"Do me a favor tonight?"

"What's that?" Clark looked over at Lex who was drinking a glass of water leaned against the counter seemingly lost in thought.

"No matter what happens, don't resist it."

"What do you mean no matter what happens?" Clark swallowed nervously.

"I told Joshua that I would take your tasks on at the party if he left you out of it but I'm afraid that our little escape attempt would have quashed that deal."

"Lex, I know what to do. Sit quietly and don't draw any attention. It's the rest of it that I'm worried about."

"I'm hoping that Joshua will start out slowly, testing our obedience." Lex almost choked on the words. "After the party he has arranged a private viewing of us," He cleared his throat and downed the last of the water, "Of us having sex."

"What? Lex you didn't say anything about that. I can't. But you-"

Lex crossed the floor and placed his hands on Clark's shoulders. "Calm down."

"But Lex we can't. He can't seriously expect us to, to, you know." Clark stuttered unable to say the words.

"Why can't he? He did it before. At the last party." Lex reminded.

"This is different. I wasn't a willing participant last time. Hell, I'm lucky to barely remember being there."

"He can, Clark." Lex stared at his young friend's worried eyes, "And he will." He sounded unnervingly confident making Clark even more uncomfortable. If Lex said it would happen he had to believe it would.

"I can't do this." He sounded nervous even to his own ears.

"We don't have a choice Clark. I wish we did but we don't. All I can do is promise that I'll do whatever I can to make it go easier for you, but you need to try to relax and not fight it."

Clark made a slight noise that sounded a little like a laugh mixed with disgust and disbelief.

"I'm serious Clark." Lex nodded at his friend as he turned back to the counter and leaned against it with a sigh.

"Do you think things will ever be normal again?"

"Not the way things are looking right now, no." Lex answered with brutal honesty. "If I can manage to win this fight they have planned then at least you'll be back here with me. And I won't be dead" He added as an after thought.

"I do know one thing for sure, if I win and you come back, I don't think I'll have the courage to try another escape."

Lex looked so young, so pale and so defeated to Clark who wasn't used to seeing this side of him. He always looked so self-assured, so smug, so cocky. He didn't like seeing Lex so fragile looking. He looked like he would break at any moment.

"Do you think you can win?"

"I'd better."

"You don't blame yourself for trying to escape do you?"

"If I hadn't tried you wouldn't be asked to do anything tonight at the party. Joshua would have let me do your tasks and mine. Now because of me-"

"Now because of you I'm not laying around recovering from a stab wound to the chest." Clark crossed the room and leaned against the kitchen counter next to his friend. "You did what you had to do Lex. You took a chance and it almost worked. You can't be expected to stay here and give up any and all chance of freedom."

"I'm jealous of you, you know?"

"What?" Clark turned to Lex. "Jealous of what?"

"You, well your family mostly."

"Come on Lex, you can't be serious."

"No really. Look around Clark." Lex waved his hand in a gesture towards the rest of the apartment. "Would our father sell you into this?"

He looked at Clark sadly but didn't give him a chance to answer before continuing, "When ever I came over to your house. When ever I watched your dad and how he was with you. And your mom."

"Your part of that you know."

"Yeah right." Lex smirked at Clark.

"You are. Ever since you became my friend you became part of my extended family."

"Your father hates me almost as much as he hates my father."

"He doesn't hate you Lex."

Just then the door opened, interrupting their conversation, "Come now boys enough of this bleeding heart bullshit." Joshua sighed as he looked at the pair. Clark blushed realizing that Joshua had obviously been listening to part of their conversation.

"Nice to see you are ready to go." He acknowledged the pants that the two wore as they stood there in nothing other than just the pants.

"You're healing nicely." He turned his attention to Lex.

Lex turned his eyes to the floor not wanting to set the mood for the night to one of anger so early on.

"Oh almost forgot." He tossed Lex two collars and chains the same as the one Lex had worn to the first party. "Put them on." He stood and waited.

Lex turned to Clark and gingerly placed the collar around his neck before doing his own up.

"Here." Joshua snapped his fingers and held out his hand for the end of the leashes which Lex hesitantly handed over.

"Excellent. Shall we." He turned on his heels and gave the leashes a tug. "Oh and boys don't piss me off this evening."

Lex saw that for what it was, the only warning they were going to get all night. He nodded to Clark to follow his lead as they walked a few paces behind with their heads bowed to the ground.

Clark couldn't believe this was happening. How could he be subjected to this humiliation when he had his abilities? He should be able to rescue Lex from this situation without even breaking a sweat. He had to find where they were putting the kryptonite into the air supply and somehow get rid of it. He had been thinking out a number of plans when he was pulled back to reality by the loud sound of clapping.

He looked up and his stomach lurched at the scene before him. They were entering the ballroom and there was a large crowd of people applauding their arrival. They followed Joshua across the dance floor to the head table, which was again located on the stage at the front of the room.

All the people in the room were dressed to the hilt in jewels and fine cloths and he was suddenly even more acutely aware of how underdressed he actually was. He dared a glance over at Lex who seemed a little less unsettled by the goings on. Clark remembered with some sympathy that this wasn't the first time Lex had been flaunted in such a manner.

They approached the head table and Joshua motioned for them to kneel on the stacks of pillows that were located on either side of his chair. Lex sat to the right and Clark to the left. Once they were all seated the remainder of the people in the room found their seats as well.

Joshua stood to address the audience. "I want to thank you all for attending this event this evening. I hope that you are enjoying the festivities. As I am sure you are all aware, the money raised from the auctions this evening will go towards the children's local hospital fund in the city."

He was interrupted by the loud applause that his words earned him and Clark and Lex couldn't have felt more sickened. They both stared straight ahead disgusted at how this man obviously manipulated his way into the hearts of his followers.

"There is a silent auction for the various items around the room. We have a lovely set of paintings donated by the Art Gallery Royale, some sculptures against the far wall, a set of handmade quilts and a good many other items that I am sure will be of interest to some of you."

He paused again and waited for the attention of the group to return from looking around at the items. "In addition, we have here tonight two of my prized possessions from my collection. There is a bidding sheet up front here for those of you wishing to purchase a dance at anytime through out the night. Anything other than a dance will have to be discussed with me in private later this evening."

Here was some laughter and some whistles exchanged at those words and Lex tried to peer out of the corner of his eye at Clark to see how he was handling the situation so far.

Clark was feeling the pressure of the attention getting to him and he reasoned that his first somewhat unconscious appearance at this type of a function was far easier. He felt hot all over from blushing as a result of the hungry eyes that looked him up and down with obvious lust. He focused on keeping his breathing regular and his heart from racing out of his chest.

"Now let's eat so we can get on with the entertainment." Joshua finished and sat down placing a hand on either boys heads and petting them fondly for the benefit of anyone still watching.

Dinner arrived, plate after plate and Clark was sincerely thankful that Lex had fed him before they left the room. Everything smelled so good but he didn't dare to think any of it would be for them. Lex on the other hand knew how this was going to go and was busy trying to will away what he knew was coming next.

"I believe you know what to do." Joshua turned to Lex.

Lex looked up at him and nodded slowly.

"Is this something you can handle on your own or would you like some help." Joshua smiled and tilted his head towards Clark.

Lex didn't dare speak. He knew the game. Joshua would incorporate Clark's help if he wanted to regardless of what Lex wanted. He simply let his hands be secured behind his back and then shuffled his way under the table. He started what he knew was expected but continually watched down the row of knees for Clark's appearance.

A few minutes into his work he became settled with the knowledge that this was a task set for just him and was relieved that Clark would not have to join him.

He worked his way down the table with some difficulty and then reappeared by Joshua's side. He wanted so badly to wipe that smug look off his captors face when he settled into his assigned position next to him.

Joshua dipped his napkin in a glass of water on the table and turned towards Lex. "You missed a spot." Joshua smiled knowing he was testing Lex's resolve to behave for the evening as he leaned over and wiped at the corner of Lex's mouth with the damp cloth.

Lex didn't move, he simply stared past Joshua and took solace in the memory of the look on Joshua's face when he had stabbed him. Maybe one day he would get to see that look again.

On the other side of Joshua, Clark jumped slightly when the music started. The meal and dishes were being cleared away when the music began to fill the room. It became increasingly louder with every beat of the drums and there was a murmur from the crowd when the whirl of colorful dancers began to filter in.

The dancers were covered in bright colorful dresses and scarves that seemed to float through the air with the tempo of the music. The music was added to by the sound of the beads on the costumes shaking together as the girls worked their way through the crowd.

The audience applauded as the belly dancers took their positions in and amongst the tables. Clark watched in awe as the girls moved their hips and their arms to the beat of the music. The music was very ethnic and unlike anything he had ever heard in Smallville. For a moment he was almost enjoying himself.

"Do you like the girls? Or is it just the dancing that you like?" Joshua turned to him.

"I-"

His brief word was rewarded with a slap across the face. "Do not speak!"

Clark looked utterly confused, hadn't he just been asked a direct question.

Suddenly there was a loud crashing noise as one of the dancers dressed in red and silver sequence slammed chest first into a servant carrying a tray of empty dishes.

"What the hell!" Joshua shouted as he rose from his seat.

"Clark." Chloe whispered under her breath, thankful for the cover of the scarf that hid her face and her expression. She had seen him midway through a turn and slammed into the servant before she had time to recover.

She stood staring up at the head table at Clark and she felt her heart beat quicken. She hadn't expected to see him like that, shirtless and kneeling at someone's side. She wasn't really sure what she had expected, but she knew it wasn't that.

The room fell silent and she realized that all eyes were on her. Karema came and stood beside her, "I am sorry sir. She is new. It won't happen again."

"Ahh, right the new girl. See that she practices more." Joshua called out realizing that a loss of temper with the girl in front of everyone watching would spell disaster for his reputation. He made a mental note to call for the girl to visit him later for her punishment.

"Carry on!" And with those words the music started again and the dancing resumed.

Chloe did the best she could with the dance steps that she had learned. She was less self-conscious than she was interested in Clark's well being. She had to force herself a few times to stop looking up at the table for fear that Joshua would figure out her connection to the two boys by his side.

The song ended and Joshua stood pulling Clark up with him by the arm. "Take this one onto the dance floor. He can dance with the girls." He turned and handed the leash to his servant. "Tell Karema I want the girls to give him a hand." He smiled at Clark as he turned and sat back down.

The servant led Clark down to the floor and approached a woman who he assumed was Karema. The servant spoke to her in a language that Clark didn't understand but he figured that Joshua's orders were being communicated.

The woman nodded and took Clark by the arm and led him to the middle of the dance floor. She clapped her hands twice and turned to walk away. Clark sincerely wished he could see her face but it too was covered by the scarf.

He stood still as the girls responded to the clap and approached him. The music began and he felt all kinds of hands on him. The hands were everywhere and a whirlwind of colorful fabric surrounded him. The music seemed quieter from the middle of the pack of women. It was drowned out by the sound of the beads shimmying with hips and chests and arms. Some of the women had tambourines that they played and beat loudly in front of his face as they whisked by. He felt completely disoriented as he stood his ground trying to focus on something stationary.

"Dance!" He heard Joshua call across the room as the rhythmic clapping from the audience started to match the beat of the music.

Suddenly there were hands on his hips pushing them side-to-side in a swaying motion. One girl wrapped her leg around his leg and ran her hands up and down his chest and back.

"Clark." The same girl in red whispered as she caressed his back once again.

His head snapped downward to look at her eyes. It took a moment to recognize her but there was no mistaking those eyes. "Chloe?" He whispered back barely moving his lips.

"Shh, Clark. Don't say anything." She whispered as she dipped downward and ran her torso along his leg and back up. Another woman ran her hands around his hips and firmly grabbed his butt causing him to jump slightly forward in surprise.

He briefly heard the audiences laughter before he heard Chloe again, "I'm here to help you Clark." That was all she dared to say before she pulled away in a twirl of skirts and another girl took her place. He watched her dance around a table of men who were so stricken with her movements that they stopped clapping along with the music to watch.

He was watching to, he couldn't take his eyes off her. He couldn't believe she was here. It seemed so unreal to hear her voice. Why was she here?

Suddenly his attention was pulled from her when he felt the tug of his pants being pulled down. He tried to step away but was held in place by two of the girls who were dancing around close behind him.

One of the girls knelt down and ran her tambourine up the inside of his legs, stopping just short of where they met. The tambourine was replaced with a hand and he tried to will her to stop. He pushed at her hands and shuffled back as much as was possible. He glanced up at Chloe who had momentarily stopped dancing and was staring at him.

He turned his eyes to Lex next who looked worried with the turn of events. Clark didn't understand the worry at first until he saw the look on Joshua's face. The look was one of increasing anger and his tanned complexion was turning red with his mood. He look back down again at Lex and saw him mouth the word dance.

'He can't be serious?' Clark thought to himself as he was pushed backwards enough that he stepped out of his pants and watched them be used as a scarf by one of the female dancers.

He felt utterly ridiculous. He was standing naked in front of everyone, more importantly in front of Chloe.

One of the girls cupped his balls and ground her hips into his side. Another moved in closer to his backside and began moving his hips tempting him to keep the rhythm. Chloe stepped in and pressed herself against his chest, mercifully blocking his nakedness from sight with her skirts.

"Dance Clark." She whispered as she began to dance against him.

Against his better judgment his body was responding to the feel of her hips against his and he began to move with her. He could have sworn she was smiling as he looked into her eyes. She continued to grind against him and he felt himself getting harder with the movement. He placed his hands firmly on her hips and pushed her slightly backwards to create a gap between them.

This plan backfired when a girl from behind reached around and grasped his penis. He jumped forward slamming again into Chloe. She reached up and ran her finger down his cheek and whispered "I'm sorry." And then she was gone, off dancing around a table to his side.

Another woman crouched in front of him and began tonguing his penis and licking everywhere that wasn't already covered by first girl's hand.

The two worked together to the beat of the music until he reached orgasm. He heard the music change tempo and felt his pants being tossed against his chest as the audience applauded. He felt sick, he felt dirty. How could his body betray him like that with everyone watching? He looked up at Lex as he was being led off the dance floor and saw hurt in his friend's eyes.

He was allowed a moment to put his pants back on before he was led back to the table and made to kneel again on the pillows.

"Well done indeed." Joshua purred from beside him.

Clark sat and watched the dancing continue through cloudy eyes as he temporarily lost focus through his threatening tears.

He watched Chloe dance for what felt like an eternity before Joshua opened up the dance floor to the remainder of the room.

After that he watched a number of the men clamor for dances with many of the young women. There appeared to be very strict rules regarding the dancing. None of the men were permitted to touch in an inappropriate manner that was not conducive to strictly dancing. The women had the ability to walk away from any men they deemed inappropriate.

He watched out of the corner of his eye as the bidding sheet for dances with him and Lex was filling up too quickly for his liking. Joshua noted it to and beckoned for a servant to bring him the first full sheet.

Joshua smiled unnervingly at the paper and then turned his attention to Clark. "Seems my friend Amir is quite taken with you. He has out bid any and all bids for dances over the course of the evening. Seems you will be busy dancing with, or rather for him."

Clark couldn't remember felling more miserable. He shouldn't have been surprised by Amir's drive to have him for himself. But he still cringed when Joshua stood and announced that the first dance with Lex would go to Handy Renold and Clark's first ten dances would go to Amir.

The audience clapped as the men approached to claim their dance partners. Joshua motioned to Clark and Lex to rise as he handed over the leashes to the smiling men.

The music started and Lex was pulled into the stranger's arms. He was somewhat relieved by the upbeat tempo of the music making the dance more of a jive.

"You are simply magnificent." Handy admired Lex.

"Thank you." Was all he said in acknowledgment of the compliment.

The dance continued and Lex looked over at Clark who looked completely out of his comfort zone dancing with the larger man. Amir's use of a cane ensured that no matter what the speed of the song Clark would be forced to dance somewhat slower and more intimately with him. Lex felt a pang of worry for Clark's well being.

Clark didn't make eye contact with Amir as the he was guided around the dance floor. He felt Amir's hand on his lower back and stiffened up as it moved down towards his butt.

"So you enjoying your reprieve?" Amir smiled knowingly at Clark. "Once you are mine you will be begging me for the same treatment as Joshua shows you."

Clark didn't reply, he simply focused on trying to keep in step with the slower, more awkward man. He scanned the room looking for the telltale red and silver of Chloe's dress and was relieved every time he saw her on the dance floor. At least if she were still there she wasn't off getting into trouble, as she was prone to do.

"You listening to me boy?"

"Hmm."

"I can't wait to teach you a thing or two about manners."

Clark looked away and continued dancing.

The rest of the night was similar to this, dancing with Amir and listening to continual promises, threats and the occasional groping. Lex on the other hand danced with any number of different people many of whom purchased a second dance later in the evening. Chloe disappeared every once in a while but always returned under the watchful eye of Karema. Clark kept constant tabs on her and tried a number of times to get close enough to her to mouth a word or two.

The end of the evening arrived and both Clark and Lex were returned to the head table. They were starving, thirsty and sweaty but neither of them was glad that the evening was coming to a close. They both knew what lay ahead and neither of them wanted the inevitable to arrive.

"Ladies and Gentlemen." Joshua called for the attention of his guests. "Thank you all for coming this evening. We have made huge progress towards a new hospital for the children with your generous donations. This evenings events raised three hundred and seventy six thousand dollars." There was a loud applause following the announcement.

"I am pleased to announce the scheduling of our next big fund raiser next Saturday night. Here in this same room you can come and watch as this man fights to the death to keep possession of his mate." Joshua motioned towards Lex and then Clark. "If he loses Amir will take new ownership of this boy. After the fight there will be a lunch followed by an opportunity to view the rest of my collection." He paused briefly to allow the murmurs to flow through the crowd.

"I am afraid I must leave but feel free to stick around and mingle amongst yourselves until the evening comes to a close." With that Joshua stood and pulled on the leashes encouraging Clark and Lex to follow.

They left the ballroom and walked the long set of hallways back to their apartment in silence.

Only once they were back in the kitchen did Joshua speak to them.

"You did well this evening boys, but you are not done. Get washed up and presentable for my return in one hour. I will be outside that window and I expect my guests will not be disappointed with your performance. Get started in one hours time."

Lex and Clark exchanged knowing looks as Joshua left the room and locked the door.

Lex reached up and undid the collar around his neck placing the leash and collar on the kitchen counter. Clark followed his example and did the same.

"Are you thirsty?"

"Man am I ever."

Lex smiled and opened the cupboard, reaching for two glasses. He filled them up with juice from the fridge and passed one to Clark.

"Hungry?"

"I was until a minute ago. Now I don't think I could hold anything down if I ate."

"I know the feeling." Lex watched the glass in his palm as he slowly turned it.

"What are we going to do Lex?"

"What do you think?" He snapped in response. He looked up instantly regretting the tone he had used. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Clark mumbled as he drank his juice.

"I don't think we have any room to negotiate in this Clark. We have to go through with it."

Clark stood in silence contemplating the next few hours and what it would be like after. He had never even been with a girl, any girl. He wanted his first time to be with a girl, Lana more exactly. He definitely hadn't wanted this.

The first time had been different. He didn't really remember it so he could discount it to some degree. This time though he was expected to be a willing participant or at least play the part of one. He didn't think he could do it.

"I think we should shower." Lex cut into his thoughts. "The busier we keep ourselves for the next hour the less time we will have to dwell on it."

"You go first." Clark looked up at him briefly before staring back down at his juice.

"You okay?"

"I'll be fine." Clark reassured him.

Lex shook his head and gently patted Clark on the shoulder as he walked past him and into the bedroom to get cleaned up.

Clark stood still listening to the shower turn on and felt his knees give way beneath his body. He slid to the kitchen floor and was racked with sobs that he hadn't wanted Lex to see him shed. He had a few minutes alone to pull himself together he reasoned as he let himself give into all the emotions he had been feeling throughout the night, or more precisely throughout the last few weeks.