This has been like the best vacation ever...going to bed late, waking up late...reading tons of fanfic...and the best part? I started my own LJ to use as a place to store my ideas until I work them into a proper story. So if you stumble across it feel free to drop me a "heya!"

So for this week in "Lifestyles of the Buff 'n Shameless"...

Later that day at the mansion – Lex's Study

Lex had arrived home to find that Clark was in his study sprawled across the couch with a well-worn paperback book, a plate of cookies on the coffee table before him and a large glass of cold milk. He allowed a small lift to his lips as he watched his friend mindfully wipe the gathering droplets of moisture off of the glass to prevent any unsightly water spots to his furniture. It didn't take Clark long to notice his presence, looking up from his snack, a huge grin crossing his face even as Lex moved from the doorway.

"Hey Lex," Clark certainly sounded happy to see him and he raised his plate of cookies out to Lex after he settled into his favorite chair, a cold water bottle retrieved from the mini-bar. "Want a cookie? Mrs. Pierce gave me a bunch while I waited for you."

"I'm telling you Clark, she lives to feed you," Lex languidly reached out and pulled a cookie off of the plate. "All done with the farm for the day?"

Clark nodded as he put the plate back onto the table, "Got all my chores done with Pete's help. Dad said I could take the rest of the day off."

Lex smiled, "So you decided to see what I was up to, eh?"

Clark's answering grin easily eclipsed the grin he received when he arrived, "Of course! Had to drop by and make sure you were still safe and sound. Hasn't been an attempt on your life in nearly a month."

Clark's snickers goaded him into gasping melodramatically, "I think you're right Clark, it would seem I'm long over due!" A low throaty chuckle as he conspiratorially leaned towards Clark, his leather chair creaking at his movement and asked in a low voice when Clark leaned closer as well, "Have you given thought about Halloween, Clark?"

Clark's teasing gaze shifted into Innocent bemusement at the odd question, the green eyes gradually blinking at him. "Lex," he said as if it were the most important thing in the world and thus must be stated slowly, "It's August."

"Yes, it is," he couldn't help the slightly mischievous mood that twisted his grin slightly. "I overheard Lana and Chloe planning their costumes at the Talon before I left for home."

That bit of news seemed to have captured Clark's interest, "Really? What are they going as?"

"Well, from what I overheard they were debating what everyone else should wear," he waved his hand in a gesture in a way that implied that all was explained in his statement.

"Uh-oh…" Clark leaned away from Lex at the news, trepidation stamped across his expressive features. Lex glanced at Clark who hurried to explain his hesitance, "That's their dangerous phase. I'd suggest avoiding them until they've settled on something."

"You sound like you've experienced what happened when you don't," amusement and gentle teasing colored his tone as Lex carefully watched for Clark's reaction.

Clark ducked his head away and blushed on cue, "Yeah, in the eighth grade Chloe found out I didn't have a costume picked out so she convinced my mom that going as Raggedy Ann and Andy would be great."

Lex had the feeling that there was more to this story and when Clark didn't seem to be forthcoming with the rest he reached out and nudged him with his foot, "And?"

Clark shifted slightly and the red hue that could be seen blazing on his neck burned even brighter, "She ended up going as something else and didn't tell me."

Lex seemed to consider what Clark said, waited till Clark leaned closer in curiosity, then offered, "So have an idea ready before they get one for you."

Clark didn't seem too reassured by that statement; "I've tried that, most of the time they just toss out my ideas as being 'not right' for me."

"Guess we'll have to think of something they won't toss out of hand, something that appeals to their 'high standards' for the proper costume."

Clark's mouth fought valiantly to stifle the snickers at that, "What do you suggest?"

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, as long as it's something my parents would approve of. If Chloe and Lana knew you picked it out they wouldn't try to get me to pick something else."

Lex studied Clark for a moment then simply said, "Leather."

Clark blinked, "Leather?"

Lex nodded, "Oh yes, something like Neo from the Matrix or Tyr from Andromeda. You've certainly the form for Tyr."

"You watch Andromeda?" Clark asked in amazement, "Since when?"

"Does it matter? It's a costume idea, and it's one the girls won't be too hasty to veto."

Clark frowned as he thought about it, "Tyr would be pretty cool but I don't think I could afford to buy the chain shirt."

Lex nodded, "You could make your own, shouldn't be too hard."

Lex rose to his feet and moved over to his desk where his laptop waited. Opening his laptop he searched for chain mail and quickly had instructions on supplies and crafting printing out. "Says here you can use fencing wire to make the rings. The tools shown here your dad should already have in the barn somewhere."

"Really?"

"Really. Think about it." Clark beamed as he took the sheaf of papers.

"Thanks Lex! I'll see if dad wants to help."

Lex grinned at Clark's enthusiasm to get started right away, "I'll see if Bruce has an old pair of leather pants you can borrow. He's about your size."

"Awesome! I'll see you later, Lex!"

Lex waved a hand at Clark's retreating form. Well, that wasn't so hard…