Title: Butterfly Logic Author: missythang Rating: NC-17 Warning: AU, but only one thing has changed. Everything else is extrapolation based on the change. Summary: A butterfly flaps its wings, and the world changes; but some things always remain unchanged. Author's notes: Damn it…before getting this first line challenge… I didn't really think about Lionel much. And then that one episode where Lionel is threatening Chloe when she researches Lex (and the other krypto- mutants) enforced this plot bunny all the more. Now I have a monstrous two or three part story in the works… with this as the first part. You know… I blame Kira. I don't know why… I just do. This will eventually become more of a character study on Lionel than a Clex thing, but it starts out nice and Clexy. +++ In the Beginning: "Lionel proposed to you, and you said yes?" "I thought it was a joke!" "Obviously. Did he drug you?" "No." "Blackmail?" "No." "He made a pact with the devil, didn't he? Oh, Lilly…I'm so sorry!" "Well, I'm not. Once I knew he was serious, I started thinking about it. I mean, really thinking about it. Lionel loves me, as much as he can, and he's a decent man. He's smart, resourceful, is a wonderful businessman, and it's not as if I'll get many other offers. So I said yes." "That man could make snow look warm by comparison." "That's just his way…he's not really bad you know. He just keeps things inside." "Inside? Lilly, do you really believe a man like Lionel Luthor can love?" Lilly smiled to herself. "I think, a man like Lionel Luthor can love just as easily as any other man. He just…has a different way of showing it. Before: Lionel was frantic, the boy, his son, had wondered off into the fields right before- whatever it was happened. "Lex? Damn it, answer me boy! Lex! ALEXANDER?" As he stumbled through row after row of flattened corn, only one thought ran through his mind. My son is missing. My son, is missing. My SON is MISSING. "Lex!!" He screamed at the top of his lungs. He could do this, he could find a missing boy in cornfield. He was Lionel Luthor. "Lex?" He was rich. "Where are you? Lex!" He was powerful. "Lex, answer me!" He had the things most men only dreamed of. "LEX!" His son was –missing-. As the heavy throated feeling he'd had since realizing his son had wondered off threatened to overwhelm everything, he felt a small tug on his jacket. He glared down at whatever dared interrupt his search. A boy. A naked little boy, who was cradling Lionel's unconscious son in his arms. The child smiled and gestured for Lionel to hold Lex, apparently unaware that Lex, cold, still, and dear God bald, had to weigh more than him. "Oh God, Lex…" He took his son from the child, cradling Lex gently in his arms. He had a sudden hilariously unfunny thought: Now that he had Lex, how the hell would he find his way back to the car? Apparently, the small naked boy was a mind reader, as well as ignorant of the laws of physics. He held Lionel's elbow gently, careful not to jostle Lex, and confidently led them away. Five minutes later, Lionel found himself outside of the field, facing the street he had driven up. Five more minutes of walking (and was Lex still breathing? Yes, thank God.) and Lionel found his car. Laying Lex down in the backseat, ignoring the small child who climbed in to sit with his son's still form, Lionel ran to start the car, then raced towards town. They'd know how to get to a hospital from there. Later: Lionel watched his son through a glass window as the doctors crowded around him. They didn't know what had happened ("Isn't there a single doctor among you who is NOT incompetent?") but his son was stable, for now. He felt a slight tug at his pants leg, the boy again. Someone had found the child some clothes, somewhere, and since then, the boy hadn't moved from this room. Lionel's inquiries as to his name had been met with silence, then an unsure smile. No one knew who the child belonged to, and the boy himself seemed content to stay in this room, dividing his attentions between watching Lionel, and staring through the glass window that framed Lex's pale form. After assuring himself once again, yes, Lex was stable, and no, he wouldn't wake up from his medically induced sleep tonight, Lionel dismissed the doctor from his presence, and strode out of the room purposefully. The little boy seemed torn between staying at the window to watch Lex, and following after Lionel, but came willingly enough when Lionel doubled back to the room and gestured for him to follow. No one knew the identity of this child. No one claimed him, or thought he looked even vaguely familiar. Lionel's final option was to drive back to the field where he (they?) had found Lex, and investigate from there. As soon as they parked next to the field, the boy was out of the car and reaching for Lionel's hand. Lionel considered briefly, then allowed the child to gently tug him into the field where Lex had been… injured. They stopped near several large impact craters. Lionel had learned, from the limited information at the hospital, some sort of meteor shower was responsible for the damage to Smallville, and the surrounding area. It had apparently, killed quite a few people, and injured others. He'd been assured that Lex wasn't the worst of the cases. He didn't care. One of the craters was gleaming with something metallic. "Nak." The boy pointed to the metallic…object. It was the first Lionel had heard the boy speak, and his accent was unlike anything Lionel had ever heard. It sounded slightly musical, like welsh…but with deep guttural sounds, similar to Farsi. Lionel turned his attention away from the child's accent, and approached the object carefully, feet slipping on the loose dirt surrounding the crater. The boy grabbed his arm to steady him, then smiled. He pointed up towards the sky, then back to the object. "Nak. Nak!" Lionel ran his fingers over the shape, jerking backwards and nearly losing his balance again when he realized it warm, and vibrating gently. It seemed to be a pod, or small craft of some origin, and judging by the boys gestures, it wasn't from this planet. "Nak gran tak." The boy pointed at the pod, then himself, "Gran tak." Apparently, the child was as otherworldly as the pod, which didn't come as a big surprise after he had held a child twice his weight. Oh , what he wouldn't give to find out what this little boy was made of. He'd call in the finest doctors…the very best scientists—Lex. Think about Lex. His son had the finest doctors in the country trying to save him. He owed this child his son's life, and a Luthor never leaves a debt unpaid, no matter how tempting. It was a matter of principal. And really, if he helped the creature (a boy from all visible determination) hide now, he could prove to be a useful ally in the future. And he could still observe the child…see how he was different from humans. Having made his decision, Lionel used his phone to order an unmarked van to be driven over and left nearby. He then conducted a search of the immediate area, finding little else but an octagonal disk that he pocketed for future study. And really…if his assistant was curious why he'd requested a van, well, he was smart enough not to ask. Now: "Julian!!" Julian looked up from his reading at the sound of his father's voice. "What is it Father?" Since Lex had moved to Smallville to run that plant, Julian had become more and more withdrawn. He'd always had this connection to Lex, and he really missed his adopted brother. "Come down here, I need to speak with you and I refuse to shout." Julian rolled his eyes and sighed. Trust father to take as long as possible to say something simple. "Be there in a second." Julian closed his books and super-speeded down the stairs, stopping in front of his Father. "What do you need?" "Julian, how many times have I spoken to you about doing that?" Lionel frowned. "Oh, about a hundred." Julian grinned as Lionel gave him a stern look. "And, what, precisely, have I told you?" "Never, ever show my powers unless I'm sure no one can see me." Julian really wanted to roll his eyes at Father, but he knew it would be followed by yet another lecture. "But no one else is here but us." "And how do you know that Julian? Did you check?" "No." "See that you do from now on." "Yes, Father. What did you want to tell me, anyway?" Clark watched his Father, curiousity warring with dread on his face. It had to be either really good…or really bad. "Well, as you know, your seventeenth birthday is fast approaching, and I –thought- you had grown up enough to get some answers about your origins. Now that I've seen that completely frivolous power display, I am reconsidering." "Aw…come on dad! I'll be careful from now on, I promise." "Whining is not a Luthor trait." But there was a hint of amusement dancing in his Father's eyes. "I sincerely hope you'll be careful, Julian. If someone were to catch you displaying such overtly odd characteristics, I might not be able to bribe them enough to stop them going to the news, or the government." Julian shivered at the word. "So, I'll entrust this to you," Lionel took a small eight sided metal disk out of his suit-pocket, and offered it to Julian, "provided you be –very- -careful- using it. Happy Birthday, son." "What is it?" Julian took the disk from his Father's hands; a flash of warmth traveled through his body when he touched it. "It's a key. It unlocks a great mystery, son, one that is waiting for you in Smallville. And, until you explore that mystery fully, I expect you to remain in Smallville, at the Luthor mansion." "With Lex?" At Lionel's nod, Julian's face split into a wide grin; he got to spend time with Lex! "Yes, but I won't want Lex to be distracted from his work, he's finally learning how to run a business." "Yes, Father." "And keep up with your studies, I don't want to have to hire another tutor." "Yes, Father." Julian rolled his eyes not-so-subtly. "Well, then," Lionel twitched his lips in an approximation of a smile, "you'd better start packing. It's a two hour trip to Smallville, and you're leaving tomorrow morning. " Julian nodded, carefully x-raying the house, then disappearing back upstairs, his heart already feeling lighter. By tomorrow afternoon, he'd be spending his birthday with Lex…he could hardly wait. Lionel cleared his throat loudly, then sighed. It was going to be quiet around the house for awhile. He could use the time to catch up on his paperwork, Julian really was a terrible distraction. --I hope I did the right thing, Lilly.-- Before: "So you just found the boy? In a cornfield?" Lillian watched the child playing from the door. "Yes, isn't it remarkable how he can mimic us in every detail?" Lionel's eyes gleamed with excitement. "I wonder…was it deliberate design on the alien's part, coincidence, or did they pick a planet with a similar species to their own? The things we could learn, Lilly… if only we could open that damn ship." Lillian smiled gently at her husband's enthusiasm, then went back to watching the boy. He seemed sad…well, he had been sad since Lionel brought him home. Now he was surrounding himself with some of Alexander's childhood things, building a fort of some kind out of stuffed toys and construction sets. It was true, this child looked very human, his black hair mussed, his skin tanned lightly…nothing Lillian could see was in any way different than a normal human boy…and he was so sweet. Every time her or Lionel stopped to watch the boy, he'd look up and smile at them. And he had the most beautiful, innocent smile Lillian had ever seen. "What are you going to do with him Lionel?" Lillian knew Lionel wouldn't hurt the boy physically, he'd told her what had happened. In too much detail…she couldn't get the picture of her son's unconscious body out of her head. "I've found a couple that will take him in, completely loyal, of course. They'll monitor him, and report back to me." Emotionally, though…knowing the type of people Lionel would pick to raise a small boy gave Lillian the shivers. "Don't you think it would be better to find a family who wanted a child, rather than paying someone? Healthier?" "Don't be silly, Lillian. The boy will want for nothing…and I can't trust some random family not to get attached to him." "But Lionel…he deserves someone who will love him, like any other little boy." "Lillian…we've been through this already. The Logical thing to do is hand him over to-" "People who will raise him for money. That's no way for a little boy to grow up. And think about how well he gets along with Alexander." Lionel frowned at his wife. "What are you saying?" Lillian gave her husband a defiant look. "You know I want another child, and who better to raise him than us? You'll be able to watch him personally, and we can protect him." Lionel shook his head. "Adopt him? You must be joking Lilly…Luthors don't adopt." Lillian watched as the boy gave up on his construction project and joined them at the doorway. "You could set a new precedent. The first Luthor to adopt a son…and Alexander is already so attached to him." She was too…but it was no use mentioning that at the moment. The boy looked up at the sound of Alexander's name from her lips. "'Lexindre….Lexann…Lex!" He raised his arms in a pick-me-up gesture and stared at Lionel. "Lex…lex lex lex…Lex." Lionel sighed, picking up the child. It was true…Alexander was quite fond of the boy from the few hospital visits he'd been on. And obviously, the boy felt the same way. And really…it would be easier to watch the child himself, than hire someone to do it. "All right Lillian. On one condition." Lillian cheered inwardly, but watched her husband with a stern face. "What?" Lionel gently removed the child's fingers from his beard…and the boy giggled at him. "I get to name him." Lillian was surprised it had taken this long… "All right. What will you name him?" The boy was just so sweet, that it was inevitable… "Julian. After Julius, of Rome." Lionel had fallen in love with the child…with Julian… "Julian, a wonderful name, dear." And he didn't even realize it. "Julian." Lionel, with a solemn face, watched the child try to rip his tie off. "Julian Luthor." The child…no… her child, Julian, smiled up at Lionel. Lilly would swear to her dying day she saw Lionel smiling back. Now: Julian leaned over the bridge rail and watched the river. It was peaceful here, not like Metropolis. In the city, there was so much movement…so much noise. But here, there was just this little river and the bridge he was standing on. Smallville was quiet, and Julian loved it. Even the castle was quiet…sometimes too quiet, more like a morgue than a castle. But Lex was there, so he didn't mind it too much. But he encouraged Lex to leave the castle as much as p ossible…preferably with him. When Lex couldn't leave, Julian would sneak off the property to this bridge, or into the woods just to enjoy the quiet. And to think. Mostly about Lex. Julian squinted at the river, looking through the water and counting the different types of fish. Maybe he could get Lex to come fishing with him…he'd never been fishing before. It sounded fun, except for the whole worm-killing part. Julian heard the cars pass behind, but he ignored them; compared to Metropolis traffic, this was nothing. At least is was until he heard a loud thump, and turned around to see a roll of some sort of wire fall off a flatbed, and into the path of a pickup truck. The pickup's driver swerved to miss the wire, and ricocheted off the bridge, heading straight for Julian. There was no time to move, to run, or to do anything really, so Julian closed his eyes and hoped for the best. The last thing he saw before closing his eyes was the terrified expression on the driver's face. After several seconds went by and nothing had happened, Julian opened his eyes in time to see that the truck had missed him by about a foot, and was going to crash into a tree. He winced as the truck's hood first dimpled, then wrapped around the tree in a sort of tree- truck sculpture. Except that someone was in the truck, and would probably be hurt pretty badly. Julian rushed over to help the driver, careful not to damage the already dented door in his attempt to get the driver out of the wreck. He took a second to acknowledge the relief he felt that he hadn't been hit. It –might- not have killed him, or even injured him (he'd been pretty resistant to injuries for most of his life, but he really didn't want to press his luck by tangling with a truck) but he would have had a lot of explaining to do afterwards. -Who? What human-shaped dent? I don't see a dent.- Julian realized he had the man in his arms, and was staring off into space…this was –not- a good time to fall apart. This was a good time to act like Lex would. Cool, collected…scared to death. Well, not the last one. After carrying the man to the side of the road, dialing emergency services on his cell phone, and using the emergency kit he'd found in the undamaged truck bed, Julian collapsed next to the man. Now was a good time to panic…he didn't have much else to do. "You okay, son?" Julian started, surprised to see the man awake. He'd bandaged the driver's head wound, and a few other scraped and bruises, so he didn't look too bad. "I'm fine…just stunned. How are you feeling? I called 911." The driver gave him a pained little smile. "Just a little dizzy…mind helping me sit up?" Julian frowned, people dizzy from car accidents weren't supposed to move. "Umm, actually… I don't think you're supposed to-" The driver attempted to sit up, almost falling over. Clark caught him by the shoulders and propped him up against the curb. "Thank you. I'm Jonathon Kent, by the way." The driver…no, Mr. Kent, extended his hand. Julian gently took it, noticing the wince as he did. "I'm Julian…look, are you –sure- you're okay? You really should be lying down, Mr. Kent." Mr. Kent made a face. "Jonathon. Anyone who rescues me from my truck can call me by my first name." Jonathon shifted his weight slightly, and winced. "Jonathon, are you –really- sure you shouldn't be lying down?" "Naww… I've been in worse accidents before. Wrecked my truck something awful back in '89." Julian's attention sharpened at that. "The meteor shower?" Jonathon gave him a puzzled look, so Julian decided to explain. "I was here for the meteor shower…found in a field of corn. They figure my parent's must have died in it…or abandoned me." Julian took a deep breath, continuing, "Anyway, I was adopted after that…but that's how I know about the meteors." Very few people knew about his adoption…and fewer still knew about his presence at the meteor shower. Something about Jonathon made him want to tell him these things. Maybe it was because he looked trustworthy…or maybe it was because he had just pulled him out of a wrecked truck. "So, you were raised where…Metropolis?" Julian smiled at Jonathon. "Yeah, how'd you know that?" Jonathon chuckled. "You're wearing designer clothes…we don't get much of that out here. And your boots are wrong." "What's wrong with my boots?" Julian said, puzzled. "Nothing wrong with them, don't worry there. It's just that outside of Metropolis, you don't get many people wearing pristine boots. No offense." Jonathon shifted again, and grimaced at the resulting pain. Julian heard a distant siren. "The ambulance should be here soon." Julian said, worried just a little about Jonathon's health, even with reassurances. Jonathon nodded to him. "You're a good kid Julian. Are you going to be in town long? My wife would be very disappointed if I didn't ask you over to dinner to thank you. She's a great cook, my Martha." Julian smiled, people were so –nice- here. This man didn't even know him, but he'd been invited over for dinner anyway. "Umm… I'm not sure how long I'll be staying in Smallville, but I'd love to come by for dinner before I leave." The siren was close now, probably just out of sight. And then, the ambulance was there. Julian helped the paramedics carry Jonathon into the ambulance, and stayed with him as he answered questions. Jonathon still seemed pretty shaken up, even more so when he explained what happened, so Julian figured it was probably best to just sit with him awhile. He reassured the medics that he was fine, he wasn't hit…all though his was a little shaken up, thank you for your concern. Eventually, they left him alone, concentrating on Jonathon. Both paramedics were trying to convince Jonathon to ride up to the hospital when Julian heard Lex's Porsche driving up. He winced as Lex's car squealed to a stop, the scent of burning rubber filled his nostrils. "Who's car is –that-?" one of the paramedics asked, looking surprised. The door on the Porsche flew open hard enough to bounce back, and Lex kicked it open again, then practically leapt out of the car. "Julian!!" Where are you?" Julian wondered if he could just hide behind the ambulance until Lex went away, because he sounded very pissed and slightly panicky. It was the panic in Lex's voice that made him come out from behind the ambulance. "I'm over here, Lex." Julian waved tentatively. The paramedics were staring at him, probably amazed anyone would draw attention to themselves with Lex Luthor sounding so angry. Lex didn't run over to the ambulance, because Lex didn't run. He sort of, glide-walked…much faster than he usually did though. "I heard from, well…it's not important right now…but I heard there was an accident. I trust you're all right?" Lex had slipped into his public persona…cold and distant. Julian –hated- that. And the medics were staring at them, which was really awkward. Lex stared down the ambulance crew until they went back to tending to Jonathon. Julian smiled in thanks. "I'm just fine Lex. You know how it is…" "Trouble comes looking for you. I know…I've heard it before. It's still not a justification for –not- -leaving- -a- -note-." The last words were hissed in Lex's `I-am-so-pissed -off-at-you-Julian' tone. That was reserved for the really bad things…like borrowing Lex's cars without asking…or writing on his scalp with permanent marker (which he'd only done once…-once- but Lex kept bringing it up!). "But-" Lex cut Julian off with a look. "I don't want to hear it. What I –do- want to know is who the idiot was who almost hit you." "That would be me, Mr. Luthor." Whoa…Jonathon's eyes had turned to ice. "And you are?" Lex's tone matched Jonathon's stare. "Jonathon Kent." Lex nodded still looking –very- angry. "Of Kent farms. I get my produce from you; although, if this is the way you normally drive…" "Lex, no! It wasn't his fault." The full fury of Lex's glare was turned towards Julian, and he really couldn't help flinching. He saw a brief flicker of hurt touch Lex's expression before being iced over. "You could have been hurt, Julian. And what were you doing, leaving the castle like that? Do I –really- have to attach a tracking device to you again?" Julian hung his head, the only tie Lex had done that was when his super speed had started showing up…when he could be jogging around the block and end up halfway across the state. "No, Lex." Julian muttered. Lex frowned, probably at his tone, but he didn't actually say anything. "Go back to the castle." "But-" Lex held up his hand, stalling Julian's protest. "Do it. Now. Use my car, I'll sort this out and get a ride back from Enrico, I've already called." Lex tossed Julian his keys, which he caught, still upset. "But-" "Please, Julian." Julian sighed. "All right. I'll see you back at the castle. Lex…" "Go!" Lex's eyes flashed angrily, and Julian ran for the Porsche. It was Thursday before Julian left the castle again, and this time only because the Kents had called to invite him to dinner, and it would have been rude not to go. It wasn't that he wasn't allowed out… it was just that anytime he disappeared for more than a minute, Lex would panic. Julian could practically feel Lex panicking even now…he'd been out of sight too long again. Ever since the near-accident, it was like Lex had a build in alarm clock. If Julian didn't speak to him once every two hours, Lex would wander the house searching for him. So, after finding Lex hunched over his laptop in the study, reading and re-reading the same document…Julian told Lex where he was going, and that he would be back no later than 10. Then, with some reluctance, Julian left. It was a pretty short drive to the Kent's farm, even going the speed limit, which he made sure to do. Lex liked his speeding cars, but really, Julian could run a lot faster…and it was less dangerous. He didn't really like thinking about what could happen to Lex if he drove like that while Julian wasn't around to protect him. Julian realized he was idling in the Kent's driveway, and he should probably go and knock on the door. The door swung open before he could knock, and the woman standing in front of him looked so much like his mother, he thought for a moment that it –was- Mama Lilly. His shock was broken when he was enveloped in a motherly hug…she didn't smell like Mama Lilly did…and looking closer…she didn't look -exactly- like her. But it was close. "Welcome, Julian! My husband has told me everything he knows about you…thank you for saving his life." Julian blinked, still slightly stunned. "Umm… it was no trouble, but I didn't really do much…" "Nonsense! My Jonathon would have tried to walk home, and probably tripped on a pebble and broken his stubborn head. I'm Martha, by the way." Julian smiled shyly at Martha's enthusiastic greeting. "Umm… I'm Julian. But you already know that. So, yeah." Smooth Julian… "Well, don't stand there in the doorway, come in! Jonathon is in the living room, and dinner will be on the table in a few minutes. We're having a roast tonight." Julian followed Martha Kent, who showed him to the living room. "Jonathon, look who's here?" "Hello Julian!" Jonathon was sitting on a comfortable looking couch, reading one of Homer's epics, which was kind of surprising for a farmer. Well… maybe not. But it was to Julian. "Hello, sir." Jonathon pointed to a chair nearby. "Have a seat, son. And I told you to call me Jonathon, remember? I see you've met my Martha, already. I bet you anything by tomorrow she'll have tried to adopt you." Martha gave her husband a mock glare. "Hush you, or no dinner." Jonathon's eye's widened playfully. "No dinner? Can't have that…not when you're serving your famous roast." Jonathon leaned towards Julian, "People have been known to come over just for the food when Martha makes a roast." Julian gave Jonathon a small smile…he wasn't completely comfortable being dragged into the teasing. Martha seemed to sense that, because she excused herself to the kitchen…and Jonathon set down his book, leaning forward. Julian sighed…it always happened when he met people. `So, what's it like to be Lex's little brother? What's Lionel really like? Do you really get everything you want?' So when Jonathon's question wasn't about living with his family, he was a little shocked. "So, how long are you staying in Smallville, Julian? I'd love to find myself a competent farmhand." Julian stared at Jonathon for a moment… a farmhand? "Yeah, to help with the harvest, maybe feed the cows in the evening." Oh, he'd said that out loud. "Umm… thanks for the offer, Mr.…Jonathon, but I'm really busy up at the castle…ahh…helping Lex with stuff." He just couldn't be a farmhand…Lionel would have a fit. And it would cut into the time he and Lex got to spend together, and nothing was more important than spending time with Lex "But I'll be here for awhile…at least until I graduate." "And when is that?" Jonathon smiled, but he looked kind of upset about something. "Umm…in a few months. I'm getting my diploma kind of early." And he was already taking a few college classes online, but that wasn't really important to mention. It would sound like bragging…and Julian really didn't want to brag. "How old are you, Julian?" "Seventeen in a few days, sir." Julian couldn't help it… Jonathon was just a `sir' to him. Jonathon nodded, looking thoughtful. "Seventeen is young to be graduating. How long have you been living with Lex?" Julian sighed, almost relieved. Now the `what are the Luthors really like?' questions would start. "Only a few weeks now. Lex has been busy, what with moving here. We really haven't had much time to see each other since he left Metropolis." Jonathon looked, strangely, even more upset now. "Metropolis?" Julian frowned, maybe Jonathon was worried he didn't pay enough attention to his schoolwork, or something. "Yes…Lex was really helpful when I was studying for exams. He's taught me everything I know." Jonathon started to ask another question, when Martha shouted from the kitchen that dinner was ready. Martha was the best cook Julian had ever, ever met. He was so busy eating, that he didn't really notice no one was talking around the table. He smiled at Martha as he finished his second helping. "This is wonderful, Martha… I can't remember ever having food this good." Martha blushed. "Oh, well… I'm sure your own mother cooks for you." Julian frowned… he remembered one time his mother has tried to make eggs for him and Lex, but she set off the smoke alarms. "Oh, my mother died awhile ago…cancer." Martha looked sad. "I'm so sorry, dear, I didn't know." She grasped his hand, gently squeezing. Julian swallowed around the lump in his throat. "It's all right…she had…a good life." "What about the rest of your family?" Julian started at the abrupt question from Jonathon. "Well, my father is almost always away on business…so I spend a lot of time either studying…or with Lex. Or… I did before he moved. And now I can again." Julian beamed at the Kents… who looked slightly uncomfortable. Well, not everyone liked his family…he'd learned not to take it –too- personally. "Ah, so that's why." Jonathon muttered… then smiled at him as if he'd said nothing. Julian shrugged it off, and went back for a third helping of Martha's wonderful food. Dinner had passed, and Julian felt very comfortable with the Kents now. They had a way of making you feel at home…even though Julian had never actually been inside a farmhouse in his life. But, he reflected as he made the short drive home, there was something upsetting both Kents. They kept passing looks back and forth between each other when they thought Julian wasn't watching. It would have been unsettling… but The Kents were too nice to be plotting something. At home, Julian peeked into Lex's study, finding him asleep at his desk. Julian smiled, shook his head, and gently gathered Lex in his arms, careful not to wake him as he climbed the stairs up to their bedrooms. Lex seemed happy to see him, even asleep, because as soon as Julian picked him up Lex curled into his chest and wrapped his arms around Julian's neck. The only time Lex was this cuddly was when he was asleep…much to Julian's disappointment. After dropping Lex off in his bedroom, Julian got ready for bed…never once questioning why he was so disappointed that Lex wouldn't cuddle when he was awake. A week later, there was a knock at the door. Granted, there were usually people knocking at the door… but they usually had quiet, hesitant knocks, like they were afraid that something bad on the other side of the door was going to attack them or something. This knock was strong, forceful. It was probably Lionel. Julian blinked blearily and looked at the clock. It was only 7 in the morning, so it couldn't be Lionel. Who would be knocking on the door this early? Julian struggled out of bed and got dressed, heading towards the door. "Hello?" Julian cracked the door slightly, surprised by the group standing in front of him. There were three, a middle aged woman with dark eyes and dark skin, a very large, muscular looking man in some sort of uniform, and a rather elderly white man with wire-rim glasses. They all looked very…strict. "Hello, Julian?" The woman gave him a thin smile. "My name is Adrienne Baxter, these are my associates John and Dr. Varga. May we come in?" "Are you here for Lex? Because he's not awake yet." The elderly man had a clipboard, and he was making notes. It made Julian uncomfortable. "No, Julian, we're here to see you. The Kents were slightly…concerned… about your situation, and called us in to help." The woman was trying to be motherly, but she was really…-really- bad at it. Julian felt a slight thread of panic clutch at him. "Situation? What situation?" Julian prayed he hadn't used too much strength on the pickup's door. But if he had… wouldn't the Kents have mentioned it? And why would they be concerned about him? "We can discuss this inside." The large man sounded irritated. "No…not until you tell me why you're here." The large man pushed his way in through the door…and Julian backed away, surprised. No one tried to force their way into any Luthor home…not even the press. "What do you want?" Julian crossed his arms and tried to look intimidating. The woman stepped forward to answer him. "We were send by child protective services to asses your living situation. Dr. Vargas would like to ask you a few questions while John and I look around the house." Child protective services? Why would the Kents call them? What did he do that was so wrong at dinner? "I don't think Lex would like it if you go poking through his stuff. And I'm not answering any questions." Julian walked over to one of the hallway tables, pressing a small button on the underside of the wood. A second later Enrico appeared. Enrico was Lex's butler, household manager, and bodyguard. The various trigger buttons around the house called him if there was an emergency. "Master Julian? You needed something?" Julian sighed in relief, Enrico was a very intimidating man, and just having him there made Julian feel better. "These people want to search the house. They want to ask me questions… about my `living situation'. They say they're from child protective services." With each sentence Julian spoke, the slight frown on Enrico's face deepened. "Really? Well, I'll escort them into the living room and speak with them. Why don't you go and wake Master Lex?" Julian nodded to Enrico, and left the room quickly enough to ignore any of the stranger's objections. "Lex?? Lex!" Lex was still asleep, of course. Julian shook Lex's shoulder's hard, and called his name loudly. "Hzz…wha? What? Julian? `m I still dreaming?" Lex blinked blearily. "There are some people here from Child services, they want to search the house." Julian was panicking now. "They want to ask me questions, Lex, what do I do?" "-What-?" Lex actually jumped out of bed, which was amazing for so early. Of course, that wasn't as amazing as the fact that Lex slept entirely naked and Julian had never noticed. "Child protective services? Why?" Julian stared at his brother for a moment. He was beautiful…sleek, well-muscled, and totally smooth. He looked perfect. Julian realized, with a heavy sinking feeling, that his brother didn't just look good as a brother, he looked good as a potential lover. "Julian!" Julian jumped. "Why are they here?" "Umm… Th-they said the Kents were concerned about where I lived. Lex, why would the Kents be concerned? What happens if they take me away? What happens if they try to draw blood…or I sneeze and set fire to something…or…." "Julian, you're not going anywhere." Lex walked into his walk-in closest, apparently completely comfortable with being naked. "They can't search our house without a warrant, and without a –very- strong indication that a child is in eminent danger, they can't take you away." Lex emerged from the closest, looking immaculate in one of his weekend suits. "Let's go down and greet them, then." "Okay Lex." Julian followed his brother down the stairs, not entirely comfortable about hiding behind him, but too scared not to. Lex was right, they couldn't actually make him go anywhere, but if he resisted too much, they might know something was different about him. Plus, and this was the wrong time entirely, he really needed to think about why Lex's ass looked so wonderful in those pants. They made it downstairs in time to watch the three strangers trying to push their way past Enrico, which was a very bad idea since Enrico had, at one time, been a Navy SEAL. Before things could get out of hand. Lex stepped into the room, forcing everything to a stop. Lex looked around calmly. "Gentlemen, Madame; Julian told me you were with child protection?" "Mr. Luthor, yes we are. We're here to asses the conditions your teenage…friend…is living in." The woman sneered as she said the word friend, which kind of confused Julian. Lex wasn't really his friend… he was his brother. But the way she –said- friend sounded kind of--- Oh. Oh! Oh, God…they thought he and Lex were… that he and Lex….did they even know he was related to Lex? Did the Kents know? Maybe the Kents knew…but they could somehow tell that he liked his brother a little more than was appropriate. But Julian didn't even know then…how could they? "I don't like what you're implying, Miss-" Lex paused, waiting for her to fill in her name, "Baxter. Mrs. Baxter, in fact. What I'm implying is that this child is living in an inappropriate situation, far from his parental guardian, and with no visible means of support aside from your… generosity." Mrs. Baxter practically spit the last word. Lex looked slightly amused. "I'm not quite sure what the Kents have told you, but it's entirely appropriate that Julian lives here." The elderly man just kept scribbling things on his clipboard… it was creepy how he never actually seemed to look up at anyone. "Really, Mr. Luthor? I know your family has a reputation for unconventional family models, but even you have to admit that an underage teenager living with a young billionaire is highly suspicious." Mrs. Baxter looked slightly smug at her own words. Julian had a hard time not laughing. "Well, Mrs. Baxter, it's generally considered appropriate when the underage teenager is the young billionaire's brother." "Brother?" All three child protective agents looked slightly stunned, the elderly man had even stopped writing long enough to glance up at Lex. "Yes. Julian Luthor." Lex sounded –very- smug. "Adopted in 1989, through a private adoption agency. Julian, show this woman your driver's license, if you would?" Julian dig his wallet out of his pocket with a little grin. "Sure Lex." He handed his license to the woman, who glanced at it, then passed it over to the elderly man. The man nodded to her, and she looked disappointed. "Well, -if- this is real, you won't have anything to worry about from us, Mr. Luthor. But just in case, I'm contacting your father, and I expect copies of all the adoption paperwork on my desk by Friday." The woman handed Lex a card. "This is my office address…I trust you know how to do the rest. Mr. Luthor, Julian…have a good evening." With that, the three started out of the living room, with Enrico following after them. As soon as everyone had left, Lex's business mask fell…and when he turned back towards Julian, he looked almost afraid. Lex made his way over to his favorite chair and sat down heavily. "I'm sorry, Julian. I tried to hide it…I tried so hard. But," Lex laughed weakly, "apparently, I didn't try hard enough." "Hide what Lex?" Julian couldn't quite believe what he was hearing… did Lex like him…that way…too?" Lex's perfect posture dissolved as he slumped down into his chair. "Hide the reason I have your picture in my bedside table. The reason I didn't object when Father sent me here…I love you Julian." Lex wouldn't even look at him now. "I love you more than any brother should." "But Lex, we're not brothers. Not really…I mean, we did grow up together, sort of, but we're not related." Lex covered his eyes and sighed. "It's still wrong, Julian." "No it's not!" Lex looked up, the surprise easily read on his face. Julian took a deep breath, and continued. "It's not wrong, Lex. Not if I feel the same about you." Taking advantage of Lex's temporary shock, Julian stepped forward, leaned down, and brushed their lips together. He pulled away, scared of Lex's reaction. Lex stared at him for a moment, then slowly smiled. "Are you sure, Julian? Really sure?" "More sure of this than of anything Lex. I-" Julian was interrupted by another kiss, this one started by Lex. This was no hesitant kiss like Julian's, this was an experienced man's kiss. Julian wondered, with a tiny surge of jealousy, exactly who Lex had practiced on, but the thought of Lex with someone else was quickly wiped out of his mind when Julian felt Lex's tongue against his lips. Julian opened his mouth slightly, and Lex explored his lips, licking them and gently biting, then moving in to lick the roof of his mouth. Julian felt his knees getting shaky, so he gently guided Lex over to the couch, half falling on Lex as he sat down. Lex seemed to take that as encouragement, pulling at Julian's shirt, kissing his neck with tiny sucking kisses. Julian moaned encouragingly, tilting his head to give Lex more room. It felt so good…Lex was so good at this, but Julian didn't want Lex doing everything, because that wouldn't be fair. So Julian gently tugged Lex up onto his lap, running his hands up underneath Lex's shirt and trying to imitate Lex's kissing technique. From the enthusiastic wiggling, he wasn't doing –too- bad. Whenever Lex squirmed, Julian felt his dick twitch, and this wave of lust up and down his spine. Eager to return the feeling, Julian spread his legs so that Lex straddled one thigh, and rubbed his leg against the bulge in Lex's perfectly tailored slacks. Lex moaned, rubbing himself against Julian's thigh in counterpoint. Julian could feel the heat from Lex's sex through their clothes, and every gasp, every pant, every moan Lex moaned made Julian's arousal grow. Finally, after what seemed like forever, but was probably only a few minutes, Lex stiffened against him, then shuddered. Julian could – feel- the wetness on his pants, and that was all it took to drive him over the edge, his legs shaking as he made a mess of the inside of his pants. As Lex snuggled him to him, his last –very- sleepy thought was that he finally got Lex to cuddle with him while they were awake. A few weeks later: Julian would see the Kents, occasionally, mostly around town…and he would always smile happily and wave. He hadn't quite forgiven the Kents yet…but he was, in a strange way, grateful to them. After all, they had given him Lex. Not that Lex was actually talking to him at the moment…or even being alone with him in the same room. Lex probably felt guilty, but Julian knew he could wear Lex down, eventually. Now that Julian knew what he wanted, he would never stop trying to get it. Him. Lex. And for showing him that, he could smile at Kents, and wave. <<