Sunday Afternoon
Lex pulled up outside the seedy motel next to the highway. He had left Ashley at the loft, happily putting away her new clothing. Telling her he had some business to attend to, he slipped out.
Looking at the rundown building, he suppressed a shudder of revulsion, thinking of Ashley staying in this hovel made him ill. Taking a deep breath, he got out of the car and pushed thru the dingy front door.
The air inside was stale, smelling of urine and tobacco. Wrinkling his nose Lex crossed to the sagging front desk. Slapping the bell, he waited. Slowly an obese man in a filthy t-shirt and torn sweatpants shuffled out of the back. Beady eyes grew wide at the sight of Lex standing impatiently at the desk. Recognition dawned in his dull expression, stopping him dead in his tracks.
"What can I do fer you?" He growled. Lex stood stiffly, reminding himself not to touch anything he didn't have to.
"I am here to settle an overdue account and to collect the confiscated property." He answered reaching into his pocket and withdrawing a leather billfold. The man squinted at him for a moment before snapping his fingers.
"Confiscated..." The pieces linked in his dim witted mind."Yer here fer that skinny girl with the red hair ain't ya?" He asked.
"That little bitc...Girl seems to have gotten herself a lot of 'Friends' all of a sudden." His voice was nasty. Lex watched him with out comment.
"Got a real 'big fish' on her line I see. Guess for the right amount she will forgit her high and mighty shit. She was real quick to turn her nose up at..." the man trailed off at Lex's creased brow. He felt his blood run cold, The Luthor's were a dangerous family to piss off. Lex spoke slowly.
"If you are referring to Miss Embers I suggest you do so with caution. The bill please." Lex's tone left no room for discussion. He opened his expensive wallet. The man continued to stare mouth agape like a dead carp.
"What is the balance?" Lex prompted. The obtuse man did not speak for a moment, searching for a way to swindle Lex. The gray/blue stare of The Metro's wealthiest bachelor pinned him to the wall making the piggy man jump.
"She owes $300 bucks." He lied. Without a thought, Lex pulled three crisp bills out and laid them on the counter.
"I will require a receipt and her things now!" His voice had an edge. He knew the man had doubled the price but Lex really didn't care.
The despicable creature turned to pull a dusty pad from a cubbyhole and scribbled the bill out. Handing it to Lex, he snatched the cash off the counter. Lex folded the paper into his wallet and looked at the man expectantly. He sighed and walked into the back, returning shortly with a scuffed duffle bag. He slammed it down on the wooden surface and sneered.
"Here!" He said. "I don't want any more to do with that slag! She caused me enough of a headache!" He growled rubbing at his still smarting neck. "All her John's coming looking for her..."
Lex took the bag and leaned across the desk making the man back down instinctively.
"Has someone else been here asking about her?" Lex's voice was icy. The fat man began to stutter.
"Y-y- yeah! S-some big thug tried to choke me bout two hours ago. Had a picture of that bitch." The stupid man flinched at the flash of malice he saw in the younger man's eyes. Lex paused for a moment gathering control of his rage.
"You know who I am, correct?" He asked, the man nodded. Lex took a step back. "Good, know this, you will regret any wrong you have done to this girl." Lex said in a voice laced with acid. He turned on his heel and stalked out.
Once back in his car, Lex sat shaking with anger. Ash had confided in him the disgusting proposition that bastard had made. The image made him want to vomit.
Shaking it off, he turned to the satchel on the passenger seat. Inside he found a few tattered items of clothing, a worn notebook, and a well-read copy of Great Expectations.
Smiling he flipped thru the novel, it was one of his favorites as well. The notebook was filled with scrawled lines and lyrics, her songbook. Feeling calm again, he repacked the bag and started the car.
xxxxx
That night the flophouse burned to the ground. There was but one fatality, the proprietor. He had been trapped in his office. Officials found evidence of arson but they had no idea who started it.
xxxxx
Sunday Night
Bruce slammed the phone down on the nightstand. He had been calling Lex's number all afternoon. Leaving him numerous messages and multiple ways to contact Bruce. Lex had yet to return one call. No one at LuthorCorp had any information on how to find the fucking prince of the company.
Bruce really did not want to speak to Lionel. The man was like a virus. Bruce wanted Ashley to have as little exposure to his evil as possible. Hoping Lex had not brought her to his father's attention Bruce dialed the number again. It went right to voice mail.
Why the Hell was he avoiding Bruce Wayne? There was something missing from the equation. What was Lex up to?
"Let Me Go Find Him." The Bat suggested from the back of his head. Bruce walked to the closet and took out the stainless steel case with a combination lock and set it on the bed.
He sat and stared at it for a while. Should he let The Bat out in Metropolis? This was not his hunting ground. Gotham was his territory. But Ashley was missing; this was not a normal situation. Coming to a decision Bruce thumbed open the locks.
xxxxx
A living shadow flickered across the rooftops. Metropolis had too many damned lights. The Bat frowned and longed for Gotham's shady atmosphere. He pulled out the hand receiver and checked the coordinates again.
It had been far too easy to access the GPS system for Lex's primary vehicle. It was currently not moving, presumably parked somewhere uptown. Hugging to the meager shadows The Bat moved along.
When he found the silver car parked out the small warehouse he perched himself on the roof next door. Crouching low, The Bat adjusted his binoculars to the night vision setting.
The loft was dark except for a glow coming from the massive television screen. Putting the binoculars away he backed up, gauged the distance and with a running start, jumped across to the other roof. He landed with barely a sound.
The roof was dotted with arched skylights. Some were painted black to block out unwanted light. He moved to a clear one and looked in. He could see the flashy flat laid out under him. Stooping to get a better angle, he could now see into the television room.
Lex sat on a long sofa, one leg draped over the arm. There was another person sitting next to him, but in the blue light The Bat could not make out their face. He reached into his belt and pulled out Bruce's cell. Hitting redial, he watched the young man.
Lex sat forward and picked up his cell phone from the coffee table. Opening it he looked at the display screen. A crease lined Lex's forehead, he cast a glance at the person next to him before shutting the phone. He tossed it back on the table. The Bat ended his call, question answered.
xxxxx
Lex tried to focus on the movie, but the fact that Bruce continued to call distracted him. Ashley agreed to call her cousin, but wanted a little time to get her thoughts and feelings in order first.
She had promised over their leftover egg rolls the night before that she would call Bruce on Monday morning. Somehow, Bruce had found out about the incident on Friday night.
The first call had come while he was running an important errand, when he checked the message he listened to a long monologue.
Bruce.
He explained how some digging had brought to his attention that the last place anyone had seen his runaway cousin was unconscious in Lex's arms out side Club Zero. Bruce wanted answers.
Lex let Ash listen to the call. She had gotten very pale but stated she was not ready to speak with him. Lex, not wanting to lie to Bruce had tried to avoid calling back. Who knew the man was so tenacious? He kept calling all afternoon and evening. Now again at nearly 10:45 pm. This was almost scary. But he couldn't blame Bruce, Ashley was his family and he wanted badly to find her.
xxxxx
The Bat bypassed the security system and entered the building via the door from the roof. Moving swiftly, he found the hall and silently entered the flat.
The movie ended and Lex switched off the TV. He looked at the girl sitting next to him.
"Ash, I really think you should call Bruce now." Lex said turning on a soft table lamp. Ashley didn't reply.
"He just called again. He knows I know something about you and he is probably convinced I have done something...bad." He said rubbing his eyes. Ashley sucked in a shuddering breath. A tear filled sound that made Lex open his eyes and The Bat freeze in place under the stairs.
"I'm afraid." She gasped quietly. Suddenly, it was Bruce standing in the shadows, dressed as The Bat, listening to her confession. Lex sat closer to her and attempted to look comforting, it was a new concept for him.
"What are you afraid of, Ashley?" Lex asked mildly. Ash shifted in her seat, turning to face him. Eyes large, she shrugged.
"It's been so long, Lex. Too long. What if he hates me now?" She couldn't help the quiver in her voice. Bruce closed his eyes and burned with guilt some more. Lex was shaking his head, brow creased.
"Why would he hate you?" He asked bewildered. Lex made her look him in the eye. "Because you're stubborn? Head strong? Or do you think he won't handle your orientation well?" Lex had to consciously keep his hands to himself. Ashley was starting to tear up.
"I think he may be ashamed of me." She said in a diminutive voice. Profound anger with his uncle pushed Bruce back and brought The Bat forward once more.
Lex told Ash that he didn't think she had anything to worry about. But the truth was he really didn't know Bruce that well now, if ever.
"However, the fact that he has been such a pain in the ass all day leads me to believe he just wants to know you are alive, Ashley." He handed her the cell phone. "Just call him." His eyes pleaded with her.
Realizing she was about to call Bruce, The Bat slipped back across the room, he eased out the door.
Lex turned his head, what was that noise? A soft thud downstairs. Looking at Ash, he walked to the stairwell. His eyes scanned the room. Ashley dialed the number and pulled her legs up to her chest.
Lex was slightly alarmed. He walked down the stairs and stopped. On the concrete floor were a pair of wet boot prints. His head shot up, eyes raked through the loft. Someone had just been here, were they gone, or still lurking in the shadows? Calling up to Ash, Lex eased across the room.
"I'll be right back." He said and moved out the door into the corridor. Lex moved down the dark hall. The door to the roof stairwell was open. His bare feet silent on the thick green carpet, he listened at the door. He could hear the wind, the roof door was open.
Moving quickly, he darted up the short staircase. The roof was empty and wet. The night sky inky black and streaked with the lights of The Metro. Someone had been here. Not too long ago.
His heartbeat thumped in his head. They had been in the flat while he and Ashley sat unaware right above the guy. Blue eyes narrowed and looked down onto the street.
Lex was angry.
xxxxx
Ash hardly heard him leave, the phone was ringing, fear closed on her. Why wasn't he picking up? There was a sudden click and a deep male voice cut thru the ringing.
Bruce had had barley enough time to throw the grappling hook and swing down to the pavement. He could hear Lex coming up the stairs. He landed on the sidewalk and shot down the street on foot. Flinging himself around a corner he wrenched the cowl off and answered the phone.
"Bout damn time, Luthor! Been calling you all day!" He said, playing the part he should. Ashley took a deep breath.
"Bruce, it's Ashley." She said slowly. She heard his breath catch and he was suddenly softer.
"Ash? Is it really you?" He queried.
xxxxxx
Ashley and Bruce talked for almost 25 minutes. By the time she was off the phone, Lex had returned and was on another phone, interrogating his security company. Ash stood across the kitchen counter from, Lex. She was unsure what had happened, why Lex was so...angry?
He hung up the call and took a deep breath. Letting it out he moved to the bar and fixed a drink.
"What's wrong, Lex?" She asked, concern on her thin face. Lex took a long drink from his glass before answering her.
"There was someone in here just now." He said slowly. "I don't know how they got in but I intend to find out." Ashley went pale.
"What? In here with us? What do you think they wanted?" She looked around at the long shadows, apprehension in her eyes, he heart thumping painfully like it had in the dark ally. Lex set down the now empty glass and walked back to her. Putting his hands on her arms he shook his head.
"Calm down. I've got a physical security team in the building now. Most likely just a squatter looking for a place to nest. Surprised to find the place occupied." He gave her the plausible answer, though he knew it was something deeper then a squatter.
"Don't fret about it. My team is top notch." Looking at her he raised an eyebrow. "How did the call go?" She smiled carefully.
"You were right. He just wanted to know I was safe, alive and well." She looked a little shy. "I didn't tell him I was here. Not ready for that story yet. But I did say I would meet him for lunch, he's in Metropolis." Her smile was bigger now. Lex felt warmed by her good mood. He rolled his neck tiredly.
"Great! You'd better get some sleep then." He winked and patted her arm before letting her go at last. His fingers itched to keep holding her arms, the silk of her skin. He took a deep breath and stepped back from her pocketing his hands.
"Well let me know if you need... anything." He said walking toward his bedroom. Ashley thanked him and wished him good night. At the top of the stairs, Lex stopped and looked down at her.
"Don't worry about the intruder. Nothing is going to invade a second time." He said with the twisting smile before he bid her goodnight.
Ashley wondered about the strange visitation. Why had Lex been so closed when she asked about it? Shrugging mentally, Ashley walked into the downstairs bedroom. She crawled onto the big bed and stretched. Things just continued to get better and better.
Bruce!
He was still her cousin. He still wanted her in his life! Ashley fell asleep with thoughts of happiness for the first time in many years.
xxxxx
Sunday Night 11:30pm
Bruce paced his room. The guilt was deeper now that he knew she feared seeing him. Feared his rejection. Ashley had no idea that he feared her rejection.
A large part of him wanted to let her know that he was not the shallow media darling everyone thought he was. But he could not tell her. Not yet anyway. His mission was still new. He was still working the kinks out. Getting a rhythm.
Taking to Metro's streets tonight had been a risk, but one he was glad he took. He had found her safe, all be it in the company of Lex Luthor, but safe.
He could not sleep, nothing new, he attempted to relax with Thai Chi. He let his thoughts go and concentrated on the energy flowing thru him.
She didn't say she was with Lex, Why? She had no clue that he knew where she was. He would let her keep that illusion. For now.
He was frustrated at being unable to see her clearly in the half-light, was she the same morose teenager from the photo, or had her time on the street changed that? Made it worse? Could not have softened her that was for sure.
Shaking his head, he returned his focus to his workout. The calming effect slithered over him again. Finishing, he headed for the bathroom.
Letting the hot spray fall over him, he decided to let her guide the lunch, let her feel empowered. He grimaced whishing again that he could tell her he had not changed, not become the façade.
Wished he could tell her that her cousin did still exist. Though fragmented, he was still partially the boy she loved in childhood. He hoped she was still the little girl he had adored.
Feeling a mix of apprehension and contentment, Bruce climbed into the bed and closed his eyes till morning. Though he had felt as far from it as possible, sleep claimed Bruce before long
xxxxx
Monday 9 AM
Lex's Loft
"If you could get here as soon as possible, I will make it worth your while." Lex spoke teasingly to the person on the other end of the line. Ash watched him with apprehension.
After showering that morning, she had expressed dismay at her appearance. Ashley wanted to look great when she saw Bruce for lunch. Despite the lavish new garments Lex had acquired for her, Ash was unhappy with her hair, the leanness of her face and her sallow skin tone.
Lex had held up a hand and flipped open his phone. Ash could tell by his tone of voice he was talking to woman. He was flirty and somewhat suggestive.
All Ash could get was that her name was Vi. Lex finished the call with a broad grin, closing the phone and taking a gulp from his glass of OJ. Ashley fumed in silence. Lex gave her a pointed look.
"She'll be here in a few minutes." He said. Ash gave him a look in return.
"She who?' She asked impatiently. Lex chuckled, and walked to the desk on the far side of the open room. Saying nothing he sat at the glass-topped table and opened his laptop. Ash sighed in irritation and threw her hands in the air.
"Does it always have to be a mystery with you?" She exclaimed stalking to her room and slamming the door. Lex grinned to himself and checked his email.
He opened a report from the head of his security team. They had been unable to find any evidence of the intruder other then the expert by pass of the electronic alarm system. Naturally, he suspected his father. However, the truth was it could have been any number of people or organizations.
The list of Luthor Corp enemies was long and sordid. His father's rivals would love to hold some dirt on Luthor's one and only son. Lex hated being a pawn in other people's machinations. That thought path took him to dark places.
He roamed through schemes in his head trying to pinpoint the culprit. He pondered over different candidates and discarded them in turn. Something was singular about this intruder.
Lex was roused from his brooding by a buzz from the guard at the door.
"Mr. Luthor, a Violet Thunder is here. She says she has an appointment." The man sounded doubtful. Lex pressed the intercom button.
"It's ok, Phillips. I am expecting her." He let the button go and headed for the front door. Ash emerged from her room, eyes curious.
"The answer to your worries has arrived, and in record time I might add." Lex said motioning her forward.
"Vi is an old ...friend. She works in film as a makeup artist of phenomenal talent." The elevator clanged to a stop as Lex pulled the door open. Promptly the doorway was filled by an unusual figure.
She was clad in kaki cargo shorts, a tight black t-shirt and big black combat boots. Her hair was a violent shade of purple and parted into Anime style pigtails. She was curvy and tattooed and snapping her gum. She smiled wickedly at Lex.
"Fast enough for ya?" She asked him. Lex laughed and kissed her on the cheek.
"You've always been too fast for me, Vi." He said pulling her into the room via her belt loop. The girl swung a large black case off her shoulder and folded into his arms. Ashley felt a fleeting wash of jealousy. Lex released the woman and pointed to Ash.
"Your skills are needed." His voice was warm. "The subject is quality but requires a bit of polishing." His mouth twitched at Ash's look of outrage.
The harsh retort died on her lips as hazel eyes raked over her. Ash flushed and looked at her toes. Vi crossed to the girl and walked around her in a circle, sizing her up.
"Hummm..." She mumbled and retrieved her substantial case. She glanced over her shoulder at Lex and wiggled her fingers in a shooing manner. "Go play tycoon for a while and leave us girls to our work." She said saucily. Lex arched a brow and shook his head.
"You'll pay for that one." He answered but walked back to his desk. Vi laughed and turned back to Ashley.
"What's your name, Babe?" She asked. Ashley gave a small smile.
"Call me Ash." She answered. This woman was open and easy, Ash thought she just might like her.
"Ok, Ash, let's make you shine." Vi replied herding the girl toward the back bedroom.
xxxxx
Three hours later, Vi emerged from the room and stood before Lex's desk. She tapped her indigo lacquered nail on the glass. Lex looked up.
"Tell me I'm a genius." She demanded. He looked unconvinced and crossed his arms.
"Give me proof." He replied. Vi snorted and turned her back to him.
"Showtime, Ash." She called out.
The bedroom door opened and Ashley stepped out. Lex could not stifle the gasp that escaped him. Ashley was beautiful this was a fact. However, Lex had underestimated just how beautiful she could be.
Vi had used her makeup knowledge to soften the sharp edges in Ash's face. Used shadow and highlights to give the effect of fullness where there was none. The makeup was subtle, not a painted doll effect.
She had changed Ash's hair as well. Took the vibrant red and crossed it with her natural chocolate brown. The result was startling. In direct light the red had a metallic garnet hue and was incredible. Vi had styled it into feminine curls that gave more softness to Ash's face.
She had clothed the younger girl in the only dress Lex could convince her to buy. It was cranberry colored velvet, long sleeved. The swing style skirt fell mid thigh and clung to Ash in all the right ways. Black opaque tights and chunky black buckle shoes showed where Ash had rebelled against all the girly shit. Ashley stood biting her lip waiting for him to say something.
He just stared.
Vi leaned across the desk and slapped him on the shoulder.
"Lex, you're drooling." She snickered. "Tell the kid how great she looks, and tell me I'm a genius." The woman said looking at her nails and buffing them on her shirt. Lex recovered.
"Ash you look...Fantastic." He said giving her that smile, the one that made her belly turn over. Pulling his eyes from her he looked at the smug makeup artist.
"Vi, you're a genius. But since I only settle for the best, that was a given." He replied unable to refrain from sassing his friend. Vi gave him a dirty look and walked to Ashley.
"You'll knock him dead, Honey." She assured the girl with a squeeze of her hand and retreated to the back room. Ash smiled at the woman's back and turned to face Lex once more.
"I feel a little strange." She said in a small voice. "Like I'm dreaming or something." Her back was ridged and she shook slightly. Lex crossed to her, hands in his pockets. He surveyed her from head to toe once more, she was twisting her own hands together.
"It's good, right? Not too girly?" Her voice was high and uncertain. Lex suppressed a grin.
"She's right, Ashley. You'll knock him dead." He answered looking down at his watch.
"And we have just enough time to get you to The Montague for your lunch date." Ashley shivered and tried to look brave.
Lex gathered his keys and took Ash's arm, they met Vi at the door. The woman set her case down and handed Ash a bright purple business card.
"That's my cell number. Give me a call, we'll hang out." She winked at the girl and shouldered her bag again. Lex watched the exchange and noticed that Ash had blushed, slightly.
Fascinating.
Once they were outside Ash climbed into Lex's jag feeling jittery about the meeting. Lex and Vi stood next to a classic red pickup. She wanted to know what they were saying but could not think of a reason to get out of the car without looking a fool.
Lex stood very close the Vi and gave her a long look.
"Thank you for taking the time to help her out." He said his voice deep. Vi smiled at him knowingly. She glanced at the very young girl sitting in his car. She looked at him again.
"Lex, what are you up to?" She queried. He shrugged. Vi looked him in the eye. He wouldn't give her a clue. She narrowed her eyes at him.
"Well, whatever you're up to, you owe me now." Her was voice heavy with suggestion. He smiled wider, stepping into to place a kiss on her mouth.
"You know I always pay my debts." He mumbled against her lips. She bit him and stepped back, grinning at his gasp of pain.
"See that you do." She winked as she hopped into her truck. With a wave to Ash and a scattering of gravel, Vi drove off. Lex watched her go, rubbing his bitten bottom lip. Shaking his head, he turned and walked to the car.
xxxxx
Once they were on the freeway Lex cast a look at Ash. She was sitting silently in the seat staring straight ahead.
"Are you nervous?" He asked sympathetically. She shrugged. Lex's brow creased. Her body language was closed and guarded. "Is something bothering you?" He asked still keeping his tone soft. Ashley took a deep breath and turned a hard stare on him.
"Is she your lover?" She asked her voice catching on the word lover. Why did she care? Why was she even asking him about it? Ashley fumed to her self in her head. Was it Lex she was jealous of or was it the woman?
Violet had made her way through Ash's defenses rather quickly. Ash felt drawn to the brisk and bold young woman, allowing her to open up about her fears regarding the lunch with Bruce. And then Vi had suggested they hang out sometime.
The thought of spending time with her had made Ashley feel almost normal again. But then Lex had kissed her in front of Ashley, like it was nothing. The sexual tension between he and the purpled haired woman had made Ash's hackles rise. She was so confused.
Next to her, Lex thought about his answer carefully. Using the need to exit the freeway to cover his delay, Lex let out a long breath.
"Vi and I have never...dated, if you know what I mean. She doesn't like to be pinned down and neither do I." He spoke slowly and wove thru traffic. "We're more like friends with benefits." He said trying not to sound trite.
Ashley felt her face flush. I'm such an idiot, he thinks...oh I don't know what he thinks but it's not good. Ah Hell Ash what the fuck is wrong with you? She smoothed her skirt out and shook her head.
"Lex, I'm sorry. It's not my business. I guess I am just looking for a distraction from my fear." She darted a glace at him. His face was passive, nothing showing. There were a few beats of silence. Lex turned slightly to look at Ash.
"You were attracted to her." He did not ask, he stated. Ashley felt the heat in her cheeks. Lex's mouth curved at the corners.
"It's ok. Vi likes chicks too. To her it's more about the person rather then the gender." His crooked grin made her smile in return.
"She gave you her number." He stifled the stab of green-eyed jealousy. "She wouldn't have done that if she didn't want to see you again." Lex ended the statement as they pulled up in front of the lavish Montague Hotel.
Ashley looked up at him as a valet dashed to open her door. He smiled.
"Give me a call when you're done. I'll be around." He patted her hand and nodded toward the building. "Go on, he is waiting for you." With a brittle smile, Ash stepped from the car and walked into the hotel. Lex pulled away from the curb.
Something needed to be done about the inappropriate feelings he was having for the girl. Slipping into the downtown traffic once more he punched a number into his phone. The call was answered on the second ring.
"Arial, it's me. I'll be at your building in five minutes." He said before closing the phone without an answer. Arial would never say no to him. A good hard fuck would clear his head of these brewing feelings.
Right?
xxxxxx
Bruce was nervous. Checking his watch for the millionth time he squashed the urge to fiddle with his flatware. He took a long drink from his water glass and considered ordering something harder.
"Yeah that would be a good plan, get plastered before she arrives" The acidic inner voice admonished him. Bruce shook his head and laughed silently, The Bat giving him moral advice was something new.
Submerged in his own madness Bruce was unexpectedly startled when a shadow fell across the table. His head came up slowly, dark eyes taking in the lovely young woman standing next to him. His mouth went dry.
"Ash?" His voice was a whisper. She smiled, tears forming in her eyes.
"Bruce." Her own voice cracking, she quivered in the cool air. Bruce got to his feet abruptly and pulled her into a spontaneous and bear-like hug.
They clung to each other for a long time. Bruce's heart pounded in his ears. Ashley was the first to pull slowly away and smiled wetly. The other diners were looking on in inquisitive interest. Bruce flashed a fake smile at a seriously coiffed woman and pulled a chair out for Ash to sit.
They sat across from each other and smiled awkwardly. The server approached and asked Ashley for her drink order then he slipped quietly away.
Bruce watched her intently. She looked different then she had in the photo that was still in his pocket. She looked older somehow. Guilt stabbed at him once more.
"Well, you...you look good." He started lamely.
"You too." She whispered and sipped her water. Bruce took a deep breath and reached for her hand. Ash held his loosely.
"Ash, I need to say a few things." Bruce stopped and waited for her to meet his eyes. He could see her fear and concern.
"There is no excuse for what happened." She closed her eyes, listening. Bruce pushed on.
"I did not know what the board had done. Not an excuse, but a reason. If I had known I would have stopped it." He stated emphatically. She could not suppress the years old hurt. Ash felt a surge of anger.
"Maybe, if you had kept in contact you would have known sooner." Her voice was hard. "Or if you had answered just one of my letters." Her voice broke and she pulled her hand away.
Bruce looked at the table and clenched his teeth. She had every right to be angry. Her pain was valid and real. And it stuck like a knife in his gut.
"Ashley, I cannot explain why I did what I did. I had some...demons to chase." He said gravel voiced. Ashley looked away but listened. Bruce continued.
"I spoke to your father." She whipped her head back and stared at him with green fire. "Ash, he almost died." Bruce stated voice low.
He explained about the hospital and her father's recovery. She paid heed, but did not speak. Bruce told her about how he had reacquired the house her father had lost and settled her mother in the family plot. The thoughts swimming in her head and her memories of her father's cruel words made her spiky.
"So, did my dear daddy tell you why I left?" Her sarcasm was sharp. Bruce took her hand once more.
"Ash, that does not change anything for me. If you are happy with who you are then that's all I want." He spoke slowly, comfortingly.
"You're my family Ashley. That's all that matters to me." He reached out and lifted her chin, as Lex had, making her look at him.
"I was so afraid you were ..." His voice trailed off, face grave and dark. At last Ashley felt guilt. Her pride finally quelled, making her tighten her grip on his fingers.
"I'm...I'm sorry Bruce. I just could not take it anymore. It was so...hard." Her tears came again.
"Daddy was drunk all the time. He said horrible things when we saw each other." She used her napkin to delicately wipe her eyes. Bruce watched her with sympathy. She sniffed.
"I cannot imagine how you survived, in that place or here in Metropolis." His voice held a begrudging admiration. "How did you do it?" She shrugged slightly and straightened her shoulders.
"Our family is not known for producing weak willed people." She sighed and went on with her story. "I had secreted away some of Mama's jewels, and I used them to fund my escape. But it wasn't enough." She stopped as the server returned and asked if they needed a few more minutes. Bruce smiled falsely and asked to be left alone.
"Ashley." He said when the man had retreated. "What happened?"
She sighed and told him about the pig at the flophouse and the nights at the mission. Then she told him about that rainy night at Club Zero.
Bruce listened with mounting rage and sudden surprise when she told him about Lex rescuing her from the rapist.
"I was so dazed and overcome, I was sure he was going to kill me when he was done with me. But then he was on the ground groaning and there was Lex, standing over him." She gave Bruce a bright smile. "Then I fainted like a girl." They shared a laugh. Bruce raised an eyebrow.
"You are staying with him? Lex I mean." He asked casually. Ashley nodded.
"He is nothing like I thought him to be." She smiled a little. "He is much deeper then they give him credit for." Bruce could not conceal the doubt and a minor snort. At the skeptical look on his face, Ashley felt frustrated.
"I know our family never cared for The Luthor men but Bruce, Lex is not Lionel." Her voice earnest as she pleaded in Lex's defense. Bruce looked at her seriously
"Ashley you hardly know him, and you don't know his father." He said in a slightly patronizing tone, she bristled again.
"I'll have you know I have seen a candid side of Lionel Luthor that gave me a very clear picture of the kind of man he is, and Lex is nothing like him!" She crossed her arms and looked out the massive window. Bruce was taken aback by her defense of Lex. Then as quickly as her anger had come, it faded. Her shoulders softened and she looked at him with large eyes.
"He really isn't like they say he is in the papers. He has offered me the chance to make my music and he has kept me safe. Bruce, I want to try. I need to try." She looked him in the eye.
"I want this."
He studied her, weighing the facts and the information.
With Luthor, she would be relatively safe. Safer then she had been on the street. Bruce could keep an eye on her now that he knew where she was.
Truth was he wanted her home, safe where he could watch over her. However, he really had no right to demand any of that. She would have to come home on her own. Pushing her would only make her dig in her heels. She had always been stubborn, just like him.
Clearing his throat, Bruce laid out some conditions. She would have to keep in touch, calls and visits were a must. He wanted her in his life, family once more. Bruce kept to himself the fact that he did not fully trust Lex. She would let him know if she needed anything, ANYTHING. He handed her a cell phone.
"This is a private line. With this you can reach me not matter where I am." He said as she took the small phone.
"Ashley." He looked at her with something close to vulnerability. "Please don't ever run again. Please know that I do love you and I will do anything I can to help you, no matter what." A lump formed in her throat and she nodded mutely. She agreed to his terms.
The rest of their lunch passed pleasantly. Getting to know each other once again, Ashley found that he was still funny and charming, but there was something he seemed to keep in check, something that felt forced.
Sighing inwardly, she hoped it was just time that stood between them, and not something darker.
xxxxx
When Ashley climbed into Lex's car a few hours later, he found her to be a changed young woman. She smiled freely, laughed at his quizzical look.
"I take it lunch went well." He said pulling away from the curb. She beamed and nodded enthusiastically.
"We had such a good talk." She relayed to Lex all that Bruce had said and promised. She admitted her own pride and guilt. "I feel like I have grown up." She whispered eyes wide and sparkling. Lex chuckled.
"What, since I dropped you off?" His voice filled with humor. She nodded again.
"Yes! As if I had been in a fog for years and now it's lifted. Like I have woken from a terrible dream." She grabbed his hand impulsively. "And I owe it all to you, Lex." He was aware of the warm press of he fingers on his palm and shook his head.
"Ash, I didn't do anything." She shushed him and refused to let him out of her grasp.
"You saved me, Lex. You made me face my fears and gave me a safe place to do it from." Her voice was deep.
Lex focused on driving, fearing the look on her face would undo him. So much for the therapy of screwing Ariel into the sofa. How had this slip of a girl gotten behind his defenses so quickly? Why did her well-being and happiness mean so much to him? Jesus! He had only known her a few days.
"Well, thanks for the credit, kid." He said pulling free of her hand in the pretense of shifting gears. "But let's agree to disagree on this point for now, ok?" He gave her a sideways smirk and pulled up to the warehouse.
She sighed theatrically and surrendered.