Betas: My deep thanks to Zinelady, Kryptokitten and Chibimom, whose invaluable help will always inspire me. Thank you, you are all one of the kind. Any lingering mistakes are all mine.

Disclaimer: Not mine, but I treat them better.

Notes: Twin Bridges is a small town located in the Northwestern side of Montana. I apologize for any inaccuracies.

The gap in the ground closed, and Lex was gone. The gray casket, which held the charred

remains of his greatest friend and foe, finally was hidden from view. The grave that received it

was located in the only place it could ever be: next to Lillian’s Luthor grand monument. The son,

finally returning to his mother’s embrace for much needed peace and comfort. Not like the

wounded child that roamed the earth while destroying himself bit by bit everyday.

It was ironic that Lex’s demise was a result of an accidental fire, after all the dangerous situations and the endless war games Lex engaged in with many others, especially with Lionel throughout the years. The end certainly did not befit a Luthor this time around.

Even Lex Luthor must be chuckling over that turn of events from wherever he is.

Hiding behind a column, reminiscent of another funeral a lifetime ago, Clark was taking in all the proceedings.  Chloe and Pete, now Senator Ross, are in attendance. It gave Clark some peace that not everyone gathered despised Lex.  The people attending were doing so for an array of reasons, but not exactly for proper mourning. Lex had burned too many bridges, many powerful enemies for others not to rejoice on his sudden death. And the ones would could really pay proper respect to Lex were deemed to poor or unsophisticated to attend the ultimate society gathering.

When it came to the Metropolis population, feelings towards the Luthor heir were are diverse and Lex himself. The rich either envied him or hated him for his ruthlessness; the less privileged admired him to the point of blind loyalty. Even for the few skeptics, Lex’s motivations weren’t so clear-cut: An ambitious young man who liked to help and share his wealth with a lucky few, while destroying his enemies and snatching fortunes with a smirk and a swagger. And of course, there were the ones who viewed him as some sort of Anti-Christ. The megalomaniac who was hell bent on owning the world to then destroy it, the one who gave the city’s hero constant grief. Surely, some people were sighing in relief for finally getting rid of him.

No more crazy schemes, no delusions, no more hateful comments

No more blues eyes that articulated more sadness than anger.

His supposed biggest enemy, in reality, was bereft. The lucidly humane part of him was buried, along with Lex. He could feel the hole in him, the unbalanced sense of being. Lex was Clark’s greatest foe and most treasured friend; love unrequited and love fulfilled. Even amidst their constant fighting, his presence gave Clark a sense of peace.

Now though, Clark felt like a hero without much of a purpose, for his North, as adrift as it was, had vanished.

C&LC&LC&LC&LC&LC&LC&LC&LC&LC&LC&LC&LC&LC&LC&LC&LC&L

“Will you give it up already, Smallville? It’s been what? A year?  And you can’t seem to accept the fact that there is no conspiracy regarding Luthor’s death!” Lois said, with an impatient tone that signaled the times this particular conversation had taken place.

Clark ignored her and kept browsing the bank records he just acquired. Getting those financial statements had been surprisingly easy: A little bit of hacking and accessing every single LexCorp file, as insignificant as it looked. Chloe’s less than legal teachings had finally been useful to Clark. Not that he was proud about his actions, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

Looking up at Lois, Clark finally answered her. “Lois, it just doesn’t make sense. Even the Fire Marshall suspects arson, he just can’t prove it. Whoever did it didn’t take in consideration that Lex was anything but careless, so setting up the fire as a mishap with the fireplace starter wasn’t very smart. Besides, aren’t you the one who are always harping about leaving no stone unturned when things aren’t exactly what they seem? I’d think you’d agree with me on this.”

“There are times when things are precisely what they seem. I’ve done my share of investigating the accident,” Clark frowned at the news, but Lois shrugged him off. “and came to the conclusion that this was nothing more than an unfortunate accident. It just doesn’t pay to chase windmills.”

Those familiar words stung Clark more that Lois could ever have imagined. “Lois, I am convinced…”

“Clark,” Lois interrupted, a gentle and foreign tone in her voice, “Let it go. Let him go”

Taken aback by Lois’s demeanor and words, Clark could only stare at her. “Why would you say that?”

“I do talk to Chloe, you know.”

Nostrils flaring, Clark responded Lois with a frosty tone. “About things that are none of your business, apparently.”

Lois pressed on. “She told me about the friendship between you two. The crash, the adventures, the mutual savings, that you served as Lex’s best man. Twice.” Lois raised her brow at that one, a slight smirk on her coral lips. “Belle Reve..”

Doing his best to control his fury, Clark interrupted Lois. “So if Chloe told you all that, without my consent I might add, you should understand why I’d want to do this.”

“Clark, I’m..”

“I don’t want to have this conversation right now. Let me go back to work.”

Sighing, Lois tried to placate Clark. “Fine, but if you need help, let me know. I mean it.”

With a snort, Clark just turned back to his computer. Among all the accounts that Lex had, either personal or LexCorp related, there was one that got his attention. That account looked like it had been set up with the sole purpose to pay a monthly fee to an unknown recipient. He clicked on the link for one of the cashed check, hoping that the signature would be legible enough. Thankfully, the copied check was one of the clearer ones.

Still, even with his heightened senses, it wasn’t that easy to make out the signature, but the bank’s merchant number was somewhat legible. Finally, a lead. He didn’t know why, but he felt like this was worth checking out. He decided to send an e-mail to his friend over at the National Bank with the number. Hopefully, Brian would be able to tell him which bank cashed the check.

Clark decided to give Chloe a call, while he waited for Brian to get back to him. He was still angry with her for discussing all those intimate details with Lois. Although Lois was his partner and was considered a friend, he didn’t trust her enough. Especially in regards to Lex.

Lex and Clark’s friendship and their subsequent enmity were difficult for others to understand. Even for Clark, it was hard to grasp the scope of their relationship. But there are things that are forever embedded in one’s soul, and for Clark, it was his relationship with Lex. Even after Lex crossed the ultimate line, as selfless as it might have been.

“Gotham News, Sullivan speaking.” The cherry voice at the other end announced.

Without preamble, Clark spoke. “Why are you and Lois talking about my friendship with Lex?”

“Good morning to you too, Clark.” Chloe said sarcastically.

“When are you going to learn that I am not a story to be discussed?”

“We weren’t discussing you as a story! Lois called me, concerned about you and your obsession with Lex’s death.”

“I am not obsessed!” Clark almost shouted.

Chloe kept on, ignoring his outburst. “She couldn’t understand why you had such an interest, when you’ve helped investigate his less than straight deals in the past. I tried to get her off track, but she kept on digging, and she threatened to go to Smallville and speak to your Mom. So I decided to tell her a glossed over version of events.”

“She knows about Belle Reve, Chloe.” Clark said, voice lowered. “I wouldn’t call that tidbit being glossed over.”

“I swear I did not mention Belle Reve, but she did connect the dots over that one. She figured that you two were pretty close at that time. But I do know when doesn’t know your level of involvement in the whole loony bin drama.” Defended Chloe.

“But she brought it up.”

“Knowing my cousin, she probably did it to get you to spill something. But I have to say, even when she is not entirely altruistic, she is worried about you, Clark. So am I, to be honest.”

Surprised by this, Clark asked her. “Are you agreeing with her that I should stop investigating? I thought you also smelled a cover-up?”

“And I still do. And no, you shouldn’t stop pursing this. But Clark, you also need to consider the possibility that Lex was not murdered. I know you want to make sense of this, but sometimes, senseless acts are just that.”

“I heard the same thing from Lois. I just…want to make sure”

“What are you trying to assuage here, Clark? Guilt?” Chloe asked. When no response came, she kept on “It’s not your fault he died. It’s not your fault he turned into the white collar criminal for the ages. And really, it is not your fault he did what he did to Lionel, even when  we both owe him our gratitude. You can’t save everyone, Clark.”

“But I was supposed to save him. We used to be friends; doesn’t that count for something?”

The anguished voice on the other end was so raw, that Chloe couldn’t help but wish she was there to give Clark some comfort. “Clark, I am  not saying to stop digging. I’m just telling you that you may need to open yourself up to other possibilities. That it was really an accident or that Lex himself might have had a hand on this. Don’t be so hell bent on just one possibility. I just don’t want you to suffer.”

Clark sighed, before responding. “I know. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Good. And I’m really sorry about Lois. I should’ve done more to get her off your back.”

“I’m not sure it would’ve worked anyway. You two are alike, relentless. But Chloe, please, no more. If Lois really wants to dig about me, even if it is to help me, don’t tell her. She could get closer to other information that I really don’t want her to uncover. I have enough problems trying to slip by her everyday.” Clark determined.

Clark had told Chloe about his powers in their senior year of high school. Actually, Chloe had seen him using his speed when he was trying to get the latest mutant away from Lana. After everything had calmed down, thanks to Lex and Pete, Chloe had followed the trio to the farm and demanded to be told what was going on. No amount of begging from Clark and Pete, and no veiled threats from Lex had diminished her desire to find out what was going on. So against the advice of the others and just tired of lying to his friend, Clark told her everything. Her whole reaction to his alien nature was to say “Cool. Now you won’t have any excuses to get your stories in on time. No recriminations, no tears. Just acceptance.

Clark still found ironic that the Luthor billionaire, Senator Rose and the reporter from Gotham did more to protect him and his secret than even himself did at times.

On the other end, unaware of Clark’s wandering thoughts, Chloe responded. “I promise, Clark. So, how is the investigation going by the way?”

“I think I found something. There’s this account that apparently has nothing to do with LexCorp. But strangely, was among Lex’s holdings.”

“How did you get that, Clark?”

“I hacked into LexCorp’s financial records.” Clark responded sheepishly. “I don’t know why, but this one got my eye”

“I don’t know if I should be proud or scared. But don’t you think it is a little suspicious that you were able to get that information?” I mean, I’ve tried for years to get that type of info to no avail.” Chloe alleged.

“The thought crossed my mind. But I am going to follow this trail for now.”

After talking for a couple of minutes more, Clark said his goodbyes to Chloe, not before admonishing her again about talking more than necessary. As much as Chloe’s curiosity irked him at times, Clark could not be happier to have her and Pete as friends. After all the high school crush drama died a natural death and all the lies had surfaced, their friendship had become vital for Clark. Both Chloe and Pete, and before, Lex, were his sounding board. But Chloe’s role was more intimate. Clark told her things that he could not to neither Lex or Pete, or even his parents. Things like his confusing feelings towards Lex, and the guilt he felt about Lionel’s death. And when Clark had decided to move to Europe, after returning from Antarctica, Chloe was the only person who supported his decision, no questions asked.

Not unlike Lex, whose only concern was Clark and his well being. Whatever Clark wanted, whatever decision he made, Lex supported entirely. Until the day Clark deemed Lex’s sacrifice to big to bear, and Lex walked away from it all.

It took years for Clark to admit it to himself, but it was a good thing that Lionel had died so his friends and family would live in peace. But by the time he came to that conclusion, the other person who meant a lot to him, and who had made the tough choice, was out of his life.

Trying to push his maudlin thoughts out of his mind for the moment, Clark re-opened his Outlook program to browse his e-mails. Brian, his friend over at the National Bank, had already responded to his query.

Apparently, the check had been cashed over at a bank located in a town called Twin Bridges, in the state of Montana.

Montana?

While replying his thanks to Brian, Clark made a decision. It was time for him to take a vacation. Maybe Twin Bridges would be the place for Clark’s redemption.

C&LC&LC&L

“Lex! What did you do?”

“What had to be done.”

“Why? Because you wanted to get the Luthor fortune. or because you wanted to steal that damned research  from your Father?”

“Among other things. Clark, I thought you’d be relieved”

“You killed your father! How could his death be a relief to me?”

“He was going after Chloe! And I...”

“I could have protected her! You know that!”

“And you know that wouldn’t have resolved anything! My father had too much information on you! If you have tried things your way, the situation would’ve gotten worst with you in the picture!”

“Don’t try to pin this as an effort to protect me and Chloe! We are just a scapegoat. You wanted whatever your father had been working on, right? That is why you haven’t told me what the fucking research is about, because you wanted to gain the Upper hand! And fuck the consequences!”

“It was a matter of time before you started to sound just like Jonathan Kent”

“And you have become worse than Lionel!”

“Well, the truth comes out. You do think the worst of me.”

“How could I not? I have all the proof I need.”

“You have shit, Clark. But that’s fine. You’re so sure about what you’ve supposedly discovered? Enjoy. Now you have absolute proof to back up your holy opinion of your so called best friend. Bravo, Clark.”

“Don’t act like you are the injured party her.”

“According to you, I am acting as what I am, a Luthor. So go ahead and feel happy that your suspicions were true. Just remember something, when you decide to get down from that cross you nailed yourself to. Nothing is what it seems. You should know that better than anyone. But since you have the truth on your side, I guess you have nothing to worry about, right?”

“Oh please, Lex, come off it. Playing the victim doesn’t suit you.”

“No, you come off it, you sanctimonious bastard! And while you’re at it, get the fuck out of my house. If you have no use for a murderer, I have no use for a holier than thou alien.”

“Lex...”

“Get. Out. Now!”

Shaken out of his thoughts about the last argument with Lex, Clark realized that he had arrived at Twin Bridges. Clark came to a stop by one of the bridges that gave the place its name, and started walking at a normal pace towards Main Street. He had decided to run to his destination, instead of flying. Aside from not wanting to call attention to himself, running gave Clark the time to think, even when those thoughts filled him with regret and shame. Before that last discussion, there had been many others between the two of them: From the continuing scolding Lex gave Clark whenever he used his powers irresponsibly or in plain sight to Lex’s covert spying on Lionel and some of his illegal dealings, all done in Clark’s benefit, according to Lex. Just when Clark thought that they were ready to take that often sidestepped stage in their relationship, their individual natures took hold of each other in the worst way possible; finding the poison that Lex used to cause Lionel’s heart attack was just the final blow.

To make matters worse, Jonathan became ill the same day that Lionel died. Jonathan passed away soon after, leaving Clark feeling abandoned by the two driving forces in his life. Coincidentally, the day he graduated from college, Dr. Swann came to him with some information about Jor-El’s final message and the need to retrieve it in Antarctica. Clark rapidly jumped at the chance to get away from it all. And as grateful as he was to finally understand his heritage and his biological father’s intentions, the trip did little to ease the overwhelming grief Clark felt, for both Lex and Jonathan.

After nearly a year in that other fortress, learning more about his home planet, Clark came to the conclusion that he needed another persona if he wanted to give something to the planet that had accepted him. He decided to roam around Europe first, doing some freelance for various magazines and newspapers. There was such a vast world outside Smallville, and Clark finally felt at ease with himself. It was like shedding the last vestiges of a place that was too small him, both physically and mentally. As much as he loved his parents and the place he grew up in, Smallville had stifled him without him realizing it, until tragedy struck and he accepted the harsh reality.

By the time he returned to Metropolis, with a briefcase full of stories and a wiser mentality, he found that some things should never be left unsaid for too long. Lex was basically lost, indulging in illegal activities and back alley deals to get what he wanted. And he made it clear that he did not want Clark nor Superman involved in any way.

The costume never fooled Lex. In fact, every confrontation between them made it clear to Clark that Lex knew exactly who was behind the colorful uniform. And still, Lex never used that information against Clark. He had had so many opportunities to kill Superman in the last three years before Lex’s supposed death. Lex knew how to do it and he had the tools to do it. But he never did; even in hate, Lex showed his true colors. He just gave Superman a contemptuous look and walked away.

But there were times during their confrontations, that Clark could see beyond Lex’s façade and look into eyes full of resentment, disappointment and hurt. Those looks would undo Clark for days afterward.

So immersed he was again by his thoughts, that Clark almost passed by the little lodge he had made reservations in. Rearranging the bag on his shoulder, he knocked at the door of the quaint.

A plump and smiling woman answered and immediately shooed him in. Mrs. Kelp, the lodge’s keeper, reminded Clark of him mother. Sweet and solicitous, she didn’t waste anytime in offering some lemonade and exalt the beauties of her hometown. She finally took him to his room located on the second floor. Out the bedroom window, he could see the two bridges, located at the east and west side of town, giving the impression that the bridges protected the town from some unknown force. Clark could also see parts of the Ruby and Jefferson rivers, each river’s current converging by one of the bridges. Seemingly right in the middle of it all, Clark could see the green and unmovable mountains. The view was breathtaking.

After reassuring Mrs. Kelp that he wasn’t tired or hungry, Clark decided to take in the town’s sights right away. When he had first arrived, Clark did not notice the little bait shop, located right next to Hemingway’s lodge. Two elderly men were sitting. One was waving to anyone that passed by, the other sat regally in his rocker, smoking his pipe and reading a newspaper.

Almost immediately, one of the gentlemen addressed Clark. “Well, hello young man! Welcome to Twin Bridges. I’m Chuck and this one here is Bern,” The one called Chuck said, while pointing out at his companion. “but most people call him Mayor, cause he used to be the Mayor and he won’t let anyone forget it!” The man finished, offering Clark a toothless smile. The one named Bern, meanwhile, continued to rock in his chair, seemingly ignoring Clark. But Clark could see that Bern would swift his eyes at him from time to time, while wearing a somewhat suspicious scowl. Obviously, Bern was the tougher one to charm.

Clark couldn’t resist grinning at the friendly man. “Pleasure to meet you both, my name is Clark Kent.” He said, extending his hand to shake theirs.

“Are you here on vacation, young man?” Chuck asked Clark.

“Yes. Well, in fact, I am also here on business. I am a reporter, back in Metropolis,” Seeing Chuck’s confused look, Clark explained “that’s in Kansas. I’d like to get some information about small towns and what better way to start than here?” Clark finished lamely. He felt bad for deceiving these nice men, but it would be difficult to explain that Clark was here to get information on a bank account that had possibly belonged to his death former friend.

“Kansas! I bet you grew up in a farm, right? Have that healthy look on ya!” Chuck said, still grinning.

“Yes sir. I grew up in a town called Smallville. We used to sell vegetables and milk from our farm.”

For the first time in the conversation, Bern spoke. “Used to?”

Clark went to explain, somewhat happy that Bern had finally addressed him “After my father died, there was not one to take care of the farm properly. I was about to graduate from college and my mom and I knew that I never had the heart for farming, so my mom leased the land for a share of the profits. She still lives at the farm, though.”

“How is your Mama doing, all by herself in that big farm?” Chuck asked as he waived to the residents strolling by.

Clark smiled indulgently. “The farm is not that big, and my mom really didn’t want to leave the house. She says it keeps her closer to my Dad. She is always busy with volunteer work. She’s always baking. My Mom is one tough lady” Clark finished with a prideful smile.

Chuck was about to say something, when Bern got his attention first. “Look Charles,” the Mayor said, pointing his chin towards the opposite sidewalk. “The girl that don’t wanna speak to you.”

Clark turned around to see who Bern was referring to, and was shocked to see who it was.

Amy Palmer hadn’t changed much; her hair was much longer and better kept, and she was wearing a sensible pastel sweater instead of the dark clothes that were her signature in high school. She looked like a confident woman; nothing like shy but eager teenager that he remembered. In one word, she looked lovely.

Trying to appear nonchalant, Clark turned back to Chuck and Bern. “Who is she?”

Bern cut Chuck’s response. “Her name is Amy. Couple of years back, she just came here out of nowhere.” The elderly man said, pointedly looking at Clark. “We see her from time to time here in town, but we don’t know where she lives, what she does, nuthin. A mystery, I say. Charles here tried to make conversation, but she don’t seem to like to talk.”

“Maybe she is shy.” Clark said, remembering how introverted she was in high school.

“Humph! I think she is hiding something. But this one here,” Bern pointed his chin again, this time at Chuck, “don’t know when to stop. Always trying to get her to talk.”

“Cause she don’t know anyone! She must be lonely.” Chuck said earnestly.

“I don’t trust her.”

“You don’t know her!” Chuck refuted.

“Like you do? She could be a killer for all we know. And no one is doing nuthin about it. If I was Mayer –“ Bern retorted, before Chuck interrupted him.

“But you ain’t, you old fool!”

Seeing that the pair was too busy arguing to pay him any attention, Clark started to walk away from the bait ship, with the intention of following Amy. It seemed she was walking toward her car, which was park a little too far from the center of town.  She soon got into her jeep, and Clark, after giving her a couple of minutes to get away from the shopping hub, ran after the vehicle.

After driving for at least a half hour to a desolated area outside of town, Amy made a turn onto an entrance to what appear to be a ranch. She drove another three miles until she came to a stop in front of a big house.

Whoever owned this land must be pretty well off, Clark thought. Giving a sweeping look over the place, he could see that the ranch had thousands of acres of land. Further away from the big house, there were a couple of smaller ones, clearly lived in by the look of them. There was even a small stream by the northern side of the ranch. Clark could see many horses and other animals grazing in the distance. Training his sight towards the big house, Clark saw Amy in a kitchen area, talking to a woman close to his Mom’s age. Outside the house, by the stables, there were a group of men, looking on at another that was trying to tame a wild horse. The others were hollering encouragement to the wrangler, who after failing to lasso the horse again, stopped to remover his hat and take a drink from a canteen one of the others offered.

Clark sucked in a breath as soon as the hat came off. But what really surprised him was the easy smile and the golden look that Lex had. ‘Not bad for a dead man’ he thought.

C&LC&LC&L

Clark supposed he should be furious for discovering that Lex was alive and well, but in all honesty, he was relieved and happy. Lex looked great; content and in control.

Isn’t that what Clark always wanted for him?

It reminded him of the time that Lex had to stay over at the Kent farm, after Lionel had disowned him. Clark had never seen Lex so openly at ease and carefree, even after all the hard manual work that Jonathan hoisted on him. It was a rare sight, and at the moment, Clark was happy he got a chance to see it again.

He was about to make his presence known when slowly, his initial joy turned into a kind of despair. What was he supposed to do, show himself to Lex and carry on like nothing had happened? There must be a reason why Lex had taking the decision to leave it all behind and hide here. Did he have the right to disrupt what was clearly a peaceful existence? And for what? For Clark’s peace of mind? For an existence without lingering guilt?

Clark had been selfish before and he was still paying the consequences of that hasty choice. But still, there was a part of him that wanted to get his friend back and share all this natural beauty with Lex. Maybe help him wrangler all those wild horses, or perhaps get some bait from Chuck and go fishing.

Or maybe, he should just turn around, go back to Metropolis and forget the whole trip to Twin Bridges had never happened. Mourn for the time wasted and lost opportunities. Try and gather the pieces and move on.  Not all river streams converge at the feet of a mountain, Clark realized. His and Lex are an ocean apart; lies and deceit redirecting the currents their own separate ways. Jonathan Kent had told him once that, if you love someone, set him free. It was his responsibility to do so.

“Let him go”, Lois had said.

Smiling sadly through his tears, Clark took a long, last look at his old friend. He wanted to take that sight of a cheerful Lex and keep it in his heart forever. Lex’s happiness would have to be enough for Clark. It was going to be enough. He owed him that much.

Clark’s last thought before running away from the ranch was that ripping his heart from his chest would be less painful than walking away from Lex again.