bitter situation was giving Clark way too much grief. 'What would have to be done to finally end it?'
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Lex's voice suddenly interrupted his musings.
Clark blinked twice before ineloquently replying in a defensive manner, "Huh? Like what? I wasn't doing anything."
"I know you're still blaming yourself for what happened. So stop it."
"I…"
Lex caressed his arm in an intimate manner, "I heal really fast." He grinned with a hint of mischief at Clark.
Oh God. It was like they were playing the 'you show me yours I'll show you mine' game. A sudden unknown fear coursed through his body as Clark pushed himself away and took a couple of steps backwards wanting to get Lex out of his personal space.
"Well that's great. I'll try to worry less about all those concussions you keep getting then." 'That was rude.'
Now eyeing him seriously, Lex seemed dejected by his offhand comment and actions, "The helicopter should be here soon. You should put your shirt back on." In a form of dismissal, his friend then turned and began to walk away.
'Helicopter? Oh, but of course, Lex would want them to get to Metropolis as fast as possible. And yes, I enjoy walking around shirtless and having Toby give me multiple 'look's' that is another highlight to this wonderful day.' Sighing, Clark began to wander around looking at the floor.
Finding his sweater was a bit harder than he had first thought. Lex's maid had taken it upon herself to clean up the mess in the office room and had put his discarded clothing in with the wash. Sifting though his friend's dirty laundry had felt weird. It was almost somewhere in between stalkerish and homey. Having thoughts of taking showers together, smelling Lex's undergarments, and being taken to graduation by a guy like a couple 'couple' sent Clark's mind in a tail-spin. Maybe tomorrow being Saturday wouldn't be such a great thing after all. Getting involved with Lex in such an intimate way couldn't be even close to being one of his better ideas as of late. What was he thinking making out with him and flirting all the time? 'Why did life suck so bad?'
Thump thump thump thump thump
The sleek silver blades twirled around and around in an almost nauseating fashion. Strangely enough, Clark had never used Lex's air transportation before, and the vibrating and scary swaying back and forth motions were making him wish that he had never gotten on the damn thing in the first place. Laying his head against the hard metal wall, Clark realized that time felt like it had been skipping for the past couple of hours, shifting, stopping or jumping forward without him noticing until it seemed too late to comment about it. 'Stress maybe?'
His eyes discreetly scanned the interior until they rested on one subdued Lex Luthor and on further inspection it looked like his friend was preparing to go to war. 'He'd better not be planning on doing anything stupid.' Lex's left arm was tightly wrapped underneath a white business shirt which matched the rest of his friend's suit perfectly. Other then Lex keeping his arm mostly straight, no one would know that it was injured.
Not having spoken a civil word to Lex since he had rebuked his friend's little teasing earlier, Clark was now plagued by guilt at having done so. He had no idea why it had bothered him at the time, but there was no way he felt like apologizing for it. Pride, one of the seven deadly sins, Clark remembered Lex telling him about them at one time… he'd like to remember who had made them up in the first place, deadly was an awfully extreme term to describe them. Then again, Lex had given him numerous examples of how pride had lead to many a historical figure's demise. Lex was kinda morbid that way in knowing so much about that sorta stuff to begin with, but it had been quite entertaining.
"So, does your dad know you're doing this?"
Lex squinted at him as if he were an insignificant bug, "Definitely."
"I don't want to see him today." Clark grimaced at that nasty thought.
"Neither do I."
So idle chit-chat wasn't going to work, joy. He could feel the air pressure change as they began to descend towards one of the city's skyscrapers. Hating to look out of the nearby window and down, Clark finally leaned over, unsurprised at seeing the glaring LuthorCorp sign growing larger with each passing second.
He so did not want to see Lionel.
"Fancy seeing you here, Clark. I wasn't expecting to see Lex until tomorrow."
It had been impossible to get around the fact that Lionel Luthor would be greeting them before their ride had touched down onto the landing pad. Clark knew that he appeared physically repulsed by the person now standing directly in front of him. Willing himself not to accidentally turn on his heat vision, Clark also decided to try not to punch the bastard in the chest and break all of his precious ribs.
"I'd heard that Lex had some pressing matters to attend to after receiving notice of an unscheduled usage of my helicopter. I had assumed at the time that the need for its services was for some business matter, but it looks like I've been mistaken." Lionel didn't seem too affected by Clark's murderous gaze before shifting his interrogation onto Lex.
"Son, I told you that you're not allowed to use the copter for trivial personal reasons anymore and I would appreciate it if you refrained from doing so again in the future."
Lex's expression darkened further in anger, "I will let you know that there is nothing trivial about it, and it is none of your concern as to why Clark is here."
"Tut-tut, there's nothing to get emotional about. I was simply stating the facts. Whenever you are done with whatever it is you plan on doing, I must insist that you meet me back here, alone." Clark could see a hint of danger in Lionel's eyes. 'You betrayed me, your own father.' Focusing his eyes into x-ray mode Clark gritted his teeth at seeing the gun that was strapped to Lionel's left breast.
Before Lex could reply Clark spoke with an unusual amount of venom, "I don't think he'll have time for you today."
"Really? Aren't we being the brazen one?" Lionel chuckled at Clark's display of bravado, "I see that you have acquired a backbone since our last meeting. Though, I think a little more tact could have been in order. Lex, maybe you could learn something from him?" Leaning over, Lionel patted at Lex's injured arm like Lex was his own personal dog.
"Why? Because you're so perfect and civilized? Please, don't make me puke all over you. I wouldn't want your slaves to have to clean up the mess." Taking a step forward, Clark whispered into Lionel's ear, "If you ever touch Lex again, I'll rip your arm off."
Lionel's mouth gapped open in stunned shock as Lex grabbed onto Clark's arm too tightly with his good arm. The strangle hold was most likely meant to cause him pain, it didn't of course, but it did cause Clark to shut up and glance away.
Hastily Lex efficiently maneuvered Clark behind him while taking a few steps backwards. "Well it's best if we get going. It seems like my pressing matters are more urgent than I had originally thought. See you later dad." Giving Clark's left hand a hard tug, they were through the main door, off the roof and standing in front of the nearest elevator before Lionel could say 'boo hoo.'
Clark hoped that the private elevator could whisk them away from Lionel's wrath in time for them to make a quick escape, but he highly doubted it. And the confining space only escalated his anxiety about meeting Elizabeth again, for what he prayed would be the last time. Plus, there was one small detail of Lex being none too pleased with him at the moment either.
In an irritated voice Lex finally spoke to him, "Did you have to say that?"
"Yes, and I'm feeling quite liberated in doing so."
"Well I'm so glad you had fun. I can see why you wouldn't care if you pissed off my dad," the 'or me' kinda hung unspoken in the air, "because if this confrontation doesn't work with this woman of yours then he'd be none the wiser tomorrow anyway-"
Clark cut him off waving his hands around a bit haphazardly, "Lex, he knows about you having him investigated remember, and that fact isn't just going to go away. He's dangerous. Look what he's already done to you, I practically saw him murder you in cold blood."
"Parallel universes with infinite possibilities. I haven't forgotten what you told me, but I'm also aware that the day before and the day after that incident happened I made it through mostly unscathed. This leads me to believe that I'm relatively safe at the present time." Lex still appeared angry with him.
"That's easy for you to say, you weren't really there."
"What you tend to forget Clark, is that all of this is simply one big chess game to him. And, he doesn't plan on having it end, win or loose, anytime soon. What happened the other day I expect would have been a grievous error on his part. Poor Dad would have been terribly upset knowing that I wouldn't be making anymore pathetic advances to 'challenge' him in the future. How dreadfully boring that prospect must have been for him." Turning to glare at Clark, Lex continued, "It's my job to constantly keep one step ahead of him, and you just made it a great deal harder by being an ass."
"And you're Mr. Perfect? Give me a break! I'm sick with Luthor games, why can't you just act like normal people. Tell me what you really want or feel instead of secretly making your next move. I'm not anyone's pawn." 'How dare Lex call me an ass!'
"Is that what this is all about? Fine. Why did you have me believe that you wanted me, only to start acting like a prick for no apparent reason, huh?" Lex appeared hurt and terribly vulnerable standing in front of him as his whole body trembled with pent up emotion. "I'd love to know the answer to that."
Clark closed his eyes to the icy blue stare and yelled, "I don't know why I acted like that! I don't know why I keep getting sick! I don't know why you keep getting hurt when I'm around! I don't know why this stuff has to happen! I don't know, Lex." Opening his eyes, he stared sadly into Lex's, "I just don't know."
An eerie calm filled the room as the elevator came to an abrupt stop, and as the doors opened there were unsurprisingly several beefy security guards standing a couple of feet away staring at him and Lex like the obedient dogs they were.
"We are here to detain you both until further notice."
'Not this and not now.' Clark glared at them, "I don't think so." daring them to try using any physical force against him in order to stop them from striding out of that damned building.
The four uniformed men moved with determination, taking on a much more offensive position around them. Violence, he was so close to some good old fashioned violence.
"Gentlemen, why don't we all stay calm here? There's no need for any misunderstandings." Lex appeared to single out the leader of the group and then he confidently advanced towards the man closest to the elevator that they had just walked out of. Pleasantly smiling at the man while sounding totally sincere, he continued, "I'm sure my father inadvertently forgot to tell me something of vital importance. He hasn't been in good health lately, and I've been quite worried about his well-being." Taking his cell phone out of his suit jacket pocket, Lex flipped it open, "I'll have this all sorted out in a matter of minutes. You know how irritable and impatient he can be when he's under the weather." By the look on the head security man's face, he seemed to agree; then again Lionel was always a grumpy bastard.
Waiting patiently, Clark berated himself for getting so angry and tried not to look too intimidating while staring at his large leather boots. A few feet away from him, Lex had to do some extensive damage control over what Clark had said, plus his friend promised to meet his dad later that evening with the purpose of ensuring his 'continued welfare'. Lionel seemed to find that remark to be quite humorous while it made Clark's gut wrench. Several minutes later, they were authorized to leave.
Lex was a brilliant mediator.
"You rock." Grinning, Clark had never been happier to look upon a crowd of hurried people and breathe in a rush of polluted air.
"Do I roll too?"
"Can I give you a shove and find out?"
"As grand of a gesture as that may be, I'll have to decline." Lex scoffed. His friend rapidly picked up the pace as they crossed a busy intersection. Clark had no idea where they were going. It was now past noon and he was extremely hungry.
Slightly having to lengthen his strides to keep up, Clark decided to try to apologize for his earlier behavior, "About before… I-"
Lex stopped dead, almost making Clark crash into the side of him as he clearly remarked, "You don't have to say anything else, just leave it be."
Clark let the subject drop. It would be so much easier for both of them to pretend that nothing had happened, anyway. This being a normal routine of theirs for the last few years, made him feel not quite as bad about their minor quarrel as what he could have. Forced ignorance, deception and lies had practically become a way of life.
"So, where are we going?"
"I thought that it was 'imperative'" Lex practically smirked at the very un-Clark- like word, realizing that Clark had probably tried to use a word he thought was appropriate for speaking with him, "that you speak with Elizabeth Hoffman today, therefore, we will be seeing her shortly. That reminds me…" Pulling out a small envelope from his left breast pocket, Lex then handed him a small picture, "Is this her?"
It looked like a mug shot, or maybe a bad driver's license photo, either way the woman didn't appear too terribly happy. She was fair, a bit on the pale side, had shoulder length and wavy blonde hair, piercing grey eyes, high cheek bones and a narrow pointed nose. Clark had never studied her face this closely before and it was a bit strange to see how overall haunted her features seemed to be. She looked older than 26, it had to be the eyes. 'This was too depressing.'
"Yeah."
Lex nodded silently, then took the piece of paper from him and neatly placed it back into his jacket.
Clark was on the verge of asking Lex where they were going and what he was planning on doing next when he was assaulted by such a strong surge of dizziness that Clark fell to his knees. Feeling too weak to stand back up, Clark wrapped his arms around his raging mid-section as his vision became blurred by dancing red and green spots.
"Clark!"
A comforting hand surrounded his upper body in a concerned hug, and Lex began to slowly rub soothing circles on his back with his right hand. It felt very nice. "Are you going to be okay?"
"I'm fine." Clark tried and failed at standing back up, "I guess, I should have told you this earlier but I've been getting these dizzy spells more often the last few days." Clark let his head slump forward as Lex now steadily massaged his shoulder. Smelling and feeling Lex's wonderful closeness bought back pleasant memories of their most recent sexual encounter. Fancy cars and Italian cakes. What other expensive delicacies could Lex introduce him too? As he felt a lengthening pressure in his crotch, Clark noticed that he definitely wasn't feeling sick to his stomach anymore. Stress and hormones did very bad things.
Lex's apprehensive sounding voice came from just over his right ear, "Has this type of thing ever happened to you before?"
"Before the never-ending Friday? No, unless you count the… meteor rocks. And I don't think I've been around any lately." In all of his informative discussions with Lex over the past couple of days, Clark had purposely left out the fact that kryptonite made him weak and ill. He was now sure that Lex suspected something about the rocks from the Luthor mansion's informative room. Which was kinda okay. But it still made him extremely nervous to let his friend know how abundant his Achilles' heel was. Pure trust was something Clark didn't give freely away unless he absolutely had to.
Lex stilled behind him, and before his friend could say anything Clark continued, "Up until today, I was trying to mostly ignore them, but they're getting a lot worse. I get so nauseous and weak. Then you got hurt. And I can't stop the feeling that I've been missing something important."
Immediately, Lex's hand left his back as Clark heard him stand and straighten the sleeve of his suit jacket before he sternly said, "We should get off the sidewalk and go to somewhere a bit less public. Then, you are going to tell me, in detail, everything that you forgot to mention to me before."
It was weird to watch Lex almost fumble with his phone as his friend called someone telling them that, 'it was a go' and 'pick us up in ten minutes.'
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Well my zine lady is starting to piss me off, she's not answering my e-mails and in May she'd told me that this would be in her next zines, well her next zines were just posted on one of my yahoo groups and there is no mention of Smallville Day.
So, I'll be posting Day Ten as well and if she doesn't answer soon I'm just going to forget about the whole thing. Just to let you know I finahed the story over two months ago, it's 199 pages and about 14 days long.
Liz
Thanx again for all the past reviews, I love the feedback, please feel free to write more :)