Title: Failing Philosophy

Author: Kitkat

Author email: kitkat3979@yahoo.com.au

Rating: NC-17

Pairing: Clark/Lex, Clark/f

Disclaimer: Unfortunately they don’t belong to me in any way, shape, or form.

Notes: This was written for the CLFF10. My prompt was community college. Thanks to Abi for the plot help and to Caelum, Indian Skimmer, Lemonbella and Abi for the beta. All remaining mistakes are my own.

*****

Clark stood fidgeting outside the door, trying to work up the courage to open it and go inside. It wasn’t as if the door itself was particularly scary; he’d walked through it hundreds of times before. Of course, this time he wasn’t here to play pool or ask for a favour. This time he was coming with a confession, of sorts, and that made the door scarier than any meteor-mutant.

Clark took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. He opened the door, walking into Lex’s study. He knew what he needed to say, the speech had been rehearsed incessantly in his head. “Hi, Lex.”

“Hello, Clark. What can I do for you?” Lex asked, standing up and walking over with a smile, and what looked like an admiring look for Clark’s carefully chosen outfit.

“I was hoping we could talk,” Clark stated, and smiled, happy to be back with the script.

“Of course. My door is always open to you.” Lex sat down on one of the two sofas, and Clark took a seat beside him.

“There’s something I want to tell you. Something I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time,” Clark paused and took a deep breath. “I love you,” Clark blurted, peering up at Lex nervously.

There. That hadn’t been as difficult to say as he’d expected. He was glad of the hours spent practicing in the loft. It had helped.

“I love you, too, Clark,” Lex responded easily, patting Clark’s arm.

Clark allowed the relief to show on his face, smiling happily. After a moment, when Lex didn't try and kiss him, Clark's smile faltered. It had been too easy, and Clark had a suspicion that he hadn't gotten his message across. He worked up the courage to speak again, his voice faltering, "No, Lex. I'm in love with you."

Lex sat up straight and blinked a couple of times, before standing up and walking a couple of steps away. He took a deep breath, and began to speak quietly, “In the Symposium and the Phaedrus, Plato talked about Eros and the ideal of beauty as the way to enlightenment. In this case of course, he’s talking about the concept, rather than the Greek god Eros.”

Clark tried to look attentive, attempting to decipher Lex’s speech. He was beginning to think that just grabbing Lex and kissing him would have been a more efficient way to express his feelings.

At least Lex was using words like Eros. Clark had only a rough idea of the translation, but he thought Eros was the god of love. He also knew that there was a gay club in Metropolis with the same name. Clark smiled, thinking of going clubbing with Lex, seeing him dressed in leather and mesh.

“Plato’s theory was that Eros is the love of beauty and that one should use that love to ascend to direct cognitive contact with Beauty itself. It is only by directing that love toward higher pursuits that one can achieve the pinnacle of human achievement, but most people squander that power with physical gratification.” Lex was pacing the length of his study with increasing agitation, barely looking at Clark.

Clark frowned, what had started out as a positive sounding speech had taken a down turn. He listened as Lex continued, wanting to interrupt. He was terrified of Lex turning him down, and even more terrified of losing the most important friendship in his life.

“Socrates also pointed out that when Zeus fell in love with a mortal woman’s physical beauty he’d have sex with her, but when he fell in love with the soul or spirit, he’d grant immortality so he could be with them forever. Sexual relationships are fleeting; true love has to transcend physical desires to last.”

“Lex…” Clark managed, his voice breaking the single syllable in two.

“Our friendship will be the stuff of legend, just like I promised. But sexual relationships don’t last, can’t last. The only relationships that last are platonic.” Lex finally sat down again, on the opposite couch, and Clark could feel the weight of his anxious gaze. “You’re my best friend, Clark. I’d never do anything to ruin that.”

Platonic was a word Clark recognized, he just hadn’t known the roots of it before this moment. So that was his answer: Lex loved him, but as a friend. Forcing himself to look at Lex, Clark said the words needed to make everything alright again, despite the fact that he didn’t mean them, “It’s alright, Lex. You’re my best friend too.”

Lex smiled broadly, seeming relieved at Clark’s easy acceptance. He stood up and stepped closer to Clark, pulling him out of his seat and into a warm hug. Clark argued with his body for the duration, managing through sheer will not to become aroused by the physical closeness.

“I have to go now, Lex. Mom was expecting me home an hour ago,” Clark muttered as he stepped back from the hug.

“Sure, Clark. Are we still on for the game tomorrow?”

“You bet,” Clark replied with a forced smile as he made his way out the door.

*****

“Mom, we’ve talked about this. I want to go to Grandville Community College. Lana’s going there, and we’ll even have some classes together. I can keep living here with you guys and help out on the farm. Besides, business management and agricultural science are both going to actually be useful. Doing philosophy or mythology or something at MetU isn’t going to help at all.” Clark tapped his fingers against the rim of his cup in agitation as he spoke. He didn’t mention how excited he’d been about taking those courses when he’d imagined curling up in bed with Lex at the end of the day, discussing them.

“Clark, it’s not that you should do anything you don’t want to do, it’s just that I think you can do better than Community College. Why don’t you at least go to the campus and have a look around. They’ve accepted you into the journalism program; it can’t hurt to take a look. You were so excited about the program when you applied,” Martha said, ignoring her coffee and looking at Clark across the table with worry.

“Martha, if Clark wants to go to GCC then we should let him. It’s close to home should anything come up.”

“Jonathan!” Martha admonished. “I want our son to have the best education and opportunities possible. If that means he goes to Metropolis, or even to one of the coastal schools, then that’s what I want for him.”

“I want the best for him too. I just don’t think that the best has to mean the most expensive. I don’t know how we’ll afford it…” Jonathan trailed off at the glare from Martha.

“I still have the check from my father, and the income from managing The Talon. That, and the money we’ve saved will be plenty. Clark shouldn’t have to worry about the cost of his education.” The last sentence was said with a concerned look in Clark’s direction.

Jonathan looked like he wanted to argue, but Martha’s tone and expression brooked no disagreement. Clark was entirely sick of this argument, especially now that it was causing problems between his parents too.

“I’m going to GCC. There’s nothing else to discuss.” With that he got up from the table and made his way outside to do his chores.

*****

Lex was sitting behind his desk trying to concentrate on his work, but really thinking of the mess he had made of his relationship with Clark, when security rang to announce Martha Kent’s arrival. He gave the order to send her in and stood to greet her when she walked into his office a few minutes later.

“Hello, Mrs Kent. I wasn’t expecting to see you. Is there a problem at the Talon?”

“No, Lex. I actually wanted to have a word with you about Clark.”

“Certainly, please take a seat. Can I get you something to drink?” Lex gestured to the couches, indicating that Martha should sit there, rather than in front of his desk. He hoped he was hiding his nervousness.

“No thank you, Lex.”

Martha sat down on the closest sofa, and Lex walked over to sit opposite her. “Now, how can I help you? Is something wrong with Clark?”

“Not exactly. I wanted to talk to you about Clark’s college plans.” Martha paused until Lex indicated with a nod that she should continue, “When he first put in college applications, he was really hoping for the place on Metropolis University’s journalism program. When he got the acceptance letter I thought he would be thrilled, but he’s now insisting that he wants to stay home and go to Grandville Community College for their Agriculture and Business Management courses.”

Lex sucked in a breath and forced himself to stay calm. This was his fault; his rejection was compromising Clark’s future. “This is the first I’d heard of the change in plans, Mrs Kent. I assumed Clark would accept the position at MetU.”

Mrs Kent looked defeated. “I thought you might know why he suddenly changed his mind. I thought at first that it might be because of Lana, but they’ve been friends for quite some time now, and I thought he was over her.”

“No, I don’t have any idea,” Lex lied. “Perhaps I could talk to him, find out what’s going on.”

“I’d be really grateful for that, Lex.” Martha stood to leave.

“I'm happy to help, in any way that I can.” Lex got to his feet to escort Mrs Kent to the door.

Once she was gone he came back to his office and poured himself a drink. As he sipped he tried to figure out what to say to Clark. This was his fault. He had to fix it somehow.

*****

Clark knocked on the door to Lex’s study before pushing it ajar. “Hey, Lex. You said you wanted me to come over?” He walked a few steps into the room, hoping Lex couldn’t tell the small smile on his face was only there to cover his uneasiness about being summoned.

“Yes, I did, Clark. Thank you for coming. Can I get you something to drink?” Lex walked over to the small fridge and retrieved two bottles of TyNant without waiting for Clark’s reply. He handed one to Clark and twisted the cap off his own.

“Thanks,” Clark mumbled, trying to ignore the motion of Lex’s throat as he swallowed the bubbly water. He took the cap off his own drink and took a long mouthful to hide his discomfort.

“Sit down, Clark,” Lex said, indicating the low, comfortable couch.

Clark took a seat and was surprised when Lex sat right beside him, rather than opposite him on the other sofa. “Was there something you wanted to talk about, Lex?”

“Yes, actually.” Lex paused to smile warmly at Clark. “I want to talk about your living arrangements when you go to college. I was hoping you’d move in to the penthouse with me.”

Clark swallowed heavily before answering. “I’m not going to MetU, Lex. I’m going to Grandville Community College.”

“I really think you should reconsider. The journalism program at MetU is one of the best in the country.” Lex shifted closer to Clark, maintaining eye contact.

“Even if I did go to MetU, I don’t think moving in with you would be a good idea.”

“Why not, Clark? I think it’s an excellent idea. It would certainly save you a lot of money on residential fees, and it’s more conducive to study than a dorm.”

Clark wasn’t sure how to reply. He couldn’t live with Lex, because he loved Lex, and the thought of being so close to him without being able to touch him was excruciating. “I just can’t, Lex.”

“Is this about the conversation we had a few weeks ago?” Lex put one warm hand just above Clark’s knee.

The heat from the hand shorted out Clark’s thinking, and he nodded in response.

“I think I may have been a little hasty when making my decision, Clark.” Lex slid closer, so their legs were pressed together, and that warm hand slid up Clark’s thigh.

“Lex, what are you doing?” Clark managed to stammer.

“Changing my mind,” Lex whispered as he leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss against Clark’s mouth.

Clark gasped at the feeling of Lex’s soft lips against his own, and Lex’s tongue peeked out of his mouth to run along Clark’s lower lip. The warm wetness of Lex’s tongue broke Clark’s stasis, and he brought his own hands up to hold Lex’s shoulders, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss.

Lex swung one leg over Clark’s lap, sliding across so he was straddling Clark and their erections were pressed together. Clark bucked up at this evidence that Lex wanted this, wanted him. He slid his hands down Lex’s back to his ass, loving the feel of the smooth, expensive fabric under his hands, and trying to pull Lex even closer, needing to be inside him, or to have Lex within his own body.

Lex was moving his hips in sexy, filthy little circles, grinding down into Clark’s lap and making Clark moan at the friction it created. Clark knew he could come just from this, but he didn’t want to. He pulled back from the kiss, and Lex followed him down, growling slightly.

Clark regained his grip on Lex’s shoulders and pulled him away slightly. “No, Lex. Stop. We need to stop now.”

“I’m sorry, Clark. I thought this is what you wanted.” Lex attempted to stand up, but Clark held him in place.

“I do. God, I really do. But I don’t want it like this, making out on the couch like horny kids. I wanted it to be special.”

Lex’s expression softened and he cupped Clark’s face with one hand. “Come upstairs with me?”

“Yeah, I’d like that.” Clark smiled and released his grip on Lex, his cock twitching as Lex stood up, breaking their contact. This break allowed Clark’s brain to take over again and he had to ask, “What made you change your mind, Lex?”

“I want you, and I realised I was punishing us both because I was scared of losing you,” Lex replied, smirking at Clark and running one hand down over his torso.

Clark got to his feet, all his attention on Lex, and grabbed Lex’s hand. Lex led him out of the study and up the stairs. Clark’s mouth was dry as he watched the sway of Lex’s hips as he walked. It only seemed to take a moment before they were standing in front of Lex’s bedroom door, and Lex turned to him with a serious expression on his face.

Sensing Lex was about to ask for permission, Clark leaned in and swiped his tongue over Lex’s scarred mouth. This was obviously enough encouragement for Lex, who opened the door they were leaning against. They stumbled slightly until Clark regained his balance, easily holding Lex upright.

Lex pulled back and started undoing his own buttons. Clark stood still, watching in awe as white skin was revealed. After a moment he snapped out of his reverie and lifted his hands, batting Lex’s own out of the way and taking over. He slowly slipped each button through its hole, baring the flesh he’d dreamed about for years. The shirt was pushed back off Lex’s shoulders, hanging at the wrists, where the cufflinks were still fastened. Clark brought Lex’s right hand up to release it and pressed a kiss against the fine skin of his wrist, where the blood flowed close to the skin. He repeated the gesture with Lex’s other hand. The expensive shirt fluttered, forgotten, to the floor.

Clark found Lex’s belt buckle and undid it with shaking hands. He unbuttoned and unzipped Lex’s pants, and let the weight of the leather belt pull them down. He knelt in front of Lex and unlaced his shoes, slipping out of each one, and pulling Lex’s trousers and socks off.

Clark knelt, fully dressed, in front of Lex. Lex stood bare, completely free of clothing, just for him. Clark looked over the creamy silk of Lex’s skin, punctuated with dark freckles. Lex’s cock was hard, curving up towards his stomach, and his breathing was ragged as he looked down toward Clark.

He stood up again, noting the fleeting look of disappointment which crossed Lex’s face as he did so, with a smirk. Placing his hands on Lex’s hips, he walked him backwards to the bed and laid him on it, spread out with his pale skin contrasting against the aubergine-coloured bed coverlet.

Clark stepped back from the bed, pulled his own shirt over his head, and threw it to the floor. He toed off his boots, breaking the laces as he did so, and pulled his jeans and boxers away.

Standing beside the bed, Clark took a moment to look over Lex’s naked body, drinking in the beauty that was Lex’s bare skin. He soon gave in and knelt on the bed, hovering over Lex’s form and pressing kisses wherever he could reach. His fantasies had carried him this far, but he had no idea what to do now that they were both naked. He decided to just go with what felt right.

He licked down the length of Lex’s torso, spending extra time at the gorgeous hipbones that stretched the skin taut. He licked down the length of the bone to the erection that awaited him, sucking the head into his mouth.

Lex moaned and lifted his hips, searching for more sensation. Clark pulled back again, lapping at the head with his tongue, investigating Lex’s taste. When Lex’s cock accidentally slipped from his mouth, Clark used to opportunity to kiss along Lex’s body again, tasting the smooth pale flesh. He made his way back to Lex’s mouth and pressed bruising kisses against Lex’s lips, still running his hands over the length of Lex’s body.

“You’re so gorgeous, Lex,” Clark whispered, one hand tracing the length of Lex’s cock.

“Mmm, that feels good.” Lex sat up and ran one hand over Clark’s face, his thumb lingering over Clark’s mouth. “What do you want, Clark?”

“I want… I want to fuck you.”

Lex groaned again and leaned forward to kiss Clark. He pulled back again, and Clark could see the desire in his eyes. “You can fuck me, Clark. You can do anything you want.”

Clark pushed Lex down onto his back, and crouched on hands and knees above him. “Do you have lube around here somewhere?”

“In the drawer.” Lex reached one hand over to open the bedside drawer slightly.

Clark grabbed the half full tube of lubricant, trying to ignore the jealous pang.

“I’ve only used that by myself,” Lex whispered, smoothing out the frown on Clark’s face with his fingertips.

Clark smiled and opened the tube, squeezed a small amount out onto his fingers and rubbed them together. He pushed Lex’s legs apart with his other hand and tentatively reached towards Lex’s ass. Pushing the first finger in, Clark couldn’t believe the heat and pressure inside Lex’s body. He twirled the finger around slightly, feeling the pulse and give of Lex’s internal muscles. “Is this alright? I’m only working from what I’ve read.” It had been easy to follow his fantasies until that moment, but he wasn’t going to risk hurting Lex with his inexperience.

“Yeah, it’s good. Try another finger,” Lex murmured, arching into Clark’s ministrations.

Clark pulled out the first finger and replaced it with two, twining them together as he pushed inside Lex’s body. He bent his head again and took the tip of Lex’s cock into his mouth, licking around the head as he held it steady with his other hand. He pushed gently at the slit, moaning around the cock in his mouth at the salty flavour of Lex’s precome. All the pictures he’d looked at while his parents were asleep hadn’t prepared him for how great this would feel.

“I’m ready, Clark. Fuck me,” Lex demanded, writhing on Clark’s fingers.

Clark wanted to wait, to make this moment last longer, but found he couldn’t hold back any more. He released Lex and grabbed a condom from the drawer, slid it on and slicked himself. “You sure?”

Lex gave Clark a small smile in response to the question. “Yes, I’m sure, Clark. Come here!”

Clark bent down to kiss Lex’s mouth softly, teasing Lex’s lips with his tongue. He sat up again and rolled Lex onto his side then stretched out behind him, enjoying the press of skin along the whole length of his body. He shifted Lex’s top leg forward and rolled slightly on top of him, lining his cock up with Lex’s ass. When Lex pushed backward impatiently, the tip of Clark’s cock breached his body, causing them both to moan.

Clark started rocking his hips gently, pushing in a little further with each move forward. Lex was trying to increase the speed of the motion by pushing back faster, but Clark grabbed his hip, steadying him, and causing him to groan in frustration.

After several moments, Clark was finally sheathed completely inside Lex’s body. He held Lex still, knowing he was too close to coming to move, yet. After a minute, Clark started to move again, slightly faster now. He rolled Lex further onto his stomach, supporting himself with one arm as he rocked into Lex’s body. His other hand wrapped around Lex’s hip, curving to the shape of the bone. His motions got faster as Lex started moaning almost continuously. Lex was stroking his own erection with his hand now, moving more rapidly as Clark’s pace increased.

Clark couldn’t hold back any longer. With several hard thrusts, he groaned his release, dropping his forehead down to rest on Lex’s shoulder. He kept rocking into Lex’s body and moved his own hand around to join Lex’s. This was enough to push Lex over the edge too, and Clark lifted his head to watch in awe as Lex’s come covered their joined hands in white pulses.

Sliding to the side, Clark rearranged their bodies so they could lie comfortably without him pulling out of Lex’s body. He wasn’t quite ready to leave yet, wanting to stay buried in Lex forever. Clark wiped his sticky hand on the sheet, and started trailing his finger tips up and down Lex’s arm and chest, lingering over the nipples and clavicle.

“Live with me,” Lex murmured, turning his head around slightly to look into Clark’s eyes.

Clark thought about it for a moment. He no longer wanted to be hours away from Lex when he could sleep beside him every night instead.

He gently pulled out of Lex’s body and rolled Lex onto his back, leaning over him on one elbow. “Okay,” he whispered against Lex’s mouth before kissing him again.

Lex moved away and went into the bathroom to grab a wash cloth to clean them both up, handing Clark tissues to dispose of the condom. He slid back into bed beside Clark, and Clark was happy when his hand reached out to stroke Clark’s hair.

“Are you staying tonight?” Lex asked as he reached for the bedside lamp.

Clark nodded, and moved closer as Lex plunged the room into darkness.

*****

Lex drove up the Kent driveway, trying to maintain his composure and not burst into song or grin manically at anyone. Although his intentions had been good when he had turned Clark down the first time, he now knew he’d made the right decision in giving in to Clark’s desires. He had found himself missing Clark in the week since they had slept together, and was looking forward to spending some time with him after dinner. During his business meetings in the city, Lex had found his attention drifting away from the matters at hand, remembering the way Clark had felt moving inside him.

Tonight they were going to tell Clark’s parents about his college decision. Clark had wanted to bring up their new relationship, and future living arrangements, but Lex convinced him to wait for a little longer, and tell them the news gradually.

Lex parked the car and slid out. He knew Clark was probably in the barn, but decided the polite thing to do would be stop in and talk to Mrs Kent first. He climbed the steps to the porch and knocked on the screen door. Mrs Kent came to the door wiping her hands on a dish towel.

“Hi, Lex. Come on in,” she said with a warm smile. “I’m just finishing up dinner.”

“Thanks, Mrs Kent. Can I help with anything?”

“No, I’ve got it all under control. Thanks, Lex. And I’ve told you before to call me Martha.”

“Thanks, Martha. I was wondering if I could ask a favour,” Lex confided.

“Sure, Lex. What can I do for you?”

“I was hoping we could keep your visit to me last week between us for the moment. I don’t want Clark knowing that you asked me to convince him to go to MetU.”

Martha looked worried for a moment before nodding, “If that’s what you think is best. Did you manage to get through to him?”

Lex smiled, “Yes, I think I convinced him. That’s actually what we wanted to talk to you about over dinner.”

Martha smiled in return. “That’s good. Now why don’t you go out and keep Clark company until dinner’s ready.”

Lex headed back out the door and towards the barn with a spring in his step. He’d been fantasizing about Clark’s lips all week, and was looking forward to kissing them again. He wanted to suck Clark’s lower lip into his mouth and tease it with his tongue and teeth. It was amazing to finally let his fantasies about Clark have free reign, knowing he’d be able to act them out.

Lex bounded up the stairs to Clark’s loft with a smile on his face. The smile was quickly replaced with a look of concern when he saw Clark.

He was standing by the loft doors, his fists clenched by his sides, and his whole body shaking. Lex walked over to him and put one hand on his shoulder, attempting to soothe him, but Clark shrugged it off. Lex vowed that whoever had upset Clark would have to deal with him.

“Clark, what is it? What’s wrong?”

“Lex, why did you have sex with me last week?” Clark asked quietly, still not looking at Lex. Before Lex could respond, Clark continued in a low voice, “Was it the only way you could think of to persuade me to do what you wanted, what my mom wanted?”

“It wasn’t like that, Clark,” Lex answered, panicking.

“So it’s a coincidence that one minute you’re telling me you just want us to be friends, and then, after Mom told you my plans, you have sex with me. I think you used my feelings to get me to agree to move in with you, and go to MetU.”

“How do you know what your mother and I talked about?” Lex asked, stepping closer to Clark again.

Clark hesitated for a moment before looking up to meet Lex’s eyes. “Do you really think that is the biggest issue here? You manipulated me, used my feelings for you to get what you wanted.”

“That’s not what happened, Clark.”

Clark had an ugly smirk on his face now. “Yeah, but you’re not in love with me. Can you honestly tell me that when you said you’d changed your mind, it wasn’t because you wanted me to go to Metropolis?”

Lex thought about the best answer to the question, then decided to go with the truth, “No, but.”

Clark interrupted before Lex could finish his sentence, “I think you should leave now. I don’t want to see you again.”

Clark turned away again, but not before Lex saw the tears in his eyes. He hated himself for putting them there. Once again he’d ruined the best thing in his life by trying to do what he thought was right. He turned around and slowly made his way to the car, and didn’t look back.

*****

Clark sat in the loft with Lana a few weeks later, staring miserably at the floor as Lana tried to be sympathetic, despite not knowing what he was so upset about. “Are things still difficult with your mom, Clark?” Lana asked, stroking his arm.

“Yeah, it’s getting better, but I still get angry at her sometimes. And Dad’s mad at me because Mom’s upset.”

“I still don’t understand why you got so angry. I’m sure she just wanted the best for you.”

“I know that, but she plotted with Lex behind my back.” Clark shrugged in frustration.

“So how are things between you and Lex?”

“I haven’t seen him since I found out. I told him I didn’t want to see him again. He manipulated me into doing what he wanted. I just feel so stupid for believing him in the first place.”

“Oh, Clark. Are you sure this is worth throwing away your friendship over? I’m sure he meant well.” Lana shifted closer to Clark on the loft sofa, draping one arm around his shoulder to rub small circles on his back.

Clark leaned into the touch, enjoying the contact. With Lex in Metropolis, and the tension between him and his mom, he’d felt so isolated, and didn’t think he’d been touched in weeks. “I was going to move into the Metropolis penthouse with him when I went to MetU,” Clark confessed.

“Oh, Clark.” Lana let her head rest on Clark’s shoulder. “You know you could always move in with me at my Grandville apartment. I’d really love the company. Besides, we can study together, since we’ll be in our business classes together.” Lana looked up at Clark with an excited smile on her face.

Clark decided that moving into an apartment with Lana was possible, and it might be fun. Besides, he could always move back home if it didn’t work out, and Grandville was only a few seconds away at top speed if his parents needed him. Clark started nodding before he was even aware he’d made his mind up. “I think I’d like that,” he said with a warm smile.

Lana squealed and gave Clark a tight hug. “We’ll have so much fun, I promise.”

Clark hugged Lana close for a moment before releasing her with a smile. “Yeah, I think we will. Now I just need to tell my parents.”

*****

Clark stomped heavily through the door, threw his bag into the corner of the room and himself face-down onto the couch in the small living area.

“Bad day, Clark?” Lana asked from the arm chair in the other corner.

Clark groaned, “I hate my biology TA. He keeps singling me out and making me answer all the questions. I don’t think he likes me for some reason,” he mumbled into the cushion.

“I’m sorry, Clark. I know you never really liked biology. How about we go out and get some Chinese takeout?”

Clark turned his head to face Lana, “I can’t afford it, Lana. I’m not hungry anyway.”

“Clark, you’re never hungry. All you seem to do is sit in your room and study, or occasionally stare out the window. You need to get out of the house. Come out for dinner, my treat?” Lana smiled and got out of her seat.

Clark pushed himself out of the couch and stood up. “Alright then, but you need to let me treat you next week.” He gave Lana a quick hug. “I’ll just go and take a shower.”

“I’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready,” she said with a slight smile.

*****

Clark woke up as the mattress dipped and a small warm body climbed into his bed beside him. Freezing cold feet pressed against his legs and he gasped from habit, even though it didn’t bother him.

“Another nightmare?” Clark whispered against Lana’s rumpled hair. This was the third or fourth time Lana had slipped into his room in the middle of the night. He didn’t mind, it was nice feeling useful.

“Yeah,” Lana replied, snuggling closer.

Clark wrapped both arms around Lana’s body and pressed a soft kiss on her temple. He had been having a dream himself, of Lex touching him and kissing him, then turning around and walking away like he didn’t care. Clark pulled Lana closer, so their bodies were pressed together, and cursed as he realised he was still hard from the dream. “Sorry,” He whispered, ashamed, as he pulled his erection away from Lana’s belly.

“It’s okay, Clark. I don’t mind.” Lana’s hand was on Clark’s stomach and moving lower, only stopping when she was cupping his erection with her small grip.

“Lana?” Clark questioned, confused, thinking that maybe he was still sleeping.

“It’s alright. Let me take care of you.” Lana’s warm hand was now rubbing up and down against Clark’s erection, the sensation only slightly muted by Clark’s boxers.

When Lana moved her hand away Clark tried to suppress the groan of disappointment. Her intentions became clear when her fingers curled inside the waistband of his boxers, her manicured fingernails scratching slightly at his skin. He arched up, allowing Lana to pull the boxer shorts down around his thighs.

Clark gasped again when Lana’s hand encircled his erection near the tip, squeezing delicately as she started stroking from head to base. It felt so good to be touched intimately again. It didn’t feel anything like it had when Lex had touched him; Lana’s touch was gentle, and her hand was so small and soft.

“Lana,” Clark murmured, not sure whether he wanted her to stop or to continue.

Lana sat up abruptly and swung one leg over him, straddling his knees. She was still pumping his cock gently with small twists of her hand. She pulled up her satin chemise until it bunched around her hips, and then she started touching herself with her free hand.

Clark couldn’t look away, entranced by the sight of Lana touching his cock, and herself at the same time. Tentatively, he replaced Lana’s fingers with his own thumb, and was rewarded with a small sigh of what sounded like pleasure. Clark tried to keep the pressure and movement constant, and he seemed to be doing something right, as Lana was letting out small gasps and moans.

Lana pushed Clark’s hands away and inched forward until she knelt over Clark’s hips. She angled his cock upward and slowly sank down on him. Clark was amazed at the tight, velvety heat, and fought to stay still as she took him in.

“God, Lana. Condom?” Clark blurted, finally remembering the lessons on safe sex pounded into them at school since puberty.

“It’s alright, Clark. I’m on the pill,” Lana replied, rocking back and forth slightly now that Clark was completely buried in her. She rested her left hand on Clark’s shoulder, and returned her right hand between her legs, stroking her clit with her index finger in time with her movements on top of Clark.

Clark decided that since they were doing this he should actually participate, rather than just lay there letting Lana ride him. He tentatively moved his hands to cup her hips, still letting her set the pace, but using his strength to lift and lower her over him. Lana groaned in what Clark hoped was pleasure and increased the tempo of her fingers between her legs.

It was different being inside Lana than it had been with Lex. Clark flushed in shame when he found himself comparing, but he couldn’t seem to help it. It was slicker, and softer, and Lana seemed so small, and Clark tried to keep the image of Lex’s face, and Lex’s hard body and white skin out of his mind. This didn’t seem quite real, having Lana grinding on top of him, making breathless little sounds, and while it was all he’d ever thought to want when he was younger, Lana wasn’t Lex. Clark closed his eyes and just enjoyed the sensation as Lana moved over his cock.

When Lana’s motions became jerkier, and the sounds coming from her became louder, Clark opened his eyes again. He watched as she frantically rubbed herself, pushing down hard against his cock. Lana threw her head back, her long hair actually tickling against Clark’s thighs, as she moaned quietly and started to shake. Clark was amazed when he felt her inner muscles clenching around him shuddering as she came.

Lana had stopped moving altogether now, panting harshly as she leaned forward with her hands on Clark’s shoulders to support herself. Clark picked up the motions where she had left off, thrusting up into her wet heat as he continued to move her up and down on top of him. He squeezed his eyes shut again and tried not to think of pale, hairless skin and a bald head as he came, almost silently, into Lana’s body.

Lana moved off Clark and lay beside him, close but not touching. Clark wasn’t sure what to do, so he reached out the arm closest to her and drew her to him, smiling at her purr of contentment as she snuggled against his skin. Clark was confused, and sticky. He didn’t really know which to attend to first. When it seemed like Lana wouldn’t speak, Clark found his voice. “What does this make us?”

“It makes us whatever you want, I suppose,” Lana murmured against Clark’s chest. The tickle of her breath and the gentle scrape of her soft hair felt good on his skin.

“I want to try and make this work,” Clark decided. It was the right thing to do, and Lana had been a good friend to him.

He felt Lana’s smile, and kissed her softly when she slid up his body to touch her mouth to his. Lana wriggled down again and tucked her head onto his chest, sliding one leg over his. Clark pulled her close and pressed a kiss on the top of her head, pleased to have someone to hold while he attempted sleep.

*****

Lex woke up at four in the morning. He knew he wouldn’t sleep again that night, and slipped out of bed, heading for the shower. His ablutions were perfunctory, and he ignored his hard cock until it dissipated on its own. Once clean, Lex stepped out of the shower and rubbed lotion over his face, neck and scalp. He spritzed on some cologne and walked into his wardrobe to select his clothes for the day.

Once dressed, Lex made his way to the elevator, and took it down the five floors between the penthouse and his office. He started up the coffee pot – his secretary had gotten into the habit of setting it up before she left at night – and waited impatiently while it brewed.

When the coffee machine had finished, Lex poured himself a cup, leaving it black and unsweetened. He carried it through to his office and placed it on the desk after throwing away the gourmet roll he’d ignored yesterday. Lex sat in his chair and opened up his most recent files, ready to do several hours of work before even the cleaning staff came in.

*****

Lana was curled up around Clark’s back when he woke up from yet another dream about Lex. She slept there so often now that they had moved all her things into his room. Clark considered waking her up, but slipped silently out of bed and into the bathroom down the hall instead.

He ran the water as hot as it could go and stepped in, enjoying the way the water pelted against his skin, and wishing, just a little, that it could burn him. Refusing to indulge in fantasy or teasing himself, Clark’s hand found his hard cock immediately and he started touching himself with long hard strokes. He leaned his free hand against the cool tile of the wall and let his head hang forward, soaking his hair and sending rivulets of hot water down his face. It seemed like only seconds before he came, pulsing hard into his own hand and trying not to think about anyone in particular. He knew the name he bit back on his release wasn’t Lana’s.

Clark finished up in the shower and dried himself off rapidly. He noticed he didn’t have anything to wear and, rather than disturbing Lana by going back into his room, he grabbed a worn pair of track pants from the hamper and pulled them on over his slightly damp skin.

He made his way into the kitchen and put the coffee on as he checked through the walls to make sure that Lana was still sleeping. He picked up the phone and dialled. When Lex answered, Clark hung up the phone again, not sure what he had wanted to say. Instead, he grabbed the phone again and called home, glad to hear his mother’s voice after months of strain between them.

“Hi, Mom. It’s me,” he replied to her greeting.

“Hello, honey. Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, Mom. It’s fine,” he replied with a sigh, forgiving his mom at that moment for the pain she’d unwittingly caused him with Lex. “I was wondering if Lana and I could come home for Thanksgiving?” It was still home to Clark.

Martha let out a happy sounding gasp. “Of course you can, sweetie. But I thought Lana was spending Thanksgiving with Henry Small.”

“We’ll go around and see him in the morning. I want Lana with me on Thanksgiving.”

Clark could tell by the change in Martha’s tone that she understood, “Of course, honey. I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving next week.”

“So am I, Mom. I’ll see you later.”

“Bye, Clark,” she said before hanging up the phone.

Clark heard Lana stirring and got up to start another pot of coffee brewing.

*****

Lex sat staring into the fire, a glass of brandy forgotten in his hand. The mansion was so quiet. After all the months spent in Metropolis he’d forgotten the silence of the estate in Smallville. He wasn’t sure if coming to Smallville the day before Thanksgiving was a good decision, but hoped to use the long weekend to get some uninterrupted work done.

The silence was interrupted by a gentle knocking on the door, and Lex turned around in surprise. Only a couple of the staff members had been called when he arrived, and he’d already told them he had everything he needed until dinner. When he saw Martha Kent standing in the doorway he got to his feet immediately.

“Mrs. Kent, is there something I can do for you? Maria was supposed to give you your check when you dropped off the produce.” Lex pointedly ignored the part of his brain telling him that he’d been hoping Clark would be the one to make the delivery.

“Lex, I’ve told you before, call me Martha.” She smiled and held up the check for him to see. “Maria did give it to me, thank you. I’m just here to see how you are. I haven’t seen you for quite a few months.”

“Sorry, Martha. I’ve been busy in Metropolis.”

“So I’ve heard. Clark’s been busy at school, too. I don’t think he’s really enjoying his classes, though.”

Lex hoped that Martha hadn’t noticed his flinch at the mention of Clark’s name, but by the frown creasing her brow it seemed like she had. “Well science was never Clark’s favourite subject. I’m surprised he decided to study in a field that involved so much of it,” Lex managed to say, sounding unconcerned even to his own ears.

“Now I couldn’t help but notice that there wasn’t any holiday food in the order. When I asked Maria, she said you aren’t having Thanksgiving dinner here. You aren’t going back to Metropolis so soon, are you?”

Lex was a little thrown by the abrupt change of topic, and took a sip of his drink before answering. “No, I was going to use the time to work. I wanted to let the staff have the evening with their families.”

“That’s extremely generous, Lex, but what about you?”

“I don’t have a family.” Lex cringed as the words left his mouth, his fingers tightening painfully on the cut-crystal glass. He hadn’t meant to sound so needy, but Martha was still smiling gently at him.

“Yes, you do. You’re having Thanksgiving dinner with us,” she said in her motherly tone, the one Lex had only heard her use when she was reprimanding Clark. She stepped forward and touched Lex’s arm.

“No, I really can’t.” He didn’t meet her eyes.

“Yes, you can,” Martha insisted. “If you aren’t there, I’ll come around to pick you up myself.”

Martha’s hands moved to her hips, and Lex conceded defeat. He could always call and cancel later, when she wasn’t standing in front of him looking so concerned. “Alright, then. What should I bring?”

“Just yourself. I’ll see you about three o’clock tomorrow afternoon.” With one last smile, Martha turned on her heel and walked out the door.

*****

Clark pulled up the driveway in Lana’s jeep with Lana in the passenger seat beside him, and their overnight gear in a single bag slung in the back seat. He jumped out and grabbed the bag, waiting for Lana to climb out and join him before they made their way into the house together. They held hands as they walked into the little yellow house.

It was only late morning, but the house already smelled heavenly to Clark. Although both he and Lana could manage in the kitchen, he’d missed his mom’s cooking while he’d been living away from home. Martha appeared from the kitchen with her cheeks rosy from the hot stove, already holding out her arms for a hug.

Clark picked her up and squeezed her. He’d seen her almost every day, of course, but Lana didn’t know that, and would expect a big greeting. When Clark put Martha down again and stepped back, Lana also received a hug and a kiss on the cheek from Martha.

“It smells wonderful, Mrs. Kent. Is there anything I can do to help?” Lana asked.

“No, it’s all under control thanks, Lana. Why don’t you take a seat, and Clark can get everyone something to drink and set the table for me.” Martha smiled and turned to Clark, “We’ll need places set for five, sweetie. When you’ve finished that you can take your bag upstairs. I’ve made up your bed for Lana, and you can sleep on the couch,” she said firmly.

“Who else is coming, Mom?” Clark asked, retrieving the good cutlery and placemats from the sideboard and dumping them into the centre of the table. He picked up one set of cutlery at a time and started laying them out. He had expected to be put in separate beds tonight, and was actually relieved. The thought of doing anything under his parents’ roof was disturbing to say the least.

“Lex,” she replied as she turned and headed for the kitchen, effectively dismissing any argument he was going to make.

A loud crumpling sound alerted Clark that the knife and fork in his hand were now effectively welded together into a rather creative sculpture. He pocketed them and grabbed another set from the sideboard. When the table was set, Clark poured drinks for everyone, and went out to the barn to say, “Hi,” to his dad quickly. Then he sat down to keep Lana company, knowing his presence would not be appreciated in the kitchen.

At about one o’clock the phone rang. Clark somehow knew that it would be Lex calling to cancel. If they’d still been friends, Clark could have told him that hospitalisation was the only excuse that Martha Kent would accept. But they weren’t, so Clark let his mom answer the phone.

About ten minutes later, Martha came out of the kitchen with a determined expression on her face. “Clark, I need you to go and pick up Lex.”

“Mom, I don’t think that’s such a good idea. Lex and I haven’t talked since… Well we haven’t talked in months.”

“I’m aware of that, Clark. But I’m asking you to go and pick him up anyway. Your father is still tinkering out in the shed, and I’m busy here. Now go and get him.”

Clark nodded before turning to Lana, “Can I borrow your Jeep again?”

“Sure, why don’t I come with you?” Lana asked, looking concerned.

“Actually, Lana. I was wondering if you could help me with the pies; I’m a little overwhelmed at the moment,” Martha said with a small smile.

Clark knew that was a lie. His mom was always in complete control in her own kitchen, even when she had catering jobs for far more than five people. He looked at her with a slightly quizzical expression, but she ignored him to focus on Lana.

“Sure, Mrs. Kent,” Lana replied, with a small frown still on her face.

Clark gave Lana a small kiss on the mouth, mindful of his mother’s presence, and grabbed the keys on his way to the door.

“If he won’t come peacefully, then sling him over your shoulder,” Martha called out jovially as he left the house.

Clark had to repress the hope that Lex would resist, giving Clark the opportunity to touch him. He jumped in Lana’s Jeep again and headed out the driveway, waving as his dad came out of the barn to watch him.

He drove over the roads he knew like the back of his own hand. When he arrived at the gate, the solitary security guard waved him through, and when he knocked on the heavy door, no longer comfortable coming and going as he pleased here, Lex opened it himself.

“Clark,” Lex said, standing in the doorway. “I wasn’t expecting to see you,”

He looked different. He was thinner, almost gaunt-looking, and his usually luminous skin was pale and dull. Lex was standing up as straight as always, but the dark circles beneath his eyes showed his fatigue.

Clark could tell why his mother had insisted on Lex coming to Thanksgiving dinner: Martha Kent had a soft spot for strays. He also noticed that the anger he’d been carrying around for months started melting the moment he saw Lex. “Yeah, Mom sent me to pick you up,” Clark paused and smiled slightly, “Bodily if necessary.”

Lex gave a small smile in return and stepped back, allowing Clark access. “Please come in. I thought I’d explained to your mother that I couldn’t make it this afternoon.”

“Well, Mom doesn’t take no for an answer when it comes to feeding people. Besides, I’m sure you can spare a few hours. It would mean a lot to… her.”

“I suppose I can stop by for a little while,” Lex conceded. “Why are you here so early? She didn’t ask me over until three.”

“I guess she didn’t want to chance you escaping back to Metropolis.”

“Fair enough. Thanks for coming over to pick me up,” Lex said, taking a step towards Clark.

“You’re welcome. We should probably get back, though.” Clark said in a tone that sounded false, even to his own ears. He stepped away from Lex, towards the door.

“Clark… could we just talk for a minute? Dinner won’t be ready for a while yet. Please?”

If Lex hadn’t sounded so needy, then Clark would have turned him down. But instead, he nodded and followed Lex to his study. Clark sat down on the couch before he remembered what had happened last time he had sat in that spot. He took the proffered bottle of water and sipped at it while Lex positioned himself on the other seat.

“I need to apologise to you,” Lex started in a small voice. “I never meant to hurt you, or to manipulate you. I just didn’t want to lose you.” Lex brushed one hand over his scalp and looked at Clark steadily. “I miss our friendship. I want it back.”

Clark contemplated Lex’s words for a moment. He’d been angry and hurt when he’d said he never wanted to see Lex again, and although he’d meant it at the time, he’d come to regret those words. As much as he wanted to punish Lex for humiliating him, he was punishing himself at the same time, and by the look of it, it was making them both miserable. “I’d like that, Lex. On one condition.”

“What’s that?” Lex asked, looking like he’d fulfil any request Clark made of him.

“You have to eat everything Mom puts on your plate at dinner,” Clark answered with a wide grin, causing Lex to respond with a relieved smile of his own.

“It’s a deal.”

*****

Lex followed Clark out of the mansion towards a familiar vehicle parked in his driveway, a bottle of wine in his hand.

“Is that Lana’s Jeep?”

Unexpectedly, Clark blushed in response, and then managed to stammer a reply, “She said I could borrow it to come and get you. She’s having Thanksgiving with us, too.”

“That’s great,” Lex lied. “I haven’t seen her for a while.”

“Um, yeah. She’ll be pleased to see you.”

They both climbed into the car and Clark drove them off Lex’s estate silently. Clark was obviously nervous, and was biting his lip in a very distracting way. To get him to stop, Lex started asking questions. “So how are your classes?”

“Some of them are good. I like the environmental and innovation parts of the courses, but the business management side is really boring. Then again, Lana really enjoys the business courses.”

“You see a lot of Lana these days, then?”

Clark blushed again, looking extremely flustered. Lex tried not to notice how sexy he was when he was flushed like that.

“We’re, um… I’m living with Lana, Lex.”

It felt like a cannonball to the gut. Lex was still sitting upright, but his insides were hollowed out. “That’s great, Clark,” he said, his volume and pitch earning him a concerned look from Clark. He composed himself better for the next question, “Are you a couple?”

“Yeah, for a month or so now,” Clark replied quietly, his eyes firmly on the road.

“That’s wonderful. I know how you’ve always felt about her.”

The rest of the short journey was made in silence. Lex felt his heart clench at the sight of the yellow farmhouse that he hadn’t seen for months. He slipped out of the Jeep and, after smiling at Clark, headed for the steps.

“I’m glad you came, Lex,” Clark mumbled just before they opened the door.

Lex didn’t have time to respond before Martha came out of the kitchen and wrapped her arms around him. He froze for a moment, and then returned the embrace. When he stepped back he saw Clark looking at him strangely, and hoped Clark had meant what he said.

“I’m glad you’re here, Lex,” Martha said in a chiding tone, pursing her lips together.

“Thank you for having me, Martha.”

Martha bestowed a warm smile in response to his use of her name. “The turkey is a little ahead of schedule, so we’ll be eating soon. Why don’t you come in and take a seat. Clark can get you something to drink.”

Lex handed Martha the bottle and followed her into the dining room with Clark trailing behind him. He stopped abruptly when he saw Lana sitting at the table, chatting with Jonathan Kent. Clark walked right into him, almost knocking him forward. Lex felt strong arms catch him around the waist just before he fell head first into a chair and gave himself another concussion. Clark’s hands felt almost as though they were lingering on his sides.

“Hello, Lex. I haven’t seen you for a while. How are you?” Lana asked with a tight smile on her face.

The hands quickly moved away as soon as Lana spoke, much to Lex’s disappointment.

“I’m very well, thank you, Lana. Hello, Mr. Kent. I appreciate your hospitality today.”

Jonathan nodded, then seemed to be remembering something, and got up to shake Lex’s hand. “Hello, Lex.”

Lex would bet his fortune that Jonathan had been ordered to be on his best behaviour tonight. It was the only thing that explained the almost warm welcome.

Clark showed him where he was sitting, diagonally opposite Clark, and went into the kitchen to bring back drinks for everyone. After a short period of awkward small talk, Martha called Jonathan and Clark into the kitchen to bring the food out. There were vast amounts of it, and Lex knew he’d be testing the limits of his promise to Clark.

At the head of the table, Jonathan picked up the knife and started carving the turkey. Martha fussed around making sure everyone had drinks, and then took her seat next to Lex. When Jonathan had finished with the turkey, he took his seat and cleared his throat.

“I think that with it being Thanksgiving, it’s appropriate to say grace before this meal,” Jonathan said quietly, and waited for everyone to bow their heads before continuing. “We give thanks for the food we’re about to eat, and for the presence of family, and um, friends at the table today. I’m thankful for my wonderful wife, and…”

Lex felt as if someone was watching him, and lifted his head. Clark was staring directly at him, but blushed and looked back down when Lex caught him. Lex smiled slightly and bowed his head again, missing the end of Jonathan’s prayer. He only noticed it had finished when Martha collected his plate and started piling it with turkey and side dishes. When she handed the heaped plate back to him, he met Clark’s eyes again and received a smirk in return.

Lex’s mouth was watering, the food smelled delicious and was presented attractively. Martha had really outdone herself. “This looks great, Martha.”

Martha smiled and patted Lex’s hand. “Thank you, Lex. I hope you enjoy it.”

She continued dishing plates for everyone else sitting at the table. Jonathan and Clark both received bigger plates than Lex had, and he was amazed that they could eat that much. Lana and Martha both had much less food, which given their petite size, was just as well.

For the next few minutes everything was quiet, except for the subdued music Martha had put on, and the sound of cutlery tapping against the plates as they ate. Lex was aware of Clark’s almost constant attention, and had to restrain himself from looking back just as frequently. Martha was also smiling at him regularly, but Lana was looking more irritated as the meal went on.

“This is delicious, Mrs. Kent,” Lana murmured.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” Martha replied.

Lex waited for the familiar line, telling Lana to call her Martha, and was surprised when it didn’t happen. He looked up to catch Clark smiling at him again, only this time Clark didn’t look away. Lex looked back for long moments, forgetting the food on his plate, and the presence of Clark’s family as he stared into Clark’s gorgeous green eyes. His mouth was dry, and he was having difficulty swallowing.

It was then that Lex realised just how stupid he’d been. He had tried to protect the friendship and keep Clark close, without ever noticing that he was in love with Clark. Of course, it was too late now that Clark finally had the girl of his dreams. Lex wondered why Clark was spending so much time looking at him, when Lana was sitting right beside him.

Lex’s reverie was broken by the clatter of cutlery, and the scrape of Lana’s chair against the floor.

“Excuse me, please,” she murmured, and stood to head outside.

Clark looked bewildered, and Lex felt sorry for him. He was about to tell Clark to go after her when Martha beat him to it. “I think you need to go and talk to Lana, Clark.”

Clark nodded and stood up, almost knocking over his chair in the process. “Yeah, I guess so.” He walked off, following Lana out the door.

“What was that about?” Jonathan asked in confusion.

Martha just shook her head and offered Lex another roll.

*****

“Lana,” Clark called, seeing her heading to her truck.

“You should go back inside, Clark,” she said, turning to face him with tears in her eyes.

“Lana, what’s wrong?” He asked, walking up to her and trying to wrap his arms around her.

She stepped back, avoiding contact. “I can’t do this. I thought if I loved you enough I could make you happy, but you’re not. You need to sort things out with Lex.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Clark said quickly.

“I know, Clark. I always knew. Do you know why I climbed into your bed all those times?”

“You said you had nightmares,” Clark replied, confused.

“They weren’t my nightmares. You’d wake me up, crying in your sleep and calling for him. You calmed down when I was there. I guess I thought maybe I could be enough. I know how you feel about him, Clark, and I can’t just sit there pretending nothing is wrong while you two make eyes at each other.” Lana opened the door to her truck.

“Don’t go,” Clark said, grabbing the door and holding it so she couldn’t get in. “You do make me happy, Lana. Lex… Lex doesn’t love me, or he’s not in love with me, anyway. He didn’t want me,” he continued, dejected.

“That’s why you need to talk to him,” Lana murmured. “I think you’ll find that he feels the same way about you that you feel about him.” She stood on the tips of her toes and gave Clark a chaste kiss on the mouth. “We can still be friends, but we can’t be lovers anymore.” She had tears in her eyes again. “Can you thank your parents for dinner, and say goodbye to them for me?”

“Sure,” Clark replied, stunned. He stepped back and watched her drive away, feeling guilty at the sense of relief it brought. Clark sat heavily on the porch steps, his chin on his hand, staring at nothing. He didn’t know how long he was out there before Lex came out to find him.

“Is everything alright, Clark?” Lex asked, sitting on the step an arm’s length away.

“Lana broke up with me,” Clark replied, still staring forward.

“Well then, call her back, or go after her. I’m sure you can change her mind.”

Clark turned around to face his friend. Lex looked miserable.

“Lex, I don’t want to talk about it. She’s right, she doesn’t make me happy.”

“What would make you happy?” Lex asked quietly, almost as if he was speaking against his will.

Clark was spared the indignity of answering that question by his mother appearing on the porch, shortly followed by his dad.

“What are you boys doing, sitting out here in the cold?” Jonathan asked.

“Just talking, Dad.”

“Where’s Lana?” Jonathan continued, looking around as if she would appear from behind a bush.

“She left, Dad. We broke up,” Clark mumbled.

Martha stood behind him, and squeezed his shoulder. Clark was comforted by the touch, even if he missed the days when his mom had the answers to everything. “I’m sure it’s for the best, honey,” she muttered.

“What happened, son?”

Clark looked up and saw his mom roll her eyes. “She wasn’t right for Clark, Jonathan,” she answered, saving Clark the trouble. “How about I give you boys some pie and you can head to Lex’s house? I’ll grab your overnight bag, too.”

Clark nodded gratefully at his mom. “That would be great.” A sidelong look at Lex showed he looked confused – Clark had to suppress a smirk.

“Why does Clark need an overnight bag?” Jonathan asked.

Before Clark could answer his mom cut him off. “I heard some rustling upstairs earlier this afternoon, so I’ve had to put down traps in Clark’s old room,” she said, her hand petting Jonathan’s arm. “Lex has plenty of spare rooms, so Clark can stay there tonight. Is that alright with you, Lex?”

“Certainly,” Lex replied.

“But Clark wouldn’t worry about a mouse. Anyway, he could just sleep out in the barn, or on the couch,” Jonathan interjected.

“It’s far too cold out there at this time of year, Jonathan, and Clark’s too big to be comfortable on the couch.” Martha went back into the house, Jonathan trailing along behind her.

“So, you’re coming home with me?” Lex asked Clark.

“Yeah, if that’s alright,” Clark replied.

“You’re welcome in my home at any time, Clark.”

Clark just smiled at Lex again and they sat in silence until Martha came out of the house again, a covered plate in one hand, and Clark’s overnight bag in the other. “Here you go, honey,” She said, handing everything to him when he stood up. “Should I make breakfast for you boys in the morning?”

“No thank you, Martha. I’m sure we can fend for ourselves,” Lex responded.

Clark waited for Lex to stand up, then realised they didn’t have any means of transportation. He was about to say something when his mom held out the keys to the truck.

“Just have it home by lunch time, sweetie.”

Clark gave his mom a one armed hug, trying not to hit her with the plate he was holding. “Thanks, Mom,” he whispered.

“You’re welcome, honey. Good luck,” she whispered back.

Clark handed Lex the plate and walked to the truck, opening the door for Lex before throwing the bag into the truck bed and walking around to his own side.

*****

Clark was quiet for the ride back to the mansion, and Lex didn’t want to start the conversation himself. Instead he looked out the window and tried to ignore Clark tapping arrhythmically on the steering wheel. The drive home seemed to take much longer than the trip there earlier that day.

When they finally arrived back at the estate, Lex slid gracefully out of the truck and opened the front door while Clark grabbed his bag. Lex turned around when he heard Clark snickering directly behind him.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing, Lex,” Clark replied, with a huge grin on his face.

Lex walked through the front door and waited for Clark to follow him. Clark was still suppressing a laugh, and Lex turned to look at him, hoping his expression would cause Clark to confess.

After a moment, Clark gave in and spoke, “You have a dirty smudge on the back of your head. Probably from the truck.”

Lex rubbed his head with his hand, horrified. Clark eventually took pity on him, and pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket to gently wipe Lex’s scalp. Lex supposed he should be thankful that Clark had spared him the indignity of licking the handkerchief first. It was all he could do to resist leaning into the innocent touch.

“There, all clean,” Clark murmured.

“Thanks,” Lex replied, embarrassed. “Would you like a game of pool?”

Clark smiled and nodded before following Lex to his office. Lex handed him his old cue, and picked up his own, before racking the balls. With a gesture he indicated that Clark should break and sat back and watched as Clark took his first shot, sinking a striped ball.

Lex walked behind Clark as he moved around the table, trying to decide on the best shot to take. As he brushed by, he reached out one hand to gently caress over Clark’s back, the touch lingering until he moved out of reach. Lex expected Clark to comment on the contact, but Clark just turned and smiled slightly as Lex lined up his shot.

After pocketing two of his balls, Lex missed, giving Clark another turn. After Clark’s cue slid off the ball, causing it to go in the wrong direction, Clark looked around the edges of the table. When Lex passed him the chalk, Clark nodded his thanks and let their fingertips brush momentarily.

After a few games their touches lingered, and Lex felt overheated. He pushed up the sleeves of his sweater and went to the fridge for a couple of bottles of water. He handed Clark one, and took a drink from his own, turning away slightly in an attempt to ignore the flush on Clark’s skin.

Clark eventually broke the silence, “Lex…”

“Yes, Clark,” Lex replied, turning around to face his friend.

“I… Um, can I take a shower?”

“Sure, Clark. I’ll show you your room.”

Clark stepped away and put the pool cue back in its rack, walking around to the other side, putting the table between them. “Thanks, Lex,” he said with a small smile.

Lex had the distinct impression that Clark had meant to say something entirely different.

*****

When Lex woke in the early hours of the morning, he could feel someone else in the room with him. This was a rare occurrence, even when someone had been in bed with him the night before, they usually knew him well enough to be gone the next morning. And Lex had definitely gone to bed alone.

“It’s me, Lex,” Clark said from behind him, one large hand resting on Lex’s bare shoulder.

Lex turned over to lie on his back, and saw Clark stretched out with his head propped up on one arm, facing him, wearing only pyjama bottoms. The moonlight coming in from between the open curtains washed over Clark’s exposed skin, highlighting the defined muscles that lay beneath.

“Clark, what are you doing here?” Lex muttered groggily.

“I had another nightmare. I dreamed that you told me you hated me, and never wanted to see me again.”

“That would never happen, Clark,” Lex replied, ignoring the inner voice telling him that conversations like that only ever happened in reverse.

“I guess I know that, but I keep having this dream anyway. You say such horrible things, Lex,” Clark choked out.

Lex rolled up on his side, so he was facing Clark, and reached his top hand across to stroke Clark’s shoulder and back, hoping it was soothing. The feel of Clark’s hot skin was anything but soothing to Lex’s own nerves, he was hardening under the sheets bunched around his hips, and there was nothing else to hide behind. “It’s alright, Clark. It’s just a dream. I’m sorry it upsets you so much.”

“I know you just did what I wanted, Lex. I’m sorry I was so upset.”

“I wanted it, too, Clark.” Lex stopped when Clark looked up in surprise. “Get into bed,” he ordered, lifting up the sheet slightly to illustrate his point.

“What about the philosophers, and Platonic ideals?” Clark muttered, his gaze fixed on Lex’s mouth as he leaned forward, getting closer to Lex every moment.

“Philosophers aren’t right about everything. They all disagree with each other anyway,” Lex replied. He took a deep breath and repeated the question he’d asked earlier that day, “What would make you happy, Clark?” Lex vowed to do everything in his power to make it happen.

“You.” Clark leaned forward. “I’m not ever going to take philosophy classes, though.”

He silenced Lex’s startled laugh with his mouth.

Lex kissed back for a few moments before pulling away. “Tonight, I just want to sleep. Will you stay with me?”

Clark nodded and slid up and underneath the covers. Lex turned so his back was to Clark, and felt warm skin and wash-softened cotton slide up against his body. He tried to ignore his own erection as he willed himself not to wriggle back against the firm cock pressed against his ass. Clark wrapped one arm around Lex’s body, pulling him close, and Lex held on to that arm, content for the moment to be right where he was, and knowing there was no rush for more.

Philosophy was over-rated anyway.