DISCLAIMER: I do not own the characters in my story (unfortunately)
or they would spend most of their time in sappy circumstances ---
preferably naked.
PAIRINGS: Clex (of course!), Lionel/Lillian
WARNING: Alternate Universe, Futurefic, lots of sap (believe me!), a
little angst
RATING: PG-13
SUMMARY: Clark Kent had finally met his Prince Charming in Lex Luthor
but sometimes fairytales do not end with a happily-ever-after. How
will Lex fight for their happy ending?
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Ho!Ho!Ho! My summary reminds me of our local soap
operas --- they are known for using every possible cliché that you
can find.
This story has been long in the making due to my incessant pc
problems. It was inspired by the movie classic Sabrina and the more
sappily, pick-up movies of our day (guess which movies I'm talking
about). Hope you like it.

`….' signifies thoughts


REACH FOR THE STARS


December 31, 2005
10 PM

"I'll take you to the stars, Lex."

Clark never thought that he would have the temerity to utter such
promise and he cringed inwardly dreading the cutting response coming
from those sensuous lips…lips that gave him so much pleasure…lips he
have showered with so much love.

In the twilight of that announcement came remembrance…a week of
happiness that made him quiver…made him wish that he could turn back
time.

Lex heard this phrase countless of times before, perhaps in different
contexts uttered by past lovers but Clark never thought that he would
join that particular bandwagon. He had also heard the usual response
to those avowals.

Clark had wished for Lex to be his ever since he could remember…
perhaps since he realized what loving someone meant.

Yet they were never meant to be together. Lex had deceived Clark and
Clark ---Lex…they hid a lot of important things from each other,
things that they should have told each other before they let things
progressed as they did. In turn, both had lost each other's trust.

Their story would have been a fairytale…the stuff of legend or so Lex
said….

Christmas Eve
1998

Once upon a time on a little town just outside of Metropolis quaintly
called Smallville there lived a small boy in a large castle, the
castle was very large indeed and have many servants.

There were gardeners who take care of the garden and a tree surgeon
on retainer. There were specialists to take care of the grounds ---
the outdoor tennis court and the indoor tennis court, the outdoor
swimming pool and the indoor swimming pool. Then there was a man
with no particular title who took care of the little pond where there
lived a goldfish named Dick.

Luckily, they were far enough from any large body of water that they
did not require a boatman to put out the boat during spring or scrape
its bottom in the winter.

In this same castle lived a housekeeper named Martha Kent who was
imported from Metropolis along with the valuable heirlooms of the
family. Mrs. Kent had lost her husband and their farm during the
meteor shower of '89. She, along with her newly adopted son, Clark,
moved to Metropolis until the day Lionel and Lillian Luthor hired her
as the castle's cook.

Now, Mrs. Kent was one of those independent women who wanted the best
for her son. The meteor shower was both a curse and a blessing to
her. On the same day she lost her husband, she found an abandoned
boy in the cornfields. Her little boy was so special, a gift from
heaven (both literally and figuratively) and she swore to protect her
son and his secret as long as she lived.

Clark was everything she would wish in a son --- obedient,
thoughtful, courteous, handsome, sometimes painfully shy and
oftentimes too curious for his own good. He had taken to following
the Luthor's only son, Alexander, no matter what he did around the
castle. Alexander ---Lex to his friends, didn't seem to mind his
small shadow and perhaps found it quite amusing to see someone so
faithful and worshipful as Clark was.

Strangely enough Clark could never speak a word in front of Lex, so
painfully shy in the presence of his hero. He would just smile
brilliantly, a smile that Lex declared as akin to sunshine breaking
out of storm-tossed clouds.

Clark would often climb a tree overlooking the grand ballroom of the
castle and would stay there the entire night watching the Luthor heir
either danced the night away with beautiful young debutantes or joked
around with his school pals. Unbeknownst to the Luthor patriarch,
Lex had a quaint habit of arranging assignations with his beautiful
dance partners. They would meet secretly in the indoor tennis court -
--where Lex would bring a bottle of champagne and two crystal
glasses. He would start with a simple conversation aimed to flatter
his companion and they would end up horizontal in the said court …
just another notched in his bedpost.

Yet this happy set-up never lasted for long. By the next gathering
Lex would be having what Clark called "It's not you…but it's not me
either…" conversation which often ended with Lex's standard catch
phrase "There's nothing left to say…." These break-ups were
oftentimes loud and angry (on the part of the "dumpee") but eerily
calm on Lex's side.

Clark knew that his hero-worshipping…okay, obsession with Lex was not
healthy for someone his age much more towards the member of the same
sex. He would have declared himself a freak (not counting his other
worldly gifts) and the situation totally hopeless if he hadn't seen
proof that his dreams might not be too unattainable at all that
Christmas Eve of '98. He knew that Lex's favorite make-out spot was
the indoor tennis court but there were also times when the older guy
would just disappear early during the gatherings and would reappear
several hours later with a smug look on his face and a noticeable
stiffness in his graceful gait. Those were the times when Clark
couldn't find Lex and his chosen partner in the court.

Clark was grumbling like any twelve year old forced to do something
that he didn't want to do. He wanted to go back on his tree where he
would wait for Lex to reappear and join the hundred or so guests of
the Luthors. His mom had asked him to go to the greenhouse where she
had some fresh herbs she needed for some last minute garnishing of
her turkey dinner. Clark, not needing any light to trudge his way to
the greenhouse due to his eyesight that could rival and surpass a cat
at any day, heard a low moan coming from one of the gazebo's just
five hundred meters away from the greenhouse. Thinking that somebody
needed his help, he sped silently to the said gazebo only to stop
dead when he heard Lex's distinctive voice calling out roughly.

"Yesssss…harder Jake…harder."

Clark approached stealthily and what he saw made him gasp.
Fortunately the two occupants were so busy and noisy themselves to
notice that quick inhalation of Clark. Clark couldn't take his eyes
off the young god in front of him. He barely noticed the other man
with Lex. His innocent eyes tracked down Lex's body…from his bald
head that made him look fragile and unique, down the lightly muscled
chest, down the long shapely legs deliberately bypassing the rampant
manhood of his idol…dwelling on well-shaped thighs and feet. Lex was
hairless all over, his skin a flawless ivory that contrasted sharply
against his partner's darker hue. Unable to avoid looking at the
part of Lex that he was relatively curious about (is it hairless
too?) he finally gave in to the temptation. Lex's manhood was a
work of art to Clark's young eyes. Not having anything to compare it
against except his own Clark decided that Lex's penis was the most
beautiful thing in the world.

The increasing sound coming from the two men signaled the culmination
of their activity and pushed Clark to leave before he was
discovered. He ran to the greenhouse, quickly finding the herbs he
was supposed to pick and went back to the kitchen handing them to his
mother with trembling fingers.

"H-here mom…I'm g-going back to my tree if you don't have anything
for me to do, t-that is." Clark stammered.

Martha Kent frowned with concern at the unsettled look on her son's
face.

"Is everything alright, Clark? You look flushed…are you sick?"

"Me..s-sick…of course not, Mom. I just run from the greenhouse…."

Mrs. Kent still looked worried despite the explanation but decided to
let it drop for the moment.

"Okay, you may go…but come back at 11 o'clock to help serve the food."

"Of course, Mom."

Clark ran back to his tree and immediately scaled up the branches.
He sat there for what seemed like hours to him. Thinking about the
things he'd seen and things he'd felt.

The warm tingly feeling that settled on his lower body was completely
alien to him…well, more strange than his gifts of strength, speed,
keen sense of sight and hearing. These gifts became more pronounced
just last year. They frightened him but his mother said that he was
special and that only special people were given these abilities. He
asked his mother if she also had "gifts" because she was pretty
special too. His mother just laugh and hugged him *although he
thinks that he was too old for hugs. he's eleven and three quarters
for pete's sake!).

"Clark, thank you for saying that but I'm not that special to
everyone, just to you. You, my baby, is just a bit different."

"So is Lex kinda special too, Mom?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Because the kids at school was asking me why Lex doesn't have hair.
They think that he has cancer or something like that. They said that
that he was different from other people…a freak. That makes me a
freak too, right?"

"Clark, that's not true at all. You and Lex are both unique. Lex…
Lex lost his hair during the meteor shower and he was sick for a long
time. Looking different from other people or having different
abilities does not make you bad…it only means that you're destined
for greater things, Clark."

Clark's thoughts were interrupted when he heard his name being called
by his Mom.

"I'm coming, Mom."

Clark tried to brush the leaves off his white shirt and dark slacks
worn for special occasions when he had to help serve during parties
in the castle. He approached his mom who clucked at the telltale
stains on his shirt and tried vainly to straighten his hair. Clark
was handed the platter containing the thin slices of turkey and the
fresh herb garnishing that caused him so much conflict.

Clark carefully balanced the platter and started his rounds in the
ballroom. He smiled shyly at the matrons cooing how cute and helpful
he was. He was so involved in executing his duties perfectly that he
didn't noticed that his mom was also efficiently helping gathering
discarded champagne flutes by his side. They neared where the elder
Luthors were standing observing the festivities around them.

"Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Luthor." offered Martha Kent courteously.

"Martha…and young Clark…why are you doing the serving?" Lillian
Luthor asked in surprised.

Lillian Luthor , widely regarded as the Grand Matriarch of
Metropolis, was an unusually warm and kind hearted woman ---that was
quite unusual for women of her status. She was the perfect
counterpoint to her husband's austere and arrogant personality. Lex
was said to have had inherited her charm and disregard for the status
quo.

"Clark had agreed to be the Ben's last minute replacement. Ben
twisted his ankle this morning while hanging up one of the lanterns.
We couldn't get anyone else at such short notice." Martha explained
politely.

"Is Ben alright?" Lillian asked with real concern.

"Yes, Ms. Lillian. He just needed to rest for a day or two."

"You don't mind the job, Clark?" Lillian asked the boy warmly.

"Ah…no ma'am. It's not really hard at all." Clark replied shyly.

A smugly smiling lex sauntered over to join in their conversation.
He bent down to kiss his mother's cheek after civilly nodding a
greeting to his father. He smiled at the Kents and noted bemusedly
that Clark's cheeks had reddened cutely.

"Martha, the food as always, was superb…especially the turkey or so I
heard." Lex sincerely complimented.

"I'm glad you like it Lex. I've almost forgotten the herbs in my
hurry. I have to send Clark out tonight to get some from the
greenhouse…it wouldn't have…." the rest of Marha's statement was lost
to Lex who's head came up sharply at the mention of the greenhouse.
Now he knew the reason why Clark was blushing furiously and why he
couldn't look him in the eye. He realized that you had to pass
closely to the gazebo before reaching the greenhouse and if Clark was
out there tonight…oh god!

It was Lex's turn to blush. Martha noticed his sudden change in
color and she looked from Lex to her blushing son. Martha Kent was
not totally insensitive to the things happening around her and she
knew that Clark couldn't stop talking about Lex. It was always Lex
this and Lex that. She also noticed how Clark looked at Lex ---it
was not the look of an innocent little boy with a bad case of hero-
worshipping. It was something else, something more intense and it
frightened her.

She knew her son was different from any other boy in Smallville ---
or even the whole world come to think of it. She was afraid that
Clark, wanting to impress Lex would be tempted to confide in him and
in the process, Lionel Luthor would also be privy to the secrets she
was trying to hide. Martha had no doubt whatsoever that Lionel would
exploit her son. He might have tried to hide his dark deeds to
Lillian or Lex but she was sure that he wouldn't let such a golden
opportunity pass.

"Mom, Mom! Are we finished here yet?" Clark's voice woke her out of
her daze.

"Oh…yeas. Please excuse us." Martha politely took their leave of
the Luthors.

That night Martha Kent was unable to sleep for a long time. She
wanted Clark to grow up safe and sound and it would never happen if
he refuses to stop following Lex around. The young heir might not be
a carbon copy of his father but he definitely had a streak of
ruthlessness about him ---a thirst to prove himself to a father who
remained indifferent to his accomplishments. No, as long as Lex
hadn't found his niche in the cut-throat world of the Luthors, Clark
would be in danger.

*************************************************

After hours of turning and tossing, Martha finally had a viable plan
in mind. However hard it was for her and Clark, she was going to
send him away. She knew someone who would be able to take care of
him and help him in controlling his abilities. Cassandra Verne. She
was one of their neighbors when they still had a farm. Cassandra was
one of the unfortunate victims of the meteor shower ten years ago.
She lost her sight but another gift replaced it. She was able to
foretell the future. Cassandra decided to move to Japan eight years
ago believing that Asian medicine could help her in ways that Western
doctors couldn't but they had kept in touch throughout the years.
Cassandra was the only other person whom she had confided to about
her son. Martha and Clark were given a long-standing invitation to
come and stay with Cassandra and she finally decided to accept in
behalf of Clark. She wanted to send Clark to Kyoto, thousands of
miles way, hoping that distance would dim the attachment he seemed to
have developed for Lex. Tomorrow, she would call Cassandra
explaining her plan. Then she would tackle the most difficult part
of her plan ---talking to Clark.


December 23, 2005
Metropolis, Kansas

A tall, darkly handsome young man stepped out of the Metropolis
Plaza, smiling politely at the bellhop who had assisted him with his
luggage.

After receiving the $20 tip, the bellhop tipped his hat and
said, "Thank you, Mr. Kent. A Merry Christmas to you."

Clark Kent looked at the bellhop in surprise. He never expected the
man to remember him but then again this premier hotel promoted
personalized service at its best. The fat tip that he had given last
night only encouraged the bellhop to give better service.

Clark Kent had finally come back to Kansas after six long years of
exile. His plane had come in late last night and he decided to stay
in Metropolis instead of heading out to Smallville immediately. He
wanted to surprise his Mother so he neglected to mention during their
conversation last week that he was coming home for Christmas.

He settled himself at the back of the rented car (which had included
a chauffeur) looking out of the window and watching the scenery as
they whizzed by.

A lot of things seemed to have happened to him in the six years that
he was sent away. Nothing very exciting but still life changing in
his opinion. He remembered how furious he was when his mother talked
to him the day after Christmas telling him that it would be best for
him to stay with her friend in Kyoto, Japan. She said that Cassandra
would be able to help him control his awakening powers and most
importantly, he would be far from the Luthors, namely one Lionel
Luthor, who would not hesitate to imprison him in the nearest
available laboratory for observation.

Despite his vehement protests and promises not to reveal his powers
to anyone, Martha Kent was not to be swayed.

A sullen and resentful Clark Kent was packed and sent-off before New
Year's Eve, not even given a chance to say goodbye to his friends and
most especially, Lex.

He had expected his lengthy stay in Kyoto to be hell but luckily he
was proven wrong. Cassandra was a very interesting and eccentric
lady who refused to put-up with his pouting. She immediately put him
to work in her small riding school, Little Kansas Riding School, for
handicapped children. He started out mucking the stalls, feeding the
horses and assisting the riding instructor until Cassandra deemed him
fit to co-manage the school. There he met his best friend, Chloe
Sullivan, a budding reporter who had wanted to feature the riding
school in her school newspaper. Chloe's father, Gabriel Sullivan was
sent to Kyoto by Luthor Corp to serve as the consultant to a thriving
fertilizer plant. Being a widower with no other relatives to leave
his daughter Chloe, he was forced to bring her with him to Japan.

Having Chloe as a friend was both a blessing and a curse. A blessing
because the naturally extrovert teen-ager was able to draw out Clark
who started out as shy and tended to fade into the woodwork.

Martha and Cassandra agreed that Clark would be better off with a
tutor rather than attend a regular school, since the manifestation of
his powers had proven to be unpredictable. Cassandra, who had been a
philosophy professor for more than twenty years before she was forced
to retire because of her injury, was more than happy to have had the
opportunity to teach again. For the other subjects that she could
not teach, they were able to hire tutors. To say that Clark led a
very sheltered if somewhat lonely life, was an understatement.
Chloe, along with the other volunteers in the riding camp, were the
only friends Clark had. Yet, he couldn't begrudge his mother's
protectiveness knowing that it stemmed from fear of losing him to
unscrupulous men if his origins were made known. The erratic
manifestation of his abilities made it dangerous for him to be in a
regular classroom amidst the natural inquisitiveness of teenagers.
One reason why having Chloe as a friend was comparable to owning a
double-edged sword. Her curiosity knew no bounds and Clark found it
difficult to distract her when he had to use his powers during
emergencies. He finally decided to tell her on his 18th birthday,
making her swear not to mention anything to Cassandra who would
surely be upset. Luckily, Chloe was not frightened by his revelation
only quite put-out that she wouldn't be able to break the "news of
the millennium" as she call it…well, at least not for years and years
yet. Clark had to swear on every known deity that if ever he decided
to come clean with his identity, Chloe would be the reporter of his
choice.

Clark sighed wistfully. He had less than an hour to go before he
arrived in Smallville and he still didn't have any idea how to put
his plan into action. He was 18 now, a man in his own right. Free
to do whatever he want and with whomever he wanted to do it with. He
had been waiting for this day for a long, long time. His exile only
made him realize that some things were meant to be, no matter how
long one had to wait to make them come true.

Alexander Joseph Luthor. The name had seldom left his thoughts these
past six years. His mother had either called or e-mailed him almost
daily talking about things she have done, the people she had spoken
with, amusing anecdotes about the other servants and even about the
elder Luthors. But whenever he tried to ask about Lex, she would
tell him that he was doing fine and would immediately change the
topic. After she'd been doing this for months, Clark had finally
given up and stopped asking. Unbeknownst to her, Clark had started
to rely either on the American newspapers that Cassandra have had
delivered everyday or the Internet to keep tabs on Lex. He started
his own scrapbook on Lex and even joined a mailing list dedicated to
one of Metropolis Most Eligible Bachelor.

Clark could never verbally explain his fascination with Lex Luthor.
When Chloe, who was his self-appointed confidante, asked him, all he
could say was that the idea of Lex and him was simply right. He
couldn't see himself with anyone else…male or female.

***********************************************************

"Sir…sir we're already here. Wow, you have such a beautiful house…
ummm castle…whatever!" the awed voice of the driver shook Clark out
of his stupor.

"Oh, we're here! Sorry to disappoint you, man. This is not my
house. We just work here." Clark grinned at the driver, handing him
a tip after getting his luggage from the trunk of the car.

"Thank you, sir! Merry Christmas!" with a jaunty salute, the driver
backed out of the circular driveway and drove down the lane.

"Clark! Clark! What are you doing here? Why didn't you tell me
you're coming home?" Martha Kent exclaimed happily running out of
the kitchen's side entrance, accompanied by the other servants.

"Hey Mom! I miss you and this is supposed to be a surprise." Clark
grinned winningly at his flummoxed mother.

*************************************************************

"Looking at you two, one wouldn't believe that you've just seen each
other this summer." The amused voice of the Luthor butler, Enrique,
interrupted the reunion.

"Enrique, it's nice to see you again!" Clark exclaimed.

"Same here, young Clark. I'm glad that you still remember me."
Enrique responded.

"It's kind of hard to forget the person who taught me how to play
poker." Clark grinned at his mother sheepishly.

Martha Kent just shook her head knowingly. Enrique, despite his dour
and staid appearance, had a gentle and often mischievous side. The
rest of the servants poured out of the castle to welcome Clark
warmly. They had missed the boy and were eager to see for themselves
if "young Clark" had indeed grown up. The reunion would have lasted
longer if Martha hadn't shooed them off with the reminder that they
still have dinner to prepare.

"How's Cassandra doing?" Martha inquired.

"Busy planning for her trip to China…she invited me but I told her
that I want to spend time here in Smallville instead." Clark said.

"Do you want to rest, Clark?" Martha asked her son, still unable to
believe that he's home with her.

"If you don't mind mom, I'd like to walk around some."

"Okay, but be sure to head back by 6PM."

Clark started to walk down the driveway, out of the huge gate and
turned towards the direction of town. He marveled at the sight that
seemed to have been frozen in time. Nothing had changed since he
left six years ago. He headed to the Beanery (at least he hoped that
it was still called that), intent on seeing if the students still
hang out there but the sight of a new coffeehouse distracted him. A
coffee house that was named "Talon" now replaced the old cinema.
Clark crossed the street and entered the said establishment, looking
around him curiously.

He felt a hand tapped him on his left shoulder and a familiar voice
addressed him.

"Errr….man…do I know you from somewhere?"

Clark turned to fully face the speaker and a wide grin immediately
surfaced.

"Pete…Pete Ross? Hey, don't you remember me?"

"Well, you do look familiar…."

"It's me Clark Kent. We were classmates in grade school."

"Of course! Clark! Wow, man…you look really different!" Pete
gawked involuntarily at the tall, well-built man with brilliant green
eyes and unruly hair. A far cry from the shy, geeky Clark of old.

"Ha!Ha! It's been six years and you look different yourself."

"Where have you been, bro? Oh, I want to introduce you to someone.
Bet you wouldn't recognize her too." Pete said as he dragged Clark
towards the counter and tapped a dark-haired young woman who was busy
beside the espresso machine.

"Hey, got someone here to see you. Recognize him?" Pete asked.

The girl being addressed to turn around and Clark immediately
recognized his childhood playmate.

"Lana Lang! You've grown into a very pretty lady." Clark announced
smilingly.

"Thank you…but do I know you?" a confused pair of brown eyes
inspected him carefully.

"Lana, this is Clark Kent. Remember him?" Pete answered for Clark.

Oh my god! Clark! Of course, I remember him. We've been together
since playschool." A delighted smile replaced the confused frown.

The three of them ended up sitting together in one of the booths,
drinking coffee and swapping stories. Clark found out that both of
Lana and Pete were seniors in the local high school and that Lana co-
owned the coffee house (along with Lex Luthor). Clark couldn't
believe how easy it was to be with his former friends again and
before he knew it, it was past six o'clock. He said goodbye, leaving
them with a promise to have lunch the next day.

Clark walked home slowly deciding to pass by the bridge on his way to
the castle. Once there, he looked down the silent river while
thinking how strange it was to come home and see all of these once
again quite different from Cassandra's place in Kyoto. Preoccupied
with these thoughts, he nearly missed the roar of an obviously
expensive vehicle as it came barreling through the bridge. Clark
looked up just in time to see the car suddenly skid towards him, the
eerily familiar driver obviously had trouble with the brakes. The
impact of the crash had hit him squarely threw him off the bridge
together with the car that had gone through the railing. His last
thought before he hit the water was that life truly sucks! He had
come to Smallville to finally be with Lex only to have the latter run
him over. When the car and Clark hit the water, he immediately tried
to pry open the doors of the sinking car but finally gave up when
they refused to budge. He took hold of the car roof and ripped it
open. He pulled Lex Luthor's limp body and towed him towards the
shore.

"Please, please don't be dead." Clark chanted shakily as he started
CPR. "Please don't leave me, Lex."

After a couple of puffs on the blue lips, he pumped Lex's chest. He
could hear the ambulance and police sirens at the distance but he
still continued his efforts. Finally, he heard Lex gave choking
coughs and Clark gently turned him to his side to allow the water out
of his lungs.

"Thank god. Thank god." Clark mumbled breathlessly.

The rest of the rescue was a blur to Clark and before he knew it,
they were headed out to the castle onboard the police cruiser. Lex
had stubbornly refused to be hospitalized, demanding to be taken home
instead to let his own doctor check him. So there they were, sitting
huddled at the back of the police car, each wrap in emergency
blankets.

"Ummm, I never got to thank you, mister." Lex's voice was still
hoarse after coughing for the last hour, trying to dislodge the water
he swallowed.

"No need to thank me, Lex. It's just what most people would do given
the same situation. I know you'd do it too in a flash." Clark smiled
at the startled expression on Lex's face.

"Hmmm…would I? You give me too much credit, mister." Lex responded
cryptically.

"Nope, I'm just telling the truth."

"So, where should we drop you? I think I've inconvenienced you long
enough." Lex asked apologetically.

"Oh, no need to drop me first. We'd better put you to bed first.
Not that it's noticeable but I could tell that you look like on the
verge of collapsing." Clark said, amused that Lex did not recognize
him.

"Are you sure? Do you live near the Luthor Monstrosity?" Lex asked
jokingly, unable to stop himself from prolonging the conversation.
He didn't know why he was drawn to the boy. There was just something
about him.

"Oh, pretty near it." Clark answered concomitantly.

Before Lex could tell him that he wasn't aware that they had
immediate neighbors, they've reached the front door of the castle.
He could see most of the servants standing outside and his mother
looking deeply worried (having been informed by the sheriff of the
accident). His father was noticeably absent as usual.

"Figures…he's never been there when I really needed him." Lex
muttered sullenly. Clark couldn't help overhearing it and his heart
ached at the pain and disappointment in Lex's voice.

"Oh my god, Lex. Are you alright?" Lillian's frantic voice greeted
both men as they alighted from the police car. The concern and love
of his mother was a balm to the hurt caused by his father's obvious
disregard.

"Clark…Clark…I received a call from the Sheriff. Are you okay? What
happened?!" Martha Kent's distress caught Lex's attention.

`Clark? As in Clark Kent? Was this the same boy who used to follow
me around?' Lex thought in disbelief.

Their eyes met over their mothers' shoulders and Clark gave him a
repentant grin --- silently asking for Lex's forgiveness for playing
a joke on him. Lex smiled his usual shark-like smile and Clark, who
was familiar with Lex's creativity when it came to revenge, widened
comically in mock horror. Lex gently disengaged himself from his
mother and walked over to Clark and Martha. Lillian, turned to the
cops, thanking them for bringing both boys home safely.

"Clark, although our earlier encounter left much to be desired, I
want to thank you for saving my life. I could have sworn that I hit
you head on though. My mind must have been playing tricks on me…."
Lex trailed off.

Clark felt his mother's hand tightened spasmodically against his
waist at the insinuation she heard in Lex's voice. He laid a
soothing hand on her back and offered the other to Lex.

"You're more than welcome, Lex."

Their handshake lasted far longer than necessary, both lost in each
other's eyes. Martha pinched Clark lightly, not liking the
speculative gleam on Lex's blue depths and liking even less the
infatuated gaze of her son as he looked at his childhood hero.

"As a token of my appreciation, I would like to give you something in
return," Lex began before continuing dodgely, "I think you need
transportation, right? You've just been back from…Japan…so unless
I'm mistaken you don't have a car of…."

"No, Lex. Thank you…but we cannot accept your kind offer. " Martha
cut-in firmly. Clark shuffled his feet nervously, looking from his
mother to Lex and back again.

"Ummm, Lex…I don't need payback for what I did. Thank you all the
same." Clark confirmed.

Lex stared at both mother and son for a long time, startled at the
abrupt tone of Martha Kent and the sincerity in Clark's. He'd never
met anyone who wouldn't jump at the chance to get anything from a
Luthor. The attractive young man in front of him was proving to be
an exception to the rule and Lex if anything, thrived on challenges.

"I apologize if my offer offends you. Would it be alright if I
invited Clark to our annual Christmas Eve Ball instead, Mrs. Kent?"
Lex smiled charmingly at the woman.

Martha Kent wanted badly to refuse not wanting Clark anywhere near
the rumored "Metropolis Casanova" but one look at Clark's pleading
face made her rethink her decision. Anyway, what could possibly go
wrong in one party?

"No need to put-on additional charm Lex. I'm immune to it,
remember?" Martha answered exasperatedly, "I don't see why Clark
can't attend your ball."

The brilliant smile on Clark's face amused Lex, and also made him
wonder how one simple invitation could elicit such happiness from a
person.

`Hmmm, quite interesting.'

"Judging by that smile, I guess it's okay with you, Clark?" Lex
teased.

"Oh, yes! Yes, of course." Clark answered blushing furiously,
distracted with images of him and Lex dancing the night away.

"Alright, it's a date then." With this cryptic remark, Lex left them
and sauntered over to his mother who was talking with the servants
regarding the preparation for tomorrow's event.


December 24, 2005
6PM

Clark Kent was nervous as hell. He didn't know why he accepted the
invitation without thinking about what the Luthor's Christmas Eve
Ball really entailed. He would be soon rubbing elbows with the elite
of metropolis and even special guests from the international
community. How could he possibly survive the night?

He was just Clark Kent, the son of the Luthor's cook and was even
exiled far away due to his freakish powers. He would just embarrass
Lex if he attended the party.

He had confided some of his anxieties to Lana and Pete when they had
lunch early this afternoon. He was again surprised how easy it was
to share his problems with them despite of the six-year separation.
He guessed true friendship was just like that. He even had the
courage to revel his preferences to them, although judging from the
way he blushed whenever Lex's name came up, it was pretty darn
obvious whom he came out of the closet for. Fortunately neither Lana
nor Lex was disgusted.

"Well, Clark I can't say that I've had the same experience of being
invited to anything by the Luthors, but I don't think you'll
embarrass yourself in front of those bigwigs. It's not as if you're
uncivilized or anything like that." Pete commented after listening
to him moan and groan about the party.

"I agree. They're just like us but with more money to burn. Just be
yourself and everything will turn out fine." Lana added.

Clark wished that he was as confident as Lana and Pete. He even made
a quick phone call to Chloe who nearly deafened him with her shriek
of joy when she heard that he received an invitation from
his "bishonen no koibito" as she put it.

"Clark Kent, don't you dare not show up or I'll hop on the next plane
to Kansas just to kick your butt!" Chloe exclaimed, still as brash
and frank as ever.

"Okay, okay calm down. This is like a dream come true for me. I
feel like the male version of Cinderella. I'm just afraid that I'll
wake up soon on my little futon and everything was just a product of
my highly hormonal brain."

"Baka! More like Belle, you mean. Cheer up, Clark. This is what
you've been waiting for all your life. Don't let him frighten you
away and stop being such a wimp!"

"Thanks…I think. And Lex is not a Beast!" Clark replied.

Feeling more upbeat, Clark started preparing for the party. Luckily,
he decided to bring the Armani tuxedo that Cassandra bought him as a
present for his 18th birthday several months ago. At least he
wouldn't look like a hick farm boy tonight.

***********************************************************

Alexander Joseph Luthor was vibrating with anticipation. He couldn't
believe that the little boy he once taught how to swim and fly kites
was now a young man --- a very stunning young man at that; a young
man who saved him from certain death. His rescue was still somewhat
fuzzy, possibly from the concussion he suffered at the time of the
accident but he was almost certain that he hit Clark Kent. The roof
of his Porche was also torn open in a way that couldn't possibly have
had resulted from the crash. He had a lot of questions but he
didn't want Clark spooked. Anyway, he was good at waiting. Someday
Clark wouldn't have any choice but to tell him the truth.

His musings were rudely interrupted by two people he had the
misfortune of having the acquaintance of 9in morwe ways than one):
Dominic Santori and Lady Victoria Hardwick.

"Lex, Lex, Lex. It's been quite a while since I saw you. Were you
hiding from me?" A seductive peck placed near his mouth accompanied
Victoria's sultry voice.

"Victoria. Dominic. How nice to see you. Metropolis now too boring
for you that you decided to seek greener and wilder pastures in Corn
town?" Lex asked dryly.

"Lex, don't be snide. Metropolis hadn't been the same since you left
to take care of, what was it again, `crap factory?" Dominic smiled
smugly. It has been the fodder of the gossip mill in Metropolis when
his esteemed father exiled Lex Luthor to the fertilizer plant in god-
knows-where after having had enough of Lex's misadventures in Club
Zero. Dominic and Victoria, his distinguished party pals in
Metropolis, had to see for themselves how the young heir was faring
in this little known town and of course, to gloat at his misfortunes.

"Well, well, well. I see that little towns such as this have their
own charms." Victoria purred.

"What do you mean?" Lex asked blandly.

"Lookee there, Lex. I wonder who he is." Dominic asked having
looked at the direction his sister was gazing at avidly.

Lex's eyes widened imperceptibly when he caught sight at what or
rather whom they were drooling about. Clark Kent was standing near
the glass door of the lanai looking around him nervously, obviously
searching for Lex in the crowded ballroom.

"That is my friend, Clark Kent." Lex reluctantly informed them.

"Friend? Looking at you, I think that you want to be more than that,
Lexy." Victoria smugly replied.

"Get your mind out of the gutter, Victoria." Lex glared coldly at
the woman.

"Hmmm, I think our friend here is a bit too defensive. Seductive
powers not up to par, Lex?" Dominic taunted.

"I can seduce anyone I want Dominic. You of all people should know
that." Lex taunted back mockingly.

"There are exceptions, Lexy darling. I think you've met your match
in our little boy over there." Dominic replied tersely.

"Now, boys don't fight. Why don't we settle this like the gentlemen
you both are." Victoria grinned challengingly at both men.

"What do you mean?" Lex impatiently demanded wanting to end the
conversation quickly so that he could go over to Clark.

"I propose a gentlemen's wager. If Lexy here could seduce our
innocent boy on or before New Year's Day, then his reputation as
Metropolis' Playboy remains secure. If he fails then Dominic could
have anything he wants from Lex. Clean and simple, isn't it?"

Lex stared at them silently. He didn't want to make Clark a part of
the wager but if he refused then he couldn't use his colorful
reputation (which he had painstakingly cultivated) in Metropolis to
irritate the hell out of his Dad. And of course, he never, ever back
down from challenges.

"What is it that you want from me, just in case the impossible
happens and you win?" Lex asked.

"Nothing much…you'll be my slave for a day and I get the chance to
woo the innocent Clark." Dominic replied.

Lex stilled at the reply. `Woo Clark…over my dead body?! Not to
mention being Dominic's slave for a day!' Now that the stakes had
gone up more than he bargained for, Lex could not afford to lose.

"Okay, I agree." Lex finally replied.

"We'll leave you now so that you can start your wooing. Oh and Lex,
we'll need proof of your victory. I'll just give you the details
later." Dominic announced gleefully.

Lex nodded curtly and turned his back on them. He hurried across the
room to join Clark, the latter smiling brilliantly at the sight of
the bald billionaire.

***********************************************************

"Do you think you'll win, Dominic? Judging from the look on that
young man's face Lex wouldn't have to exert any effort at all."

"My dear sister, I always have a back-up plan when it comes to Lex
Luthor." Dominic replied.

***********************************************************

December 30, 2005
Luthor Castle

Clark Kent opened his eyes with a smile on his face, luxuriating at
the warmth of the sun shining down at the poolside of the Luthor's.
The last week had been more than perfect starting with the night of
the Ball. Lex had been very attentive and had introduced him to a
lot of people. Although they were not able to dance for obvious
reasons, Lex had never left his side except to dance with his
mother. Lionel Luthor's presence did not faze Lex as he weathered
his father's glare for the rest of the night.

The next morning Lex invited him to go on a picnic and he gladly
accepted. They talked about everything and anything under the sun.
Lex seemed very interested in what he had to say and he in turn,
learned a lot from Lex's impromptu speeches. For the rest of the
week, Lex invited him to join in one activity or another. ---more
picnics, horseback riding around the estate, lunch in town, a tour of
the fertilizer plant and even night outs to Metropolis. Today they
were longing around the pool.

Clark was falling in love all over again and he realized that the
real Lex Luthor was far better than any fantasy encounter he had. He
remembered how Lex was wary of being touched but was surprised when
Lex initiated some of the touching himself. Casual brushes of hands
and arms became more intimate as days go by. Sometimes Lex would run
his fingers through Clark's hair, sweeping off the unruly curls from
his eyes.

The first time Lex kissed him Clark nearly went catatonic with
delighted shock. It was during one of their many picnics along the
lake near the castle. The softness of Lex's lips, the sweetness of
his breath was imprinted in Clark's memory forever. He wasn't able
to respond at first out of shock but Lex continued his sensual
assault until Clark finally responded shyly. After a minute or two,
they had to part to let Lex breath (quite unnecessary in Clark's
case).

"Ummm, sorry if I overstepped myself." Lex began hesitantly.

"Oh,no! It's okay…I mean you didn't overstep or something. I…I like
it!" Clark rushed out to reassure Lex.

"So it's okay if I do it again? You're not freaked out or scared?"
Lex asked.

"Of course not. That was my…my f-first kiss." Clark stammered shyly.

It was Lex's turn to smile brilliantly, unreservedly. He didn't know
why it pleased him so much, it just did. But his hidden, often
suppressed, conscience told him that he was doing something wrong,
tarnishing such an innocent soul. Yet, he couldn't stop. Everyday
he spent with Clark he was drawn more and more to this guileless
boy. He couldn't explain why he felt so happy and secure when he was
with Clark. Spending time with him had ceased to be a chore (because
of the infernal bet) but it became more of a necessity.

***********************************************************

Clark felt something land on his chest while he was busy mooning
about Lex. He opened his eyes to see a paper phoenix perched on top
of his chest. He looked at the phoenix and then Lex who was sitting
beside him on a beach chair still typing innocently, or pretending to
do so.

"It isn't everyday that origami fall out of the sky." Clark
commented.

"Hmmm, it isn't?" Lex replied blandly.

"Thank you, Lex. It's beautiful."

"You're welcome. It's the only thing I learned from my Dad that has
any aesthetic value in it. But knowing my father he taught me
origami to convey a business strategy but I'd like to think that for
once he made something just because it was beautiful." Lex's lips
twisted derisively.

"I…sort of remember this Lex. I remember that you gave one to me
when I was nine. You promised to teach me how to make my own origami
but…."

"I never got the chance to. I was always busy and then you were
gone." Lex finished.

"Why were you sent to Japan, Clark?"

"I…I don't know. Mom said that I would learn more things there than
here." Clark hesitantly replied.

"Really? Strange that Martha Kent would willingly part with her only
child just to let him `learn more'." Lex said.

Clark, not knowing how to reply to that particular comment, remained
silent.

"Were you happy there?" Lex asked.

"Happy? I think I was content and safe."

Lex accepted Clark's answer without further comment. Instead, he put
aside his laptop and dragged Clark into the pool and the rest of the
afternoon passed swiftly.


December 31, 2005
New Year's Eve Ball

New Year's Eve Ball had finally arrived in the Luthor household ---
another Luthor tradition attended by the rich and famous of
Metropolis. Clark was wearing a traditional Japanese kimono due to
Lex's persistent request, or cajoling to put it more likely. The
kimono made him more exotic-looking and emphasized his other-
worldliness. His mother had shaken her head worriedly at the obvious
closeness that had developed between her son and Lex Luthor but since
Clark was of age, she couldn't really prevent him from doing anything
he wanted.

Lex, for his part, had been acting strangely since early morning. He
seemed irritable and had started several times to say something to
Clark only to stop abruptly. Clark was confused at his boyfriend?
Intimate friend? Soon-to-be-lover's? mood swing, but chalked it up to
the frenzy of the preparation for the Ball.

Night had finally enveloped Smallville and the lanterns were lit.
The grand party had started. Clark left his mother's cottage at
around 8PM, dressed in his kimono and a nervous tension knotting in
his stomach. He walked across the lavishly decorated lawn and stepped
into the wide lanai where Lex was waiting.

Lex caught sight of Clark in his evening costume and his breath
quickened perceptibly.

"Clark, I'm glad you could make it." Lex whispered breathlessly when
the young man reached his side.

"There's nowhere else I'd rather be." Clark whispered back.

"Will you dance with me?" Lex asked taking hold of Clark's hand,
shrugging off the stares and scandalized whispers around them.

"But, but…your father….Ms. Lillian…and the guests won't…." Clark
stammered out.

"I don't care. For once in my life I'm really happy and I want to
show it. As for my Mom, she knows how I feel about you. My father
can go to hell for all I care." Lex finished firmly.

"Alright. But if my mom kills me, you know where to look for the
body, right?" Clark said half-jokingly.

"Clark, as much as I like and admire your mother, I think you're old
enough to make your own decision, don't you?" Lex demanded.

Lex towed the still reluctant Clark to the dance floor and started
dancing to the slow R & B. The guests looked at the couple on the
floor and the tight-lipped Luthor patriarch, who to his wife's
relief, refrained from making a scene. They finally decided that it
was safe to dance and couple after couple joined the oblivious young
men snuggled intimately.

***************************

Lex and Clark were the oblivious targets of two pairs of malevolently
glittering eyes. Ha! Before the night was over Lex would be
humiliated painfully and quite possibly, publicly.

***************************

Lex was content to stay within Clark's arms for the rest of the
evening and possibly the rest of his life but he knew that he had to
tell him the truth. Perhaps, Clark would be able to forgive him
someday.

"Clark I really have to tell you something important, But not
here." Lex hesitantly began.

"Okay. I also have something very important to tell you"

"Do you know the gazebo near the greenhouse?"

"Of course. I spent a lot of time observing you disappear with some
of your dates only to meet up there minutes later." Clark teased.

Lex blushed at the remainder of his less-than amusing teenage
foibles. "Ermmm,yes. But believe me Clark. I'm not going there to
seduce you. I just want to talk."

"It's alright Lex. Either intentions are both welcome."

"…."

"See you there in 5 minutes." Clark said winking at Lex before
sauntering out of the door leading to the garden.

Lex shook his head ruefully. He sometimes thought that Clark enjoyed
torturing him with things he had regrettably done in the past. Clark
had time and again surprised him with comments or actions that Lex
would never have thought Clark was capable of.

Lex surveyed the crowded room hoping to avoid his father who would
undoubtedly lecture him of his unbecoming conduct. Not that he cared
but he just wanted to put off any unpleasant dealings for a while.
Confessing to Clark was bad enough without additional misery coming
from Lionel Luthor.

After 5 or so minutes had passed, he casually walked out of the
ballroom heading for the gazebo. He was unaware that two people were
silently following him; for he was quite intent with trying to
formulate the best way to explain his stupidity to Clark. He reached
the gazebo and stood there for a moment staring at the tall-form of
Clark who was standing with his back to Lex, intently staring at the
night sky.

"Isn't the sky so beautiful at this time, Lex? Do you ever wonder
what lies beyond the stars?" Clark asked without turning around.

After his initial surprise at the unusual question had passed, Lex
answered.

"Yes, it's beautiful. And yes, I've thought about it a lot. There
are many things in this world that seemed unexplainable at first,
Clark. But if you're patient and tenacious enough, you'll get your
answers someday."

"Well, that's me. Patient and tenacious. Do you know how long I've
been waiting for this day, Lex? I've dreamt of it ever since I could
remember…dream of being with you…forever."

Clark, I feel the same way but. …"

He reached out to embrace Clark fiercely. Tipping the young man's
head up, Lex sealed their mouths together. The kiss was desperate,
both afraid that whatever revelation each one had would signal the
end of their relationship. Lex pulled away slowly, staring deeply
into Clark's eyes.

"Clark, I would gladly go with you anywhere you want…to the stars and
beyond…but we cannot start our journey based on lies."

"What…what do you mean?"

I've lied to you since Christmas Eve Ball, Clark. I agreed to a b…."
Lex whispered shakily but before he could continue, sounds of loud
clapping interrupted his confession.

"Bravo, Lex! I never thought that you still have it in abundance.
Seducing young boys had always come easily to you, hasn't it?"
Dominic Santori smirked unpleasantly at the startled couple.

"So, Clark, it's Clark, isn't it? Is Lex a good lover?" purred
Victoria Hardwick stepping out behind her brother.

"What are you doing here?" snarled Lex.

"Oh, just getting our proof. Remember the bet? Since I'm a good
friend of yours, I volunteer to inform our Club Zero pals that you
still have it despite of being exiled in the boondocks. But remember
I will need more than a kiss to prove your prowess or your little
lover boy is mine." Dominic taunted.

Lex felt Clark stiffened beside him upon hearing the poison spewing
out from Dominic and Victoria's mouths. Yet to give him credit,
Clark did not show his anger and pain in front of the two.

Clark shook off his restraining arm and to Lex's shock, he wrapped
his arms around the him and began to nuzzle his neck seductively.

"Oh…that bet. You didn't tell them, honey? You're a bad, bad boy…
neglecting to inform your friends…" Clark's head suddenly came up to
stare at the flummoxed siblings before continuing, "…that you've told
me all about it, right before we, hmm…spent the night in Metropolis
three days ago."

Victoria's mouth opened and closed repeatedly, unable to say anything
at the sudden turn of events.

"And yes, miss…Lex was a very good lover. Not that I have a lot of
experience but the things he can do with his tongue…." Clark trailed
off suggestively.

"I'm afraid that you have to take my word for it because I don't
really go for show and tell. I'm kinda possessive, you know." Clark
finished with a cold glare aimed at the two.

Not about to challenge a furiously glaring 6'4" muscle-bound boy,
Dominic finally conceded defeat.

"Okay Lex, you win. But can't say I'm disappointed. You've finally
met someone whom you couldn't kick around. Does he lead you around
in chains too?" with that said Dominic dragged Victoria back to the
castle.

After a minute or two, Lex realized that Clark was not holding him
anymore and was in fact standing stiffly at the other side of the
gazebo.

"C-Clark please let me explain." Lex began haltingly.

"A bet, Lex. Was that all I was to you? A goddamn bet?!"

"No! Clark I was stupid and …."

"Do you know how long I've been praying for you to notice me? How
hard it was for me to defy my mother just to be with you? How deeply
you've hurt me?"

"Clark, I didn't mean to hurt you."

"Are you sure Lex? Do you know how it feels like to finally find
your other half only to find out that everything that you've had
together was just a lie?"

"Clark, it wasn't a lie. I'm so sorry…so sorry. I love you."

"Forgive me Lex if I can't really believe anything you'll say to me
now." Clark said with a certain finally in his tone, walking out of
the gazebo without waiting for Lex's reply.

***********************************************************

New Year's Day dawned bright and early for most of Smallville's
inhabitants except for one Lex Luthor. He spent a sleepless night
trying to think of a way to seek out Clark's forgiveness and perhaps
even his love someday. He refrained himself from following Clark
last night and forcing him to talk about his feelings, thinking that
the younger man might need more time to think.

Lex had decided that there's nothing that he wouldn't do to earn back
Clark's trust. He, the proud Luthor heir, would willingly crawl, beg
or plead if that's what it would take to bring Clark back to him.

He hurriedly went down the curving staircase intent on finding and
cornering Cark when he heard the piano playing in the music room. He
peered in seeing his mother seated on the grand piano.

"Hello Mother. Happy New Year! Sorry, I didn't rejoin the party
last night."

"Happy New Year, Alexander. Don't worry, it's the same old party so
you didn't miss much." Lillian stopped playing and turned to look at
her troubled son.

"I must have irritated Father to no end, eh? Where is he by the
way?" Lex asked curiously.

"Lionel went back to metropolis early this morning. He said that
he's working on a contract to buy Cadmus laboratory."

"Well, at least I wouldn't have to suffer through another lecture
about what an embarrassment I am to the Luthor name."

"Oh, Alexander that's not true. We're very proud of you."

""You maybe. For father, definitely not. Anyway, he won't be far
from the truth. I hurt everyone I love in one way or another."

"Alexander, we all make mistakes. It's what makes us human. What
matters is that when we do, we have to admit it and sincerely seek
forgiveness."

"Is it really possible to regain a person's trust, Mom?"

"Perhaps, Alexander. It depends on how sincerely and badly we want
it."

"You're right, Mom. Thank you for making me feel a little better."

"You're welcome, dear. Don't worry Alexander…Clark loves you more
than anything else in the world. He'll surely forgive you."

"Mom! H-how did…you…" a startled Lex turned around to stare at his
mother wonderingly.

"Go, Alexander." Lillian smiled gently as he shooed him out of the
room.

***************************

Lex Luthor approached the Kent cottage hesitantly ---afraid of Martha
Kent's reception, not to mention her son. His knock was answered by
a feminine voice and he waited nervously for the door to open.

"Lex, I've been expecting you. Please come in. Sit down." Martha
Kent's calm voice surprised Lex who expected an outraged mother.

"Good morning, Mrs. Kent. Is Clark…."

"I'm afraid he isn't here. He left me a letter saying that he wanted
to go back to Japan to join my friend Cassandra who's planning to
travel around China after the holidays. He said that he needed to
get away for a while." Martha explained calmly. "I think he left
quite early this morning to catch his plane."

"Mrs. Kent, I have to talk to Clark. I did something really stupid
and I hurt him so much. I'm willing to do anything to ask for his
forgiveness."

Martha Kent looked at the visibly upset young man in front of her.

"You know Lex, I was ready to tear a strip off you for doing
something that hurt Clark but I think you're suffering more than
enough. I just want you to promise me that you'll let him decide on
his own. Clark loves you so much and it's one of the reasons why I
sent him away six years ago. I didn't want him to be hurt by you."
Martha sighed worriedly.

"Mrs. Kent, please believe me when I say that I truly love your son.
This is the first and last time I would willingly hurt him. I'm
ready to give up everything just to be with him."

"Alright, but make sure that you keep your promise or else I will
hunt you down and the Luthor money won't be able to protect you from
the wrath of a protective mother." Martha warned seriously before
handing out the details of Clark's itinerary.

***********************************************************

Clark Kent tried to sit patiently, waiting for his plane to depart
from the Metropolis International Airport. He was valiantly avoiding
any Lex-related thoughts but then again, he was just lying to himself.

He called Cassandra last night asking if he could possibly join her
trip at this late date but she reassured him that everything could be
arranged easily enough. After two hours, she called back saying that
he could pick-up his ticket at the Metropolis International Airport.
He was surprised that the normally nosy lady did not ask a lot of
questions concerning his abrupt request but it's possible that she
already knew something that something was really wrong.

An announcement from the pilot's cabin informed the passengers that
there would be a slight delay due to some technical difficulties he
didn't elaborate on. A couple of stewardess was walking around
making some last minute pre-flight inspection when they heard some
commotion near the open plane door. Clark craned his neck trying to
see what was happening but a bunch of people in front of him had
started getting up to look for themselves. Clark was just praying
for the plane to take-off before he gave in to temptation and go home
to Lex. He wanted to see a sign from the latter that he was really
sincere in his apology and that Clark could trust him with his
secrets.

"Umm, excuse me…excuse me, sir! Are you Clark? Clark Kent?" The
insistent voice of the flight attendant jerked him out of his sulking.

Clark merely nodded his head affirmatively.

"I was told to give you this."

On the stewardess' hand Clark saw a red paper phoenix. His eyed
widened at the unexpected sight knowing that only one person could be
responsible for the said origami.

"Our ground attendant said that the guy was so insistent on boarding
the plane but airport policy prohibits non-passengers to go beyond
the boarding gate, even if he is a Luthor. I heard from the pilot
that he even offered to buy the damn plane if they would just let him
through."

Clark's tears, tears that he wasn't aware of shedding mingled with
his laughter, knowing that Lex was not kidding when he made the offer
to purchase the plane.

"He finally agreed to send a message to you but all he gave security
was this origami."

The other passengers were avidly listening to the flight attendant's
story and looking at him either in confusion or amusement.

"Sonny, just get-off the damn plane and see this person. He truly
must have something important to tell you or else he wouldn't go
through so much effort." A gray-haired old man advised.

"Man, this is just like the movies or something." Gushed a brunette
teenager across the aisle.

Clark stood up, carrying his knapsack and followed the grinning
flight attendant to the front of the plane. Before he exited, he
turned to grin at his fellow passengers.

"I'm really sorry for the inconvenience I've caused you. Ummm, Happy
New Year!"

A chorus of "Happy New Year" and "Good luck" echoed throughout the
economy section.

As Clark walked towards the boarding gate, still clutching the paper
phoenix in his hand, he was filled with both anticipation and dread.
He wanted to see Lex badly, but could he possibly, with all honesty
say that he had forgiven him?

Lex anxiously waited for Clark inside the airport lounge. He dared
not ask any of the personnel foe fear of hearing the worst. Lex only
saw that Clark's plane had departed ten minutes ago. Was he waiting
in vain while Clark flew farther and farther away?

As he paced back and forth, Lex planned how he was going to follow
Clark if the latter had refused to see him for the last time. He was
so busy mentally rearranging his schedule that he jumped in surprise
when a hand hesitantly tapped him on the shoulder. He turned slowly
afraid of what he might not see.

Clark Kent stood in front of him, holding out the paper phoenix and
smiling sweetly.

Every well-strategize excuse flew out of Lex's mind and the only
words he was able to say were:

"I'm so sorry…so sorry…thank you for coming back…."

"It's alright, Lex. Everything is gonna be alright. To tell you the
truth, on my way back…I wasn't really sure if I can truly say that
everything is going to be alright between the two of us. But I
finally remembered this phoenix…what it means…when you first gave it
to me." Clark said enfolding Lex tightly.

"Really?" a puzzled but still happy Lex asked.

"Remember how sick you were the summer you were 15? You ate the
cookies I made for you but I didn't know that you're allergic to
honey. You broke into hives and had difficulty breathing and I was
so afraid that you're going to be very angry with me. But once you
recovered, you gave a paper phoenix to cheer me up. You said that
sometimes you do things that will unintentionally hurt the people you
care about even if you didn't mean to." Clark finished his long
explanation with a kiss.

"I've almost forgotten about that. God, I was so sick at that
time." Lex muttered underneath his breath.

"Y-you mean that's not why you sent me an origami?" Clark asked
pouting prettily somewhat put-out that lex had almost forgotten one
momentous occasion in his life.

"Weeeeellll--- I actually sent you the origami in hope that you will
get my message. The phoenix…ummm…symbolizes hope and eternal
devotion, Clark." Lex sheepishly admitted.

"Lex! You know I've never been good in Literature. You're lucky
that the paper phoenix reminded me of something quite close to "hope"
or you'll be spending the rest of the afternoon waiting for
nothing." Clark laughed heartily at the thought of ending everything
because of a stupid miscommunication ---this time.

Lex sighed deeply, torn between laughter and tears, "Did you really
mean it when you said that everything will be alright?"

"Yes, but we have a lot of issues to work through if we want to avoid
future misunderstandings." Clark reminded Lex.

"Everything will turn out right as long as we're together." Lex
vowed solemnly before reaching up and kissing Clark with fierce
promise.

The audience that they had unknowingly gathered around them (being
quite preoccupied with more important matters) applauded loudly.
Most people, no matter who they were, their status in life could not
help but be awed by the possibility of a happily-ever-after unfolding
before their very eyes.

A red faced Clark and Lex reluctantly parted and started walking
toward the exit, hand in hand. Yes, they still had a lot of things
to talk about and more secrets to divulge (especially Clark) but
everything had its own place and time and all would be dealt with
accordingly ---for who could resist a happy ending?

And on the floor, bright and beautiful in its simplicity, was a paper
phoenix ---a silent testament of the happiness to come.



THE END