Rated M: Mature content, only for 18+. Some spoilers ahead.

Chapter 5

"One look, dark room. Meant just for you."

The feeling of a hand gently brushing her cheeks, slowly stirred Lana awake. It took awhile for her to understand what was going on, but as her eyes adjusted to the darkness, Lex appeared before her. He was sitting at the edge of the bed, looking down at her with a gentle expression on his face. Softly, he brushes his hands against her cheek again.

"Hey." He whispers.

Lana rubs her eyes, and sits herself up, long dark hair falling on her shoulder. "Lex?" She asks in question, as if unable to believe her own eyes. Her eyes fall upon the clock, it was 3am and the room was still dark. "What are you doing here?" She asked in confusion.

He half smiled, his famous Luthor smile. "When I was told that you were here, I decided right then and there I had to see you. I didn't care how late it would be." He says softly.

Lana couldn't hide her excitement, and she smiles groggily, wide eyes sparkling, as the shadows of the fireplace dance on her face.

He briefly looks down and then back at her, "I apologize for my behavior over the phone."

Lana didn't care anymore about their fight, she was just so happy to see him. She throws her arms around Lex's neck and hugs him, causing Lex to chuckle and lose his balance. In spite of her excitement, Lana had to slightly pull back, her excitement now turning to concern.

"Did you figure it out? The cause of the explosion?" Lana asks, face etched with concern, as they pull back slightly from their embrace.

There was a slight change in Lex's demeanor, but it dissipated quickly, as he slightly shakes his head. "No, nothing yet. It'll be under investigation." He sighs deeply, "All I know is I'm exhausted, and I'm just happy to see you." He says.

In all the years she's seen Lex work in his office, Lana could not quiet recall him ever looking tired. Impatient, frustrated, and intimidating – but never exhausted - until now. She could clearly see the exhaustion under his deep blue eyes, and it tugged at the corners of her heart.

"Come to bed, Lex." She says softly.

He obliges, removing his clothes and letting them fall to the floor. Against the dark, Lex looked dangerously sexy. Lana gazes up at him, admiring his lean, muscled body as it glistened against the shadows of the fireplace. Aside from the boxers he left on, he was naked, and it was an absolute vision. His bald head, his toned muscular arms and legs, and the six pack perfectly outlining his stomach - he truly perfected that sexy bad-boy persona that every girl swooned over.

He climbs into bed next to her, gently pulling her into his embrace, as he wraps his arms around her. Lana immediately snuggles to him, fitting into his arms perfectly, like a puzzle. She felt like she was home. She looks up at Lex, her head resting on his arms, and she takes a deep sigh, admiring the way his blue eyes sparkle against the fireplace.

"I'm so happy you're here." She says, and she meant it – every word.

Lex's lips break into a smile, and gently he kisses her, his lips pressing firmly against hers. "Me too." He says in a whisper, his eyelids slightly closing.

Lana watches him in awe, his soft lips slightly parting after he whispers his words, chest slightly heaving, and eyelids slowly closing. She watches him for a while, fascinated at how vulnerable Lex looked during sleep. The way he hugged her so close to him, his breath steady, his long lashes fluttering – he was beautiful. A beautiful disaster perhaps to a lot of people, but not to Lana. To Lana, he was simply beautiful, flaws and all. She wanted to suddenly protect him, protect him from all that was bad in this world, protect him from the people that could hurt him, protect him from his father at all cost. She wanted to make up for all the bad things that happened to him, the abuse that he had to endure and continues to do so at the hands of his father - she wanted it all gone. And as she stared at Lex, her eyes slowly fluttering close, somewhere in the back of her mind, she wondered what that cost would be.

\\

A soft click, and then the door closing stirred Lana awake. She shifted slightly, turning her body, only to notice the distinct feeling of the warmth she was looking for not being beside her. Her eyes opened quickly, arm outstretched, fingers searching, as she immediately noticed the empty space next to her. Lex was not in bed.

She sits up, hair falling down her shoulder, her mind slowly waking up to her surroundings. The fireplace was out and sunlight was beaming through the curtains. Lana quickly glanced at the clock and saw that it was 9am.

The door suddenly opens and she turns her head to see Lex walk in. Surprisingly, he was dressed casually, not in his usual business suit. He wore black slacks and a light beige buttoned-up shirt that delicately hugged his broad chest. Their eyes meet as he closes the door and approaches her, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He sits down on the bed, close to her, his arm reaching over to rest his hand on her thighs.

"Good morning, beautiful." He says, blue eyes glistening against the sun.

Lana smiles, "I thought you left."

Lex tips his head. "LuthorCorp can wait…" He pauses, his hand gently caressing her thighs, causing Lana's heart to skip a beat. "I wanted to take you to Netherlands today."

Lana laughed, startled. "What?"

"I thought you've always wanted to go?" Lex looked at her, deadpan.

Lana laughed again, but this time her laugh faded. "Are you serious? Lex, thats thousands miles away." She searched Lex's eyes, but he did look serious after all.

"It's only a couple of hours away from here." Lex smiles, eyes searching her face. "Will you join me, Ms. Lang?"

Lana couldn't help but break into a wide grin, excitement now suddenly building at the pit of her stomach. She leans forward and wraps her arms around his neck, her green eyes twinkling with excitement.

"I will absolutely join you, Mr. Luthor." She playfully answers.

Lex grins, that playful grin that he's infamous for. He wraps his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him, "I am the luckiest man alive." He mutters, kissing her fiercely on the lips.

Much to Lana's relief, she was able to change her clothes before they left Smallville. They had stopped by a boutique, and Lana changed out of her jeans and shirt immediately. She wore a long flowy white skirt, that reached her ankles, and a slit on the side of the skirt showcased her legs whenever she walked. She paired it with slightly cropped fitting white top, and left her hair down in loose waves. Lex was sitting on a chair, and immediately hanged up the phone when she walked out of the dressing room.

He looked at her, and his mouth slightly opens. For a moment, there was silence. Then he smiles, "Wow." He breathes out.

She couldn't help but blush, and she was so excited, she ran to him, throwing her arms around him.

Lana has never been to Netherlands before, and it turned out that apparently being with Lex meant that she could be there within hours. In the back of her mind, she always knew how rich and powerful Lex was, but she never really understood the gravity of it, until the very moment she saw the private jet marked in huge letters, Luthor, did it occur to her. And as she walked up the stairs into the private jet, holding unto Lex's hand, she couldn't quite fathom how someone that she has seen practically her whole life as a man that she was just simply crazy about, could be this powerful.

The inside of the jet was extravagant. White plush chairs, a dining table, and a cocktail bar was settled in the center of the airplane. She settles into the plush chair, and watches Lex as he briefly talks to the pilot. Then he makes her way to her, hands in his pockets, as he sits down next to her, his eyes sparkling.

He takes her hand and kisses it, their fingers interlocking.

"Are you going to at least tell me which part of Netherlands we are going to?" Lana asked, eyes beaming, as she leans her head back against the chair. Lex had been awfully discreet about where he was taking her, and she could barely keep her patience at bay.

Lex winks. "I can tell you we are going to Amsterdam."

Lana's head shots up, excitement twinkling in her eyes. "Really?" Her smile widening.

Lex chuckles. "Yes."

She searches his eyes in amazement. "How did you know, Lex?"

"How did I know what?" Lex asked, amusement on his face.

"That I've always wanted to go to there." Lana answers.

Lex grins, "You told me, a long time ago."

"When?" Lana asked.

"Years ago, when we just opened The Talon. You were closing and I was making it an all-nighter. We ended up talking all night." Lex paused, then he smiles, "You talked about how your aunt showed you pictures of your parents in Amsterdam when they were young, way before they had you. You said your parents looked so elated, and ever since – you've always dreamed about going to see the place for yourself... The place that made your parents so happy."

"You remember that?" Lana asked, startled.

"In any affairs with you, Lana – I always remember…. I remember everything." Lex says, blue eyes sparkling with intensity.

It was in that very moment, Lana felt like her heart could burst. As she stares into Lex's ocean blue eyes, she knew without a shadow of a doubt, how deeply she was in this, and how deeply she was head over heels crazy about him. Since that day she laid eyes on him in the stables, he was everything to her, and perhaps maybe even before that. And now more than ever, she understood why she ran away from it for so long, simply because of that fact. She was afraid to let herself feel this much for someone, to truly be with someone like Lex was the biggest risk she could take. Now, more than ever, she was at risk of getting hurt, but yet, paradoxically, now more than ever, she was truly and utterly - for once in her life, happy.

When they landed, they were picked up by a limousine, and the drive through the city was absolutely magnificent, that Lana could barely contain herself. She held Lex's hand, as she gazed outside the window, eyes wide with wonder, as she stares at the breathtaking views before her. Much to her elation and surprise, the pictures that she has seen of her parents, truly did not do it justice. From the exquisite architectures, to the distinguished museums and art galleries, and then to the picturesque canals and bridges, it was nothing short of amazing.

In true Luthor fashion, Lex did not disappoint. She was beyond thrilled when the limousine stopped right in front of the famous building, that was so familiar to her from the pictures she has looked at over and over again for so many years. The intricate architecture loomed in front of her, as she steps out of the limousine, staring at it in amazement. Lex takes her hand, and for a minute, she stood there, staring at the wonder before her. They were standing in front of the Rijksmusem, the very museum that her parents also stood right in front of, huge smiles plastered across their faces, as they lean against each other, elation evident in their expressions. Lana couldn't help but recognize the circle of it, how once her parents stood so happy and alive, was now exactly where her and Lex stood.

Lana looks up at Lex, and she sees his expression. A look of tenderness in his eyes, as a slight wind blew the tendrils of her hair. And as she stared up at Lex, Lana couldn't help but feel how truly lucky she was in this very moment.

"Lex…" She was speechless, unable to truly verbalize how much her heart was truly full.

He smiles at her knowingly, as if understanding what she wanted to say, his blue eyes twinkling. "Let's go inside."

The realization of how powerful Lex truly was, once again dawned on her, when the crowd parted for them. There was no waiting and no delays, they were escorted by a private museum docent, and bodyguards closely followed behind them. People every now and then would look at them, perhaps recognizing Lex, or perhaps even curious. On normal circumstances, it would have made Lana slightly uncomfortable, but she was so enamored with the breathtaking art displays of the likes of Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Frans Hals, that she barely noticed.

They stayed for hours, marveling over each unique paintings, artifacts, and sculptures. By the time, they left, the sun was setting and a purple, orange hue was spread across the sky. Lana felt like she could have stayed there forever, but she was also deeply excited and curious on what the next venture was. Lex told her they were going out for dinner, but didn't relay any further information.

Just when she thought nothing could beat Rijksmuseum, she knew she could possibly be wrong when she stepped out of the limousine and saw the view before her. A beautiful open-air boat stood, docked and anchored, as it slightly bobbed up and down with the movement of the water. Surrounding the boat were breathtaking views of the open canal stretching far and wide across the horizon, with backdrops of exquisite architectural buildings and 17thcentury merchant and patrician houses.

Lana looked at Lex, and he grins and takes her hand, leading her towards the boat. A white table was set up at the center of the boat, surrounded by large settee that was adorned with plush pillows. Lit up candles and rose petals adorned the table, and fairy lights surrounded the boat, casting a beautiful illumination against the water.

They settle into the plush seats, sitting next to each other, as Lex wraps his arm around her waist, holding her close against him. Lana gazes at the scenery before her, the purple orange skies lighting up, casting a beautiful ethereal glow around them.

Lex motions for the waiter and orders a glass of scotch, then he turns to her, as he takes the menu with his free hand.

"A penny for your thoughts." He says.

Lana looks up at him, and beams, eyes sparkling. "I'm at lost for words, Lex."

Lex chuckles. "I've always wanted to take you here." Lex says, a look of admission on his face.

Lana looks at him, startled. "Really?"

The boat begins to move, and Lex nods. "The first time I visited this place, I thought about you. It's a place I knew you would love, rich in history and art." He pauses, "Then ever since you told me about your parents, I wanted to take you even more. It's been something I've always wanted to do." He tips his head. "Maybe even have you go here on your own."

Lana looks at him in wonder, eyes searching his face. "Lex, this is the most beautiful place I've ever been in. But going here with you, knowing my parents were here together, is what makes it so special." Lana pauses, and then slightly laughs, "I would have hated to go here on my own."

Lex chuckles, "Then I digress." He smirks, but a thrill of joy was peeking at the corners of his eyes.

Dinner was absolutely delicious; as they dined on delectable lobster tails, paired with a type of white wine that tasted exquisite, and dessert was white chocolate crème brulee, topped with elegant white truffles, that tasted just as divine. They glided through the water, passing illuminating bridges and magnificent architectural buildings that were now lit up with thousands of lights. Lana gazes in awe, as they sail through the infamous Keizersgracht canal, its bridge magically lit up against the night sky. She looks back up at Lex and briefly watches him - the sun had now set, and candles were lit ablaze, lighting up Lex's eyes into a deep set of blue. He meets her gaze, and a small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.

"Lex, if I forget to tell you, this is the most amazing night I've ever had." Lana breathes out, as her eyes gazes up at him.

Lex smiles, his perfect beautiful smile that somehow lit up every corner of Lana's heart. Then ever so slowly, he leans down, and gently kisses her on the lips. A soft gust of wind blows around them, and their kiss deepens, his mouth opening, as his tongue gently delves into hers. Their tongues collide, and Lex tightens his grip on her waist, holding her close to him against his chest, as Lana wraps her arms around his neck, responding to the burning desire she has always had for him.

When they finally pull away, they were breathless, hearts beating against their ribcages. The wind was cooling against their skin, as they hold each other, locked in a tight embrace.

"I would do anything for you, Lana." Lex says, voice husky, his eyes sparkling with intensity. "There's nothing I wouldn't do for you."

Lana looks at him. "I know." She responded.

And she believed him.

\\

"You can feel it on the way home."

The flight back to Smallville felt jarring, and everything in her body screamed to go back. She wanted to stay longer, maybe a weekend, maybe a few months, maybe forever… Lana wasn't sure, but as she walked back into the castle, she knew she didn't want to go back to her house either. She didn't want the day to end, and more than ever, she wanted to stay in the castle. She called her aunt, found herself lying again, and said she was staying at Chloe's house. Luckily, Aunt Nell was out to dinner with her boyfriend, Dean, so Lana knew that her aunt would be too distracted to notice she was gone for two nights.

When they walked into Lex's room, the fireplace was already lit aglow, its embers crackling against the wood. Lana turns to Lex, and he pulls her close almost immediately, crushing his lips against hers with so much desire, it weakened Lana's knees, sending shivers down her spine, the butterflies in her stomach coming alive as it fluttered in overdrive. It was an earth-shattering kiss, the kind of kiss that felt like she was in a raging beautiful storm.

For a moment, the world around them seemed to fall away, and it was nothing but just them, locked in a deep embrace, kissing each other so passionately that time seemed to stand still. Then in an instant, Lana was pulled back to reality as the sound of a phone ringing could be heard.

Lana slightly pulls away from the kiss, her lips a few inches from Lex's. For a moment, they stare at each other, as they listen to the phone ringing continuously. Finally, with a look of irritation in his face, Lex reaches down on his pocket and flips his phone open.

"What?" Lex barked upon answering the phone, glistening blue eyes burning with impatience.

There was a pause as he listened to the other line, his expression irritated, but calm. Lana steps back and sits on the bed, looking up at Lex, as he stood with a domineering stance. It was the stance that Lana was familiar with, the kind of stance that he used to exercise dominance and intimidation. It was the kind of stance that could easily make any man, regardless of their stature, crumble in an instant.

"Move all of it in Section D, contained and locked. No one goes in, until I get there." Lex ordered, eyes now glistening with determination. He hangs up the phone, and turns to Lana.

"Everything okay?" Lana asks, brows furrowing with concern, as she looks up at him.

Lex pauses, eyes searching her face. For a moment, Lana wondered if he was debating whether to tell her, but then he takes a sigh and walks towards her. Gently, he runs his fingers through her hair, looking slightly apologetic.

"I have to make a quick trip to Metropolis. Apparently, they may have found the root of the explosions." He gulps.

Lana's ears immediately perk up, and she looks up at him, eyes wide. "What was it?"

Lex pauses again, but then this time he looked slightly apprehensive. "Traces of meteors…" He stops.

Lana frowns. "From the meteor shower? LuthorCorp has been using meteor rocks in their labs?"

Lex gulps. "I have a slight suspicion it might be more than meteor rocks, something that my dad failed to disclose." He says sarcastically.

"Like what?" Lana pressed.

"I don't know, but I'm going to get to the bottom of it, sooner than later." Lex says, jaws clenching. Then his face softens and he looks down at Lana.

Lana nods. Although she was disappointed that he had to go, she was also itching with curiosity and concern. "I should go then." She said.

Lex shook his head quickly. "No, please stay." Lex whispers, eyes glistening. "I'll just be there for a few hours. I'll be back quickly." Lex gently cups both sides of her face and leans down, softly kissing her on the lips.

It was odd really, one minute she was in a beautiful magnificent place in Amsterdam with Lex, and nothing in the world seemed to touch them, and the next minute, she was back in Smallville, facing reality. Lana wondered if this was what it was going to be like being with Lex. In one end, she was completely swept away with adoration and affection, and then in an instant, she had to share his attention – with everything that makes the Luthors as powerful as they are. She wasn't sure if she was ready for that - she wasn't sure if she ever would be.

\\

"You could hear it in the silence. You could see it with the lights out."

Lana was fast asleep when she felt the bed shift. Half asleep, she opens her eyes sleepily to see Lex crawling in bed with her. The room was dark, but she could see the outlines of his lean figure, as he moves under the sheets, wrapping his arm around her waist and shifting close to her. Aside from his boxers, he was naked, and the feeling of his skin against hers immediately woke her up. She briefly glances at the clock, it was 2am.

Eyes now fully open, she gazes at Lex in the dark. As her eyes slowly adjust, she could see his blue eyes, his head resting on the pillow next to hers, their bodies facing each other. She brushes her hand on his face, and slightly smiles, happy to see him back home.

She wanted to ask him questions, but she could see how tired he looked, so instead, she snuggles closer to Lex, their bodies pressed against each other. The warmth of his embrace, and his manly scent immediately comforted her. She could feel her eyes relaxing already, tempting her body to go back to a deep sleep, her hands resting on his chest.

Gently, he kisses her on the lips, and right before her eyes close, she thought she dreamt Lex whisper ever so softly in her ears, "I love you, Lana," before falling asleep.

\\

*Note: This chapter is a nod to the episode when Lana went to Amsterdam, as a gift from Lex. It was a sweet, romantic gesture. But this time, Lex gets to go! Also, on some of the break between paragraphs, I quoted parts of a song in italics. Part of the lyrics perfectly embodies the build-up, and nature and dynamic between Lex & Lana in this story, and if you know the song – you'll know where I'm getting at. But, if you don't, you'll find out soon enough!