The next morning Clark woke to find Lex in the armchair by the bed reading one of the novels from the shelf in the living room. He watched without moving for a few minutes thinking about the ramifications of the previous evenings events. He knew from the evenings tossing and turning that he hurt everywhere. He dreaded moving because he new that would only bring on more of the same discomfort.
"Hey." He finally acknowledged as he leaned up slightly to get a better look at Lex.
"Hi, how are you feeling?"
"Like my best friend beat the crap out of me."
He managed a weak smile at Lex's expense as he saw the frown cross his face.
"It's okay Lex. I know you wouldn't do anything that you didn't absolutely have to. I think I know you well enough to realize that what you did, you did to protect me."
"It's just," Lex looked away momentarily as his eyes started to water. He was briefly annoyed at the amount he had been crying since he had been brought here. He never used to be this emotional. He cleared his throat and tried again. "I don't know how you do it. How you can be so understanding, so trusting and just forgive me like nothing happened. Jesus Clark, I raped you." He stood up anger with himself becoming apparent.
"Calm down Lex."
"No!" Lex cut him off, "How can you just forgive someone for something like that. I don' think I could forgive you. I brought you here. It's my fault you are here!" Lex was shouting now as he moved across the room and knocked the lamp off the nightstand. He picked up the stool that sat at the foot of the chair he had been in and threw it with every ounce of anger he had. It hit the window to the viewing area with enough force to vibrate the plexiglass but not break it, angering Lex even more.
"Fuck!" He yelled at the glass as he grabbed the small nightstand by the bed and slammed it repeatedly against the window. Clark lay on his side and watched in silence. He knew better than to try and interrupt. This wasn't about him or what happened. This was everything Lex had been subjected to coming to the surface.
Eventually Lex fell against the window and slid to the ground. He sobbed into his hands for a while before looking up at Clark with wet, tired, red eyes.
"Feel better?"
At the words Lex started to laugh. He wiped his nose with the back of his hand and stood up slowly. "Actually a bit."
"Lex?"
"Yeah."
"Why are we here?"
Lex's eyes filled up with new tears as he took a seat on the side of the bed next to his friend. "Turn on your stomach and let me wash your back again before it gets infected."
"Don't change the subject. I want to know why we are here?" Clark protested as he turned onto his stomach.
Lex busied himself washing the welts on Clark's back as he contemplated what to tell Clark.
"I don't know. I do know that Joshua is a very driven man who made an arrangement with my father to have me brought here. I thought that if I dropped you a few hints you would be able to help. I never anticipated that you would end up here with me."
"Is that all? Is that all you know? What is the window that you were moments ago taking your frustration out on?"
Lex sighed in the manner that Clark had become accustom to hearing. He knew he was one of the few people who could push Lex enough to get the exonerated sigh.
"The glass is a one way window. People can look in and see us but we can't see them."
"What kind of people?"
"People Clark, just people." Lex's tone was getting frustrated now and Clark decided best not to push too far.
"Can you get dressed while I see if there is any food in the kitchen?"
"Food never sounded so good." Clark smiled but his eyes didn't really reflect the smile as he thought of sitting at home with his parents enjoying breakfast.
Lex was surprised at the amount of food he found in the kitchen. The cupboards and fridge were stocked with everything he could imagine wanting to make. He chose pancakes and bacon since his culinary skills were a little lacking.
After a few minutes Clark emerged from the bedroom dressed in a pair of Lex's pants and started to help out. The two worked together in the kitchen and for a few minutes they even managed to somewhat enjoy themselves even given the situation. In no time they were sitting at the set table enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Suddenly Clark felt the surge of heat through his veins. He felt the drug induced state of Red Kryptonite creep into his body and his eyes momentarily flashed red. Lex was watching Clark when it happened. He saw the shift in his friend's demeanor and it made him instantly uncomfortable. There was a look to Clark that he had never seen before, it started in his eyes and then seemed to transcend to a smirk on the young boys face.
"Clark?"
"Yeah?"
"Are you okay?"
"Why shouldn't I be okay, Lex? Is it because you can't cook worth shit? Or better yet is it because you dragged me into your problems with your father, beat me and raped me in front of an audience and then don't have the guts to tell me what's going on?"
With the words out Clark stood suddenly from the table and flipped it over before grabbing Lex and dragging him out of his chair. His powers had still not returned but he could easily over power Lex without them.
"Clark!"
"Clark, Clark, Clark." Clark spat in Lex's face as he dragged him up to eye level and slammed him against the kitchen fridge. "You know I wouldn't be here if you were so damn needy. If you had just listened to your father instead of being a spoilt rich brat maybe, just maybe, you would still be in Metropolis and I would be at home." He shook Lex for added emphasis.
"What the-"
"What the hell has gotten into me?" Clark cut him off, "You apparently and there were a bunch of witnesses to watch you do it."
"Just listen-" Lex attempted again.
"NO! You listen. You are going to tell me what is going on here right now! Are we clear? Right fucking now Lex!" He grabbed Lex's throat and squeezed moderately.
"Joshua is holding us in here as part of his collection. The window is used for his guests to view his collection." Lex wheezed through his tightened vocal cords.
"Well let's not disappoint them then. Lets give them something to watch, shall we?"
Lex felt himself being thrown down and hurried to right himself.
"Let's see how you like it!" Clark shouted as he ripped the cord for the side table lamp out of the wall and smashed the lamp on the floor.
He took a swing with the cord in his hands. The cord stung as it connected with Lex's shoulder.
"Stop it Clark!" He shouted as he clambered his way backwards backing into the couch.
"Come on Lex! Don't you want to see how it feels to be whipped?" He shouted as he took another swing. This time it connected with Lex's forearm as Lex reached up and snatched the end of the cable.
He wrapped the loose end around his hand and pulled the cord from Clark's grip. Getting to his feet he charged at Clark's stomach and knocked the taller boy back against the table, knocking it over.
Lex was on top now and was trying to hold Clark down on the ground with his body weight but it wasn't enough and he found himself being rolled off to the side and flipped onto his stomach.
"Where do you think your going?" Clark shouted as he grabbed at Lex's ankle and pulled him back towards the fallen table.
Just then the door to the apartment flew open and Joshua, who had been watching form the other side of the glass, entered with two armed guards.
"Get up!" He commanded as the guards secured the door behind him.
"Well, well, it's about time you came for a visit." Clark smirked as he stood up and smoothed his pants. "Didn't want you to miss the party."
"Control your pet, or there will be ramifications." Joshua turned his attention to Lex who had also stood up.
Clark took a step forward but was stopped in his tracks when Lex took a step in front of him blocking him from Joshua.
"Clark please. I know your mad but now is not the time."
Lex was surprised when both Clark and Joshua laughed at his words.
"This is why he rebels against you. You need to instill fear into him. Let him know who is the boss. It will not do for my guests to see you being beaten by your slave."
"Like how you instilled fear into Lex?" Clark mocked form the back ground.
"Clark!" Lex snapped back behind his shoulder.
He returned his attention to Joshua who looked completely unimpressed "Is this how it is to be then Lex? Should I replace him with someone who is already broken, someone you are better able to handle? I know that my good friend Amir would still be willing to pay a pretty penny for him."
Lex momentarily stared his captor in the eye before submitting and looking away. He lowered his eyes and his voice, "No, I would like him to stay here with me."
"Then show me you mean it. Show me that you will not let actions such as this go unpunished. You must rule him with a heavy hand or he will walk all over you."
Lex turned his attention to Clark.
"Come on Lex. Do it. Show me whose boss." Clark teased as he stepped backwards and secured his stance.
"Clark don't make this worse for yourself." Lex warned.
Just then the two guards walked around from behind Lex and stood on either side of Clark.
"Leave them." Joshua ordered from the background. "He must do this on his own."
Lex reached for Clark and the fight was on. They struggled for dominance for a few minutes until Lex finally came out on top. Clark had the size and power but Lex had speed, years of fighting and the fear of the threat Joshua possessed behind him. He held Clark's wrists as he reached for the cord and wrapped it around them tightly.
"You are nothing but a cheap whore Lex. A total sell out. How does it feel to have someone else own your soul as well as your body?"
"Your about to find out!" Lex snapped back. He had about all he could take from Clark. He knew it was too good to believe that Clark could just forgive him. No one else ever forgiven him; Clark was just like everyone else. He began to punch Clark in and around the face with his right hand as his left hand held the cord wrapped around Clark's wrists.
Lex stopped briefly and Clark looked up at him with despise and anger. Lex recognized the change immediately in his friend's eyes. He saw the anger and disgust vanish and be replaced with confusion and fear.
"Lex?" Clark whispered as he felt the red kryptonite's effects leave his body. He wondered where the kryptonite coming as he looked around the room at the eyes watching him.
Lex stood up and stepped back clearly confused by the change in his friend. He heard Joshua clear his throat and he turned to look at him.
"Your not finished?" It was more of a question than it was a comment.
"Get up!" Lex commanded turning back to Clark. He knew Joshua wouldn't be satisfied with just stopping midway through Clark's lesson.
"But I-"
"NOW!" Lex tried to muster up some of his previous anger. "On your knees."
Clark struggled to get up to a kneeling position. He couldn't remember what he had done or said but it couldn't have been good to have elicited this type of anger. He figured it was better to keep him mouth shut and play along with what came next.
"Don't look at me! Don't you dare look at me when you are being punished!" Lex shouted as he slapped Clark across the face. Clark could have sworn he saw remorse in his friend's eyes as the slap connected.
He held his gaze at the floor and didn't look up again as he waited for what came next.
"You will not speak to me in that manner, nor will you address our master in such a way again! Is that understood slave!" Lex poured the words on thick hoping to appease Joshua without having to resort to any more violence.
"I said is that understood?"
"Yes." Clark mumbled.
"I can't hear you, what was that, yes what?"
"Yes sir." Clark answered without looking up.
Lex jumped slightly when he felt Joshua's hand land on his shoulder. "Good. May I suggest you remove his clothing for a while to remind him of his place?" Lex hoped that it was only a suggestion because he knew how miserable Clark would be without cloths on especially knowing people were watching.
"Continue to rule him with a heavy hand or he will go to another." Joshua added as he leaned in to kiss Lex.
Clark watched as Lex gave up the kiss and even returned it. He tried not to move as he waited for Joshua to finish and leave already.
"Hmm," Joshua moaned, as he pulled away from the kiss, "So sweet, so willing. This is what comes from taming someone using fear and control. See how nicely you have settled in."
Lex' stomach turned at the thought of how quickly he had sold out. Clark was right; he was nothing but a whore.
"I will give you a few more days to work with him and get him to a good level of workability then I will request for you in my room for an evening or two." Joshua informed as he turned to Clark.
He walked over and grabbed Clark by the chin. "You had better not be a pain in my side. You have a position here and you will learn it at his hands or at mine. You have no idea how lucky you are to be here instead of with Amir. Count yourself lucky and worship your new owner who fought to keep you here with him."
At the end of the words Joshua leaned down and kissed Clark who pulled away and didn't return the kiss in kind. Joshua laughed and pulled his hand back. It connected full force with Clark's cheek as Joshua leaned in again. This time the kiss was harder and more demanding. The tongue darted under his forcing it up and into Joshua's mouth. Clark tried not to allow his tongue to be manipulated into any kind of rhythm, which he was again rewarded with another slap and then another kiss. This procedure continued a number of times until Clark's cheek burned red with the heat of being slapped repetitively. It finally stopped when he kissed back with somewhat of an effort.
"That wasn't so bad now was it?" Joshua mocked as he petted Clark like he would his dog.
Joshua turned his attention back to Lex. "You may have your work cut out for you. I have guests coming later next week I would like you to have him ready to cooperate in a bit of a show for them."
"Show?"
"I would like you both at my sides for the dinner and then after I will bring some down for a private showing of you taking your liberties, shall we say, in the bedroom." That moment sealed the deal in Lex's mind. They had to be out of here before then. There was no way he could allow that to happen. Clark was still far too emotionally fragile from the first time. He couldn't do that to him again.
He hoped his eyes didn't reveal his thoughts as much as Clark's did as he nodded at Joshua in understanding of his request.
Clark didn't dare move as Joshua turned to leave the apartment. Once outside he turned his attentions to the guards, "Go and talk with the air quality tech. I don't want the red meteor rock vapors pumped into that room again without my approval, am I understood?"
The two guards nodded, "Good. Go then." He commanded as he turned to continue on down the hallway towards his office. He had been watching the two boys closely for the better part of the morning. He had seen Lex's break down and Clark's reaction to his adding minor amounts of red kryptonite added into the airflow.
After watching the tapes of Clark in the room and his reaction to the meteor rock being brought in to prepare him for the ball the previous evening Joshua became curious. He began manipulating the level of kryptonite in the air and had noticed subtle changes in the boys mannerisms when the green kryptonite was increased and decreased. He had been curious as to how he would react to the red kryptonite and had order some added as Clark and Lex were making breakfast.
He was surprised by Clark's reaction even though the other species in his collection had similar responses to the red kryptonite. It made them much more predatory and territorial. The dominate of the two usually became much more aggressive. Clark's reaction was somewhat of a concern. Joshua worried that Lex may not be the dominant one of the two after all. He had underestimated the innocence and meekness of this young boy. Maybe he was more valuable than first thought. Lex would have to kick things up a notch if he wanted to remain on top in his new home.
Back in the room Lex stood staring at Clark. "Would you care to explain what that was all about?"
Clark looked away sheepishly trying to decide what he should share with Lex. He was so used to keeping his secret safe he didn't think he could expose that part of himself yet. "I don't know Lex."
Lex looked crushed as he thought over the words that Clark had said earlier, "I guess I should have known that you wouldn't be able to forgive me just like that."
"What? Lex I do forgive you. I don't know what I said or did but I know that I couldn't have meant it."
"Seemed like you meant every word of it. You know Clark even when people are drunk or high they say things that they are thinking but would never vocalize otherwise."
"Ever since I got here I have felt sick and I don't know what it is from. I have certain allergies and my reactions vary depending on what I am allergic to. I have no idea what just happened, I have experienced it once before though with an allergy to red meteor rocks."
"Red meteor rocks?"
"Yeah, I found some back in Smallville and I have a really bad reaction to them. It causes me to do things I wouldn't normally do and hurt others around me. I even threw my dad into the truck door once when I came in contact with it." Clark looked embarrassed by the memory.
"Joshua told me that he sometimes pumps vapors from the meteor rocks into the rooms. Could that have been what happened?"
It all made sense to Clark, that was why he could feel the effects of the kryptonite but he could never find it. "That would do it." He noted out loud.
"Some of the stuff you said," Lex looked sadly at Clark.
Lex sat on the couch and Clark moved off the floor to sit next to him. "I'm so sorry for what ever it is that I said Lex. I guess maybe I am still hurt. My back burns, not to mention the pain elsewhere. More importantly though I think you know more than you are telling me. I see how you are with Joshua and I don't understand it. How can you be so strong and defiant with everyone else and everything else yet when he comes into the room you are terrified of him? What did he do to you?"
Lex leaned his head into his hands and rested his elbows on his knees in thought. After a few minutes he decided if things were ever going to be right between him and Clark he would have to come completely clean. His voice was shaky as he started telling Clark everything starting with the first night in his apartment. Clark stared at his friend with his mouth hanging open in disgust and disbelief as he listened.
