Kansas: The Musical by Margeaux Van Gogh

Title: Kansas: The Musical Author: Margeaux Van Gogh Pairings: Clark/Lex Rating: R, for sex Warning: Disclaimer: None of the Smallville characters belong to me. No profit is being made from this, only entertainment. Summary: Romance and singing. Not necessarily in that order. Challenge responded to: Try and write a Smallville musical ep. Possible scenes - besides the obvious Clark/Lex revelation scene. Lana/Whitney - song in which Whitney tells Lana he's leaving and joining the army Chloe/Pete revelation scene. Lionel/Lex fight scene Jonathon/Martha/Clark - 'Mum, Dad, I'm gay' scene (Beloved Plank)
Part of the ClexFest Challenge at: http://www.kardasi.com/Lexclusive/ClexFest Author's Note: This is loosely, very loosely based on the musical Oklahoma as explained to me by a friend.

Kansas: The Musical

Clark sat alone in his loft glad that chores were done and that he still had most of the day to himself. He liked this time he had to think about things, like what happened today in school or what to write his English essay about, or something as serious as being as different as he was. Today was the announcement of this year’s prom theme, 'Only Blue Skies'. The prom, Clark gave a small sight. He wanted to go, he even had some money saved up for from a few odd jobs around town. No, going to the prom was not a problem, just who he wanted to go with. Lex.

Lex had been in Clarks mind, his every thought for most of this year. Every time they saw each other his heart would pound and he became short of breath. Lex would look him in the eye and he could swear that he saw into his soul. It made his skin burn just to think about it. Clark's mind craved Lex, just as his body desired him.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a car coming down the road leading to the farm. The sleek purr of the engine only spoke of one thing. Lex. Clark stood up from his place the ratty sofa and bounded down the stairs to the barn door. He walked out just in time for Lex to bring the car to a stop. He waited as Lex opened the door and eased himself away from the vehicle, his movements easy and sure. He stood to face Clark his clothes crisp and sharp as if they dared to be any other way. He could hardly wait to speak.

"Hi, Lex." Clark grinned, bouncing on his feet like a new puppy, barely containing his excitement.

"Clark." Lex spoke his voice giving no inflection as to how he felt at the moment.

"So...uh...What brings ya by?"

"I was coming back from Metropolis. We haven't seen each other in a while, so I thought I'd stop by to see you."

"Oh." Feeling a blush coming on, Clark dropped his eyes to the ground. He didn't dare look up for fear of being unable to stop himself from looking pleased that Lex had bothered to stop by to see him. He was trying to compose himself to speak again when his eyes caught a bright reflection from the ground.

"Don't you think so?"

"What?" He didn't realize Lex had spoken again.

"I said the weather has been clearing up nicely, don't you think so?"

"Uh..Yeah. I guess spring has finally sprung." He gave a quick laugh as Lex glared at him. But it was only a moment before his eyes were brought back down to the shiny bit that caught his attention, so he reached down to pick it up.

"What's that?"

"I don't know," he said bring the object closer to him. "I think it's just a rock."

"You sure about that? Around here you never know if any rock is just a rock." Lex reached out his hand and Clark placed his find in Lex's palm. The gritty feel of dirt touched his skin as Lex turned the ordinary looking stone around with his fingers.

"Why'd you pick it up?"

"It looked shiny." Clark replied feeling a bit foolish now.

"Well, I guess it's nothing." Lex gave his shoulders a shrug. "So, what's been happening?"

"Not much. Oh... but the prom is coming up, they announced it today. It's really exciting."

"Do you know who you're going to ask?"

"I'm not sure, I don't think they'd want to go with me."

Lex felt amazing, his body filled with confidence and pride. Yes, he had always known Clark desired him. He saw the way he stared when he thought Lex didn't see him. He enjoyed exchanging looks and orchestrating a few touches here and there without being too obvious. He was quite positive that eventually he would be with Clark, it was only a matter of time, and it seemed that time was now. Asking Clark to the prom today had been his intention for stopping after all. Gabe mentioned it last week in a meeting at the plant. It seemed Chloe was all excited about it as she was interviewing members of the social committee for the Torch, so she had the scoop on the theme chosen a week before the rest of the school to be ready for press on time. He made certain to stop in time to let his intentions be known in the hopes that Clark was ready. Now all he had to do was make him see that, Clark Kent only deserved the best and that was Lex Luthor.

"Why not? There's nothing wrong with you. You're nice and quite handsome, Clark. I hope I don't offend you if I say, I would take you to the prom."

"You think so. If you could, you would really take me?"

"Yes, Clark, I would." Lex said solemnly, his eyes speaking to how serious he was in his answer.

'Ask me.' Clark was about to say as Lex continued speaking.
"And you would say yes because who would possibly turn me down. After all I'm rich and certainly handsome, you would do quite well to be with me. As a matter of fact Clark you deserve me.” In his excitement the timbre of Lex’s voice began to grow along with his grandiose plans. “ Yes, the prom, can't you see it? You'll need a tux, but don't worry I'll take care of it all."

Clark was quite shocked at Lex's words to him. Yes he had wished, even hoped that Lex was serious about asking him to the prom, but what he didn't expected from his friend was this cavalier attitude. Lex had always been self-assured, even cocky, but never had he ever appeared to be snobbish or uncaring in his friendship with Clark before. He opened his mouth to tell Lex exactly what he thought when Lex began to sing.

You Deserve Me

I'll pay for you
it's only fitting
I think I shall dress you up
in due course
As only I can do (repeat)

Only you deserve someone like me
The things I can give you
As far as the eye can see (repeat)

Think of it (spoken)

The limo will pull up at seven
I'll arrive at you door with a rose
You'll be pretty dolled up and clothed
You'll need me to see you through

And when we arrive ---- surprise
They'll fall at our feet

As we dance around the room
All the handsome boys and pretty girls
Will be jealous of you

Isn’t it all
you have ever dreamed
being with me

Clark don't you see
You deserve me.


'How dare you presume to tell me what I would do?'
Clark was infuriated at Lex's assumption that he could be the only one willing to go with him. I may care but I won't be looked at as pathetic, time to take the wind out of these sails.

"No."

"What was that?"

"I said no. Who do you think I am? Your plaything? I am not yours to command Lex. I am a friend not one of your little puppets."

Clark tuned away abruptly leaving a flabbergasted Lex standing in the middle of the yard.

Clark stood with Chloe and Pete in the Torch offices.

"Are you going to spend all day in here? Come on."

"Yeah Chloe. We're starved. We are two growing boys here."

"Who you calling boy, Clark? I happen to be a man you know. At least that's what the ladies tell me." Pete cocked an eyebrow.

"Yeah right. The 'ladies' in your dreams anyway." Chloe rolled her eyes at Pete, even as a smile appeared on her face.

Clark was leaned up against the desk wondering how much longer it was going to take Chloe to finish. He reached his hand in his pocket. 'What am I doing with this again?' He pulled his hand from his pants and looked at the rock that had made the trip to school with him. He didn't remember putting it in his pocket; in fact he thought he'd left it outside after he walked away from Lex yesterday. Thinking of Lex, Clark began to fiddle with the rock in his hand, worrying it back and forth across his palm.

"What's that?" Pete spoke breaking his concentration.

"Oh, nothing."

"For nothing, you sure seem real attached to it."

"Here, see for yourself." Clark handed the rock to Pete who looked at him in surprise. 'Why in the world is he carrying a rock around?' He looked the stone over seeing nothing compelling at all about the plain stone.

"Whatcha looking at?"

"Huh? Oh, just some hunk of rock Clark was carrying around." Pete handed her the small stone, shrugging his shoulders.

"It doesn't look like anything special. Whatcha doin’ Clark? A project for science class?"
She handed his stone back to him.

"I just picked it up in the yard yesterday that's all. I was surprised it was in my pocket. I guess I slipped in there without realizing it."

Chloe and Pete paused to look at each other. 'Yep, just another of those weird things Clark does.' The thought passed between them.

"Come on, guys. I wouldn't want you two growing boys to go starved now would I?" Chloe laughed as she walked out the door. Pete followed complaining all the way.

"I told you I'm a man. Ladies love me."

Clark smiled at his friends’ antics as he followed them; not noticing that he again pocketed the rock.

After school the next day Clark was at his locker gathering his books together for the night's homework.

"Hey, Clark."

He turned around to see Lana walking up to him.

"So, how's it going?"

"Okay, I guess. What about you? Are you going to the prom?"

"I probably will. Have you asked anyone yet? Chloe maybe?"

"Oh, I couldn't go with Chloe, she's just a friend. Anyway I can't think of anyone who would want to go with me." His heart constricted at the thought. 'Damn you, Lex.'

"I'm not expecting anyone to ask me. So how about we go together Clark?" Lana's voice held a hopeful tone.

"Really?" Clark tried to sound excited at the prospect, but instead he was mostly surprised that she had asked at all. "I...didn't think you'd be...uh interested.."

"Why not Clark. I like you." Lana's head bowed down but she looked up at Clark through the fringe of her eyelashes.

'Should I go. I really wanted to be with Lex, but I can't now. Maybe I shouldn't go at all.'

"I think we would have a good time, besides I’ll be jealous of anyone else." Lana gave him a little pert smile.

'Jealous? Since when? Wait, that's it! If I go with Lana to the prom, Lex would see that he's not top dog. That will show him and maybe then he'll realize I like him just because he's Lex and I love him.'

Clark gave Lana a huge smile. "Sure Lana, I think it's a great idea. I'd love to go to the prom with you."

Lana leaned forward and Clark took the hint and wrapped his arms around her in a firm hug.

"Oh Clark, this is just great! Let's start planning right away, we've only got two months. Then after prom there's the Kansas State Fair, I plan on entering the competition for Corn Queen, I'll need a king of course."

Lana grabbed Clark's elbow dragging him down the hall, stating all her plans for the future she could see them having.

Unbeknownst to them they had an audience. As Chloe watched Clark and Lana head down the hallway, her heart felt heavy and she heaved a huge sigh. 'Why is it always her.' She had been walking the halls after closing the Torch office for the day when she saw Clark at his locker. But before she had gotten close enough for him to see her, Lana had shown up. 'Yet again I get beat out by Lana. Why don't you see me as more than a friend, Clark?'

But when Clark told Lana that he and Chloe were only 'just friends', she felt the tears pooling in her eyes. 'A friend? That's the only thing I'll be for you.'
She stood in the hall trying not to let the tears fall, her heart breaking for her lost hope. The pain she felt inside bursting to come forth soul.

Beauty is Only Skin Deep

Chloe:
     You've been blinded by the girl next door
     Miss popular-cheerleading-homecoming-queen
     How can I compare?
     To whose beauty is rare...

     They say beauty is skin deep
     I'm sure it's why you haven't noticed me
     And I have loved you all my life
     Hoping one day to become your wife

     We have been friends so long
     That's bridged such a strong bond
     Friendship can lead to love
     But for us it wasn't meant to be

     Beauty is only skin deep
     Will I ever be noticed for just being me?
     When will I compare to the homecoming queen?
     I love you, so why can't you see me

Chloe walks slowly down the corridor tears flowing down her cheeks having given up the fight. In a doorway near the end of the hall, Pete had watched the unfolding events.

Pete:
     You say that beauty is skin deep
     It seems so hypocritical to me
     You have been blinded, I so agree
     You see him, but you haven't noticed me

Lex sat at his desk in the castle study; he decided that the office at the plant was too confining, but this wasn't much better. He stared down at the figure before him, but he didn't really see them. His mind was still reacting to the humiliation he received some week ago when Clark turned down his proposal.

‘I don't understand. I was quite sure he was interested in me.’

He had been trying to forget what happened, but his mind stubbornly refused. He had to figure out this particular puzzle. He had stood in the yard for several minutes after Clark had walked away, unable to fathom how something so simple became a dismal failure. He was looking at the ground when he saw the bright flash as the waning light reflected off something on the ground. He leaned forward to pick it up and saw it was the same type of small rock Clark was distracted by earlier.

Although it looked ordinary, he sensed a strange foreboding from the little piece of stone. Why should this be? As he looked closer, he noted that this shard of granite and Earth seemed different compared to the bedrock that made up most of the area. Lex was raise by his father to be the next heir to business empire, but truth be told Lex was a scientist at heart. Mysteries and puzzle will always call to him to find the answers.

This seemed to break him from his waking spell and left the farm to return to the castle, the small rock coming with him. It found a place of honor on his desk where he could pursue it mysteries at his leisure. Unfortunately the time to investigate never came to pass, Lex immersed himself in new projects beginning at the plant. At least he tried to, thoughts of Clark seemed to blindside him at the most inopportune moments.

"Is there a particular reason, you're not at the plant?"

"Father."

Lionel stood in the doorway regal and imposing. He gave off an air of self-importance that seemed to ooze from his pores. He walked into the room looking at his son sitting at his desk.

"I sent you out here Lex to keep an eye on my business interests, yet you seem more inclined to stare into space."

"I was just reviewing this quarters figures father, besides business can be done from anywhere and I feel my employees are reliable and resilient enough to handle things on their own for a day."

"I guess I should trust your judgment on this. How else will you learn but the hard way? Employees Lex are like children, you have to keep an eye on them every second and raise a heavy hand when discipline is needed."

Lionel walked about the desk running his hands over folders and various papers spread across it. He saw the small bit of rock that sat alone near the front of the smooth surface. He picked it up for a bit rolling it about in his hands, wondering what was about this little bit of stone that could fascinate his son. With a small snort he placed it back on the desk and continued his lecture on the proper image his son should maintain to insure his control of plant business.

Lex just stood there as his father continued to extol the virtues of being his heir to LuthorCorp.

You're a Luthor

Lionel:
     I raised you son to be a man
     Fearless, tough and ruthless
     Just a mention of your name
     Garners respect and instant fame
     So dammit son remember
     You're a Luthor

     We are not ordinary men
     The world was made to fall at our feet
     To crush the opposition and bring our enemies to heel
     That's the only passion that a Luthor should feel

      Remain strong with your show of might
      From generations we have reigned
      You are my heir my expectations of you don't compare
      Ordinary men don't have the same savoir faire
      So son remember, you're a Luthor

"Lex as assured of the employees as you are, there are still a few needed changes in regards to the plant. I received your preliminary estimates of where we will be next quarter; I hope these figures you are reviewing will live up to them."

He stopped a moment to look at his son and Lex nodded to acknowledge that he understood.

"Now onto other business, Hardwick Industries is ripe for the picking. Old man Hardwick has been holding off for years, but now it is time to strike. I believe his week spot is his daughter. Daddy's darling little girl has been chaffing at the bit, ready to take control and he seems ready to give into her. Cozy up to her, gain her trust, fuck her if you have to and when she's ready we'll wrest control from her very hands."

"Why should I? I have no interest in pursuing this, I'm quite sure there's another way to acquire the company."

"You are my son as well as an employee of this company, this is business and in regards to this situation, you will do as I say."

My Own Man

Lex: Father don't you understand
     I am my own man and I'll make my own way
     Others respect is inferred and their fear I will earn
     When they discover that my wrath is their due and deserved

Lionel: Son there is no way that you are ready
        There are many things you still must learn
        In the future still one day
        I will be stepping away
        And this burden to you I will turn

Lex: When will you stop treating me as a child?
Lionel: When will I need to stop covering up your mistakes?

Lex: Any enemies I have inherited from you.
Lionel: You do your own damage, yes its true

Lex: One day I will amass my own due
Lionel: Years from now I'll still be pulling you through

Lex: You'll see father and
      One day you will understand
      And learn to respect me
      As my own man

"Then prove it to me, acquire Hardwick for LuthorCorp, then maybe I'll look into giving you more responsibility."

Lionel turned and headed out the study door his business with his son concluded.

The next day after a surprise inspection of the plants facilities, Lex called Gabe Sullivan in his office to discuss the results and make plans for what needed improving or repairs that had to be made. After their talk, Lex lingered a bit asking after Gabe’s family hoping to appear friendlier to the man in hopes of acquiring his loyalty. Gabe was always willing to talk about Chloe, so Lex asked what happened with her plans for the prom.

"Well Mr. Luthor, poor Chloe had her sites set on Clark Kent, I believe you know him."

"Yes, we're friends," Lex winced but continued, "I buy produce from his parents farm."

"It seems that the Lang girl, Lana, beat her to the punch, so to speak. Now she's not sure she wants to go."

"She's a pretty girl Mr. Sullivan, I'm quite sure there are a lot of young men wanting to ask her out. I just hope she's not too disappointed in Clark and turns them down." He gave the man a tense and hopefully reassuring smile.

"I hope so as well. I just want her to be happy. She should be young for a while longer, having a good time. There are plenty of young men she'll meet over the years. Heck, you know teenagers, she'll probably have a new interest tomorrow." Gabe made to stand, "I'll just take these notes and start the ball rolling on those repairs. You have a good day, Mr. Luthor."

Lex didn't really see Gabe leave as he was thinking of this new bit of information.
'Lana? I guess he's still in love with his former crush after all.'

Lana kept Clark busy most of the week, with plans and ideas about what they should wear or the type of flowers they would order from her Aunt. Almost everyday after school would see Clark at the Talon with Lana looking through magazines and catalogs, to put together the perfect night. She had even asked him if he could talk to Lex about borrowing his Limo for the occasion, so far Clark had been able to hold off an answer for her.

Chloe watched the spectacle before her, unnoticed she gazed longingly at Clark while Lana spoke to him, her hands thrashing about animatedly.

"Sad thing to see isn't?" Pete said as he slid into the chair across from Chloe at the table.

"Painful is more like."

"It was bound to happen, it seemed he waited long enough before she eventually conceded that he was never going to ask her himself. He was always too shy."

Chloe remained silent.

"Yeah. So are you going to this thing?"

"Probably not, no one's asked me anyway."

"I want to go, but the person I want to go with, wants to go with someone else. I may just be going stag."

"Have you asked her yet?"

"No. I didn't want to get shot down."

"You should before she accepts someone else's invitation. You never know, she may have changed her mind about her 'dream guy' and just may be ready to accept reality."

"I'll think about it."

In the last few days since his confrontation with his son, Lionel had been thinking. Lex had always been a hard case, this was true, but in business he never questioned me. What has been happening in his life that he would question our strategy for taking down Hardwick Industries? Lionel decided to investigate this little matter.

"Gloria."

"Yes, Mr. Luthor."

"Get me Roger Nixon."

"Right away sir."

Yes, he'll get to the bottom of this.

Lex wasn't happy in fact he was miserable. Not only was Clark ignoring him but now it was possible his father may be suspicious of Lex's actions. He couldn't know why Lex didn't want to seduce Victoria Hardwick and if he didn't, Lex had to do whatever was necessary that so that his father remained in the dark about his feelings for Clark. Not that Clark was feeling much for him these days now that his dream of dating Lana has become a reality. He'd seen them together at the Talon on several occasions, using the excuse of buying coffee or keeping an eye on his investment. The few times he went to actually discuss management of the Talon, Lana had barely been able to keep her mind on business, often sighing or loosing focus all together. The one time he had actually made the mistake of asking her what was on her mind, she exploded into a flurry about the plans she and Clark were making for the prom.

She clipped articles and pictures of what types of outfits she was looking for and if they were going somewhere, she blushed 'after'. Lex may have been older and spent most of his school age in other countries, but even he was aware of what most American high school kids did after the prom. He immediately put a stop to that conversation unable to bear the thought that Clark and Lana would be having sex after a night of partying and dancing close together. He cut there meeting short by saying he had forgotten an important call he had to make. He left the office and went to his car, tearing off onto the street with barely a glance at who was on the road. It wasn't until well away from town that he pulled over on the side of the road, closed his eyes and breathed deeply trying to calm his rapidly beating heart, while denying the tears pooling in his eyes. No, his father could not know how Lex felt about Clark in any way, not even that seeing Clark with someone else was breaking his heart.

Across from the Talon sat an older model Chrysler, it had been parked there for about half an hour. Inside the car sat a brown haired man whose eyes were squinted and small mouth held a permanent scowl. Roger Nixon sat looking at the figures looking through catalogs for the third this week.

'What are they looking for?'

The Kent boy stayed for about half an hour before leaving the young lady behind at the coffee shop. He walked towards the edge of town presumably on his way home. Roger kept with the speed limit trying not to appear to be following the young man, so he was quite puzzled when he made a left at the next corner, the boy was no where to be found.

'Where could he have gone so quickly?'

The reporter looked about before giving up and deciding to drive to the Kent farms for more observations.

Clark brought the truck to a stop at the back entrance to the castle. It seemed even though he wasn't talking to Lex, the farm still received his produce orders. He had been here last week but he didn't see Lex so he was unsure if word had reached him that Clark was going to the prom with Lana. He would soon find out, he hoped. Clark opened the door and climbed out of the truck to walk to the uncovered bed. Along with this week's order there was a special delivery of some of his mother's tulips. 'I wonder what Lex wants with these flowers?' Clark picked up the crate and went to the door. He rang for the housekeeper Mrs. Riley.

"Oh Clark, come in."

"Hi Mrs. Riley. How are you?"

"I'm fine dear. Just place the box over here." She directed him to the preparation table near the center of the kitchen.

"There something special going on today? You don't usually order flowers."

Mrs. Riley knew of the friendship between Lex and Clark and didn't feel she was gossiping if she told him anything during his visits.

"Mr. Luthor is having a guest for dinner tonight."

"Business dinner?"

"I would guess so, he hardly ever has anyone over."

Clark felt his heart seize at the thought of Lex entertaining a date, but relaxed at her words.

"Really."

"Should be a interesting night, I think the chef is preparing something very special, so the client must be important. Are you going up to see Mr. Luthor?"

"No, maybe later. I wouldn't want to disturb his...uh...preparations." Maybe if it wasn't too late he could come by and visit Lex after his meeting.

"I really have to go now Mrs. Riley." He said quickly not even giving the woman a chance to say good-bye as he rushed out of the door.

"Mrs. Riley."

"Hello Mr. Luthor." She turned to face her employer, not really surprised to see him; he always managed to find his way here on Clark's delivery days.

"Have the lilies arrived yet?" 'Is Clark here? I thought I heard his voice?'

"Yes, Clark Kent was just here. It seemed he was in a bit of a hurry today." Mrs. Riley watched Lex face fall at her words.
"Good. I leave you to it Mrs. Riley."

Lex walked away upset that he had missed his chance to catch up with Clark. 'I need to know about this sudden interest in Lana again.'

Mrs. Riley watched the perturb young man walk away, wondering how youth today ever got together seeing as they never really spoke to each other.

Later that evening after supper, Clark told his folks he was going out for a little run. His father said it was okay, while his mother pleaded that he stay within the state of Kansas. He blushed at her words as well as the guilt he felt for lying to his parents. He was going to the castle to see Lex; hopefully they could work out their differences. He had been mad at him for a while, but this past week with Lana had shown him how much Lex meant to him. He missed being with Lex as a friend and he still wanted to have the chance to be intimate with him. He hoped Lex had missed him as well.

Although she had seen Clark earlier that day, Lana walked out from her house to the Kent farm. She went into the loft, hoping to run into Clark, but the object of her quest was nowhere to be found.

‘Maybe I should wait for him a bit; he's probably making deliveries.’

She looked about at the place where Clark always seemed to be whenever she saw him. She looked at the telescope wondering what Clark saw when he looked in it at night. What was he searching for? She looked through some books that he had lying about trying to find insight into her friend. He had various items strewn about the loft, a basketball, and a t-shirt proclaiming property of Smallville High Athletic Dept. that must have been a left over from his short time on the football team, a few tapes and a small rectangle box.

She opened it, there were a few things inside she didn't recognize, along with a rock. She picked up some of items, trying to figure out what they could be; she even held the rock for a moment wondering why he kept it. In all the years she had known him, did she really know Clark? He had always been there for her and when she realized that it had all fallen into place. Clark was what she had been looking for all along. She would have the joy of discovering everything about him. She could share things about herself she had always kept close. They would come to care deeply for each other, being together always. She giggled. Clark seemed to be bringing out a part of her, that even she didn't know about. It seemed it could no longer be contained and surged forth.

Because of Him

He touched me and my heart sprang from its shell
Where it was hiding from passion's swell
And then he touched me
He released within me
---desire

The world is in color
The past
A door now closed
I see a bright future on the horizon
With him there's no place
I cannot go

In him I see
All that I can ever be
'Cause when he touched me
He set me free

She sighed as she sat on the sofa. She hoped he would be back soon.

Lex looked about the room, making sure all of his plans had been thoroughly completed by the staff. 'No need to appear as if this isn't what I want.' He knew that it wasn't. His father's plans for Hardwick were inconvenient for not only wasn't he inclined to seduce Ms. Hardwick but also emotionally he felt he couldn't cheat on Clark. Even though that had not come to an agreement about their relationship, Lex knew he was ready to commit. When Victoria arrived he greeted her at the door and invited her to sit. After some polite conversation, he wanted to move on to speaking about business, but she politely declined.

"After dinner Lex, please."

Dinner was stilted, Lex wearing a tense smile, while Victoria preened like a cat holding a rat's tail. She wanted something to be sure, but what was the question. So he was surprised when in the lounge she was well aware of LuthorCorp intentions of a takeover.

"It's not like it hasn't been attempted before, my father was a very formidable man."

"Was? I didn't know he was dead."

She laughed. "Not yet anyway. I was very glad to receive your invitation to dinner Lex, although for 'old times sake' was complete bullshit. Our days of passion are long over, but it doesn't mean I'm not inclined towards a good fuck now and again. And if it could seal a bargain between us...." She looked up at him to see his reaction to her words.

"What did you have in mind?"

She stood from the loveseat to walk over to Lex, who had been standing before the window overlooking the gardens. She sided up to him pressing her body close, feeling the heat from his skin, and maneuvering her hips to lock with his.

"I was thinking in terms of a little merger, it's time for the older generation to step down Lex, their vision is dim. Ours on the other hand are ready to claim new vistas. We need to grab hold of the opportunities before us and our two companies together will give us that. Our pluses will outweigh any of your weaknesses."

"The unexpected joining on our part would cause a rise in stock prices, that would be a benefit to our own personal portfolio's."

She caressed his face with her hands then leaned up to brush her lips with his. When she found his ascent to her kiss she slid her tongue into his mouth, taking the kiss deeper, melding her tongue with his. Lex went with the motions while his mind was rapidly forming plans of his own. Victoria melded to his body was tempting, he had vivid memories of nights spent together, erotic images that even now could cause him to 'rise' to the occasion, but the beautiful woman before him was actually a cunning bitch and Lex knew enough about himself not to fall for her trap again. He would play her game in the beginning, not even hiding the fact that sex wasn't an option, she would expect and understand that considering her history. She would be patient instead thinking the time would come when it would happen, but by then Lex would had have what he wanted, a way to take Hardwick away that didn't include joining anything of his to hers.

Clark had walked a ways from the house so his parents wouldn't notice which direction he was going and sped up the rest of the way to the castle. He stopped before he became visible to those inside, then he walked the rest up to the drive. He took a look around with his x-ray to see if Lex was alone, so he could speak with him when he saw an unexpected site. Lex with his arms around someone, a woman he had not seen before. They were kissing, Lex holding her shoulders and she had her body pressed tightly to his. Clark felt his heart contract at what he was seeing. It seemed Lex might have heard about his plans after all. It also seemed that they didn't matter in the slightest to him as well. Instead of being jealous and confronting Clark, Lex had found someone to take Clark's place. Clark's eyes filled with tears and this time he ran for real, unconcerned where he was headed, not even his mother's words could detract from the pain he was feeling at Lex's fleeting desires.

Passion's Pain

I saw you with her
Kissing passionately
Your bodies clinging
It cut through my heart
so deeply

You inspired such desire
I thought that only happened
with me

You have moved on
I can't move on
'Cause my heart is stuck
in this mire
That is my desire
for you

Nixon had gone to the Kent farms and waited for Clark to return home, only to find the young man was already there. His interest peaked so he stayed hidden to find out what other talents this young stranger had. Evening came and Clark left the house and Nixon followed him, so he witnessed his sudden burst of speed. There were only so many places he could go; there wasn't much out this ways but acres of farmland. He drove in the direction he assumed Clark had gone finally catching up with him at the castle at the edge of the cornfield. He watched, as Kent seemed to be looking at the mansion when he stood absolutely still, then he began to speak to himself for several minutes just looking up at one of the lighted windows. When Nixon thought he would continue on into the house Clark left again in another burst of speed to fast for his eyes to follow. Lionel Luthor had only asked him to look into his son’s daily habits, it paid but not as well as he wanted it too. He wondered if the father knew about his son’s friends secrets and if not what would he pay to know about them. Nixon thought it was time to stop observing and start collecting a little proof to line his pockets.

Lex sat in his office going through his files on the computer. Victoria had been staying with him for a couple of weeks now, having plenty of time for them to start cementing their relationship. He had gone out of his way to be romantic, while not physically placing himself in harms way. She had yet to understand why he was, seeing as he was determined that theirs plans included the takeover of both companies. He also intimated that the merger of their businesses would not be the only merger of two greats. The physical he said could only serve to distract them, as well as making their victory even more desired a goal because it will lead to them bonding in a more permanent manner.

Victoria had gone upstairs to bathe in the claw footed tub in the lady of the houses boudoir. Lex used his time wisely to pull up the sentinel files on his laptop. It was a specialized program, a guardian that watched entry and exits into certain flagged areas on his hard drive. It also kept records of resent activity on the Internet and email usage. Lex only used this particular laptop for business, any private transactions took place on another machine altogether. He didn't use that one often, he took his pleasure in the thrill of corporate piracy more often these day and the physical, well he hadn't needed much since he met Clark. He quickly pulled his mind from unpleasant thoughts and back to the business at hand. Seems Victoria's little hands had been quite busy, she had definitely picked up some skills in erasing her trail, but this program was made especially for him and hid itself very well from regular detection. He decided not to confront her just yet; he wanted her to play out her hand. The game just got more interesting.

Two weeks later

Lex stood in the bright sunlight from the many windows that formed on of the main offices in the LuthorCorp tower. He was waiting for Victoria, he had good news, well maybe not for her. He stood sipping champagne from his glass when the door to the office was opened with a bang.

"Damn you Lex!"
"Ah Victoria. I see Grace let you come straight in, I glad you could make it."

"Don't act snide with me Lex. How could you? I thought we were in this together."

"Together? Do I seem to have a diminished capacity 'Vicki'? Did you think I didn't know what you were doing in my life again? In my bed? You thought when I finally gave into your little demands to fuck you that I would go along with your plans. I don't trust you and I never will. I think you should be trying to find an explanation for daddy, when the numbers come in over the recent purchase."

"I hate you." She screamed and picked up a close by vase to throw in his direction. He caught her hand stopping the motion.

"Don't worry, Vicki, you're a pretty decent fuck, I'm quite sure you can find some way to keep you and daddy afloat."

She jerked her hand out of his grasp, only to pull it back to slap his cheek before storming away in a fury. The company was no longer theirs, true but it wasn't the only venture she and her father had invested in over the years, they would recover. She wasn't out of the game yet. She and Lex would meet again over the chessboard some day, of that she was certain.

Lex watched Victoria leave, her loss worn like a heavy cloak, but he knew she wasn't defeated. He liked these little ploys of hers, they kept him sharp and focused, but he was glad this little game of theirs was now finished. He had other worries on his mind, like how he would win Clark back from the beauty queen.

Clark knew when he backed himself into a corner, and this definitely qualified as such. Every time he saw Lana, her prom plans had grown in detail than before. He was starting to feel guilty for involving her in his little plan to make Lex jealous, especially with the way it had turned out. Lex didn't even want him anymore, now that he had Victoria.

‘Way to go Clark. You drove him into her arms with your little plan, now you have to suffer for your own stupidity.’
That's why he’s sitting in the loft after school, avoiding Lana and moping over the mess of his life. He didn't want to go to the prom any longer, now that Lex had given up on him, but he didn't know how to tell Lana. He didn't want to tell her the truth, but what could he tell her that wouldn't hurt in the end anyway. He sat on the sofa becoming more depressed in his thoughts when he heard footsteps approaching.

"Clark?"

He looked at the man he hadn't expected to see ever again.

"Lex. What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you and to apologize. I shouldn't have just assumed you would be happy to go with me to the prom Clark. I should have asked instead how you felt about me and would you consider being seen with in such a public place. I know now I was wrong and I'm sorry."

When he saw Clark was not going to say anything he continued. "I heard you were going with Lana. You always wanted to date her. Congratulations."

"I don't want to go with her." Clark replied softly, "What do you care anyway? You have a girlfriend now."

"I don't..."

"Yes you do Lex. I saw you kissing her. I went to see you to talk about what happened. Mrs. Riley said it was supposed to be a business meeting, so I thought it would be over by the time I got there."

"You mean Victoria? She was just a business acquaintance Clark, that's all."

"Then why were you kissing her Lex? I can see you know."

"Actually she kissed me. I'm not going to lie to you Clark, we were lovers once, but it ended badly. I could never trust her again. She thought I had forgiven her enough to enter into a merger with her, but she learned that once you betray me I never forget."

Clark winced at Lex's words, even more at a loss as to what to do. He was sure Lex would never take him back no matter what he did now.

"So why did you ask Lana?"

"I didn't, she asked me. I was just so angry at what you did, that I wanted to show you that I wasn’t so pathetic that you 'had' to ask me because no body else would go with me, that I accepted. Now I don't know how to tell her, that I don't really want to go."

"You don't? Does this mean you've forgiven me?"

"No. I'm still mad at you Lex, but it doesn't mean I don't still love you."

"I love you too, Clark, even when I'm acting like an arrogant bastard. I'm sorry you had to see Victoria kissing me."

"I'm sorry to Lex. I should have talked to you about it, instead of trying to make you jealous."

"I'll forgive you, if you forgive me." Then he leaned close to give Clark a small chaste kiss. When he pulled back it was to see that soft smile that Clark always had when he saw him.

"Well kiss me again and maybe I'll forgive you."

And Lex set out to show Clark exactly how repentant he was for his actions.

Watching and only giving cursory reports to Lionel, Nixon had seen the sweet reunion of the two young men and as since decided his true path in this maze of Luthor male posturing. He wanted to come out ahead and the easiest way to do this, he had determined was to pit father against son. He had gathered enough evidence of the boys abilities for Lex to take an interest in, the money would easily be given for fear of his friends' life becoming public and promises not to tell daddy. Only Nixon was made of firmer stuff and expected that daddy dearest would pay well to know exactly what his son was up to in the heartland. Just one last piece of the puzzle, a small look about the Kent place, you never can tell what else they may be hiding about their son.

Later as they sat together on the sofa in the loft, Lex thought about how close he had come to losing Clark. He looked over at his friend relaxing back into the sofa with his eyes closed and felt the overwhelming need to express to him how he felt whenever they were together.

“Clark.”

Clark opened his eyes to see Lex staring at him with an unsure expression of his face.

“Lex?”

Lex opened his mouth to speak, when he sang instead.

You Complete Me

How could I have thought?
That I could treat you so carelessly
Since I’ve met you
I’ve seen life so differently

Money and power
No longer held sway
My father words
Had lost their sweet refrain

You complete me
With your lively presence
You complete me
Touching deep within

When it all looks gray
My future dim and bleak
You save me from despair
As you once had saved me
From a wet and gloomy grave

In the darkness of my soul
You brought me to light
Your angelic voice showed me the way

You complete me
You complete me
When nothing goes my way
I see you and its okay
For you complete me

Clark smiled and pulled Lex close in a hug. “You really feel that way about me? Because that’s what I feel when I’m with you Lex. I feel solid and strong, a part of something more than I am alone, complete and whole, we do that for each other.”

They held on tight while the afternoon turned into dusk.

Clark said goodbye to Lex with one last kiss before leaving the barn. He walked his friend to his car, that he had left parked a ways down the road that lead to the farm and watched as he drove away. He felt as if he were walking on air as he went into the house. His parents were in the kitchen, his father at the table looking over the bills, which seemed like an everyday occurrence and his mother was putting the finishing touches on dinner.

"Clark, I'm glad you came in. I was about to call you for dinner."

"Great. I can always eat." His parents laughed at his antics knowing full well about their son's hearty appetite.

Dinner conversation flowed easily; Martha spoke about the orders for her baked goods from new clients added to the growing list, but mostly his father talked about what needed to be done over the next few weeks on the farm. Clark looked back and forth between his mother and father.

‘Do they notice the difference? Can they tell by looking that Lex kissed me?’

He sat at the table with those thoughts floating around in his head. He smiled when he thought he should and they didn't seem to notice anything strange going on with him. He still worried though, because sooner than later he would have to tell them what was going on with him and Lex. Clark's hand slid into his pocket to clutch the small rock that had become his talisman over the last month. He hardly ever went around without it anymore. His mother had seen it earlier and asked him about it and he gave it to her to look at. She and his father examined the rock closely. He told them, he'd had it for a while now, but he didn't feel any differently than he had before. They discussed it amongst all three of them and decided that if nothing had happened so far, then it must be just an ordinary rock. So he kept hold of it, but lately whenever he was feeling overwhelm by recent events, he held on to it, worrying it about his fingers until he felt calmer. Just when he thought he could relax, the question he had been hoping wouldn't come up did.

"So Clark, how are the plans for the prom working out? You and Lana settle on anything yet?"

"Mom, Dad, can I talk to you?"

"Sure son. What's troubling you?" He sensed the seriousness in his son's tone.

"I'm not going to the prom with Lana."

Silence descended at the table as both parents looked at each other questioning. Martha spoke first.

"Why not Clark? Did something happen between you? Did you have a fight?"

"No we didn't have a fight, it's just that I realized that I like Lana more as a friend than a girlfriend. And now I don't know how to tell her that I don't think we should go to the prom together anymore, she should find someone else to take her."

"Are you sure about this son? You've had feelings for her for a long time now. Don't you think you should give it more of a chance?"

"I think one of the reasons I've never really done anything about how I felt before is because I knew it, deep down that it wouldn't work out."

"I see. What's the other reason?" Martha asked with an anxious look at Jonathan across the table.

"I like someone else more."

"What's so different about this new girl, son?"

"It's not a new girl."

"Someone you already know? Chloe?"

"No dad. It's not a girl."

Clark worried at the look on his fathers face, his hands on the stone caressing the surface making it smooth.

"Are you telling us, what I think you are Clark?"

Mom, Dad, I'm Gay

Mom, Dad I'm your son
I can tell you anything
Can't I?
Then why am I so nervous and afraid?
To share this moment so wondrous
I have discovered in my life
I am in love with such a wonderful guy

He makes me feel so sure of myself
He makes me feel so beautiful
And I know deep down inside
That when you get to know him
You'll find out he's not such a bad guy

So please understand when I say
Mom, Dad I'm your son
And I happen to be gay

Jonathan:
I don't understand how this happened
What did we do wrong
I don't understand how this could be

Martha:
I noticed he was different
Not just alien I know
He felt things so strongly all his life
I was sure his way would be hard someday
I just thought the burden would be carried with a wife

Clark: Please understand Mom and Dad I'm still your son
Jonathan: What went wrong? How could this be?
Martha: I was so sure of his bride. Now so much more of his life he shall hide

Martha and Jonathan:
Does he understand how hard it will be?
To let the world see that he loves a man?
What will become of our son now?

Mom, Dad I’m in love
He makes me feel alive
Together we’ll stand
Proudly hand in hand

Mom, Dad please still love me
When I say that I’m gay

"Clark?" Martha spoke softly. "Who is this boy that you like?"

He took a quick glance at his father before he spoke knowing this would not go over well.

"Lex."

"Luthor! Clark how could you do this? Nothing good will come of this. You have to end this now, before it’s too late."

"No dad. I've made up my mind."

"I forbid you to see him. Am I making this clear?"

"You've never given him a chance dad. You never wanted to see him as my friend, only as his father’s son. I can make up my own mind and I won't stop seeing him."

"Jonathan, stop." Martha interrupted quickly between the two Kent men. "We can't let this get out of hand. Now both of you sit."

She watched as the two sat back down at the table, but they didn't stop glaring.

"Clark? Why Lex?" Grabbing her son's attention.

"He's always been so nice to me. We can talk about things and I like the way I feel when he's around. I knew I liked him, but I thought it wasn't going to happen, so when Lana asked me to the prom, I just said yes. I've been spending a lot of time with Lana lately and that's when I noticed so much was missing in the relationship I had with her. I’m more sure than I was before, so when he came to see me, we talked and he feels the same way about me."

"You should tell Lana, very soon. You know that? It's not fair to her to think you feel the same as she does."

"I planned to tell her tomorrow after school. I'm just afraid of what's going to happen. I just don't want her to hate me, I still like her, just not enough."

Martha placed her hand on Clark's to show him she understood, and then she glanced at Jonathan.

"Jon. We can't ignore this and you can't make blanket demands."

"Martha."

"No. Clark's old enough now to start making his own decisions in his life and we have to respect them, no matter how we feel. We have to be there for him for good or ill. We don't know if it will work out or not, but I rather we be there for him than not see my son, because I don't like his boyfriend."

"Fine but that doesn't mean I have to like it. I'll still be here when you find out the truth about Luthor's Clark." Then Jonathan stood up and left the room.

Clark looked down at the table, his face showing the pain he felt from his father’s decision.

"I'm sorry Clark. Your farther is very strong in his opinion about Lex. I have my reservations about this too, but I will try to make Lex feel welcome when he comes over. Okay?" Clark moved closer to his mother and leaned into a hug.

"Just please be careful honey."

"Thanks mom."

Martha held her son and prayed that everything with Lex would work out.

Clark walked into the Talon after school the next day, he had managed to avoid Lana most of the day, but he knew he had to see her before he went home. She was talking to one of the waitresses so he stood at the counter to wait until she was done. Lana looked over and saw Clark, so she quickly finished what she was saying to her employee and turned to smile at her beau.

"Hi, Clark. I missed you yesterday. I even went to the loft hoping you were there." She came around the counter towards him, moving close to give him a hug, but he stepped back and looked at her.

"Lana, I need to talk to you."

"Sure." She moved over to sit on one of the stools, but Clark shook his head.

"Not out here." He looked around to see if anyone noticed them talking.

"Okay..uh..let's go to the office." She led him to the room that used to be the projection booth when the Talon was still a functioning theatre; it had now been converted into a modern office, while still maintaining the classic features of the original design.

"What's going on?" She said after she sat down, noticing Clark's nervous fidgeting, not that they were alone.

‘Maybe I shouldn't have asked her to talk alone, but I don't want anyone to hear us. It will be hard enough to tell her, without everyone trying to listen in.’

"I don't know any other way to say this Lana...but...uh..."

So he finished in a rush, "I can't go to the prom with you."

"Excuse me."

"I can't..." but he didn't get to finish as Lana's voice rose in volume.

"Why not? Clark, I don't understand? We've planned this all out..."

"No, Lana, you planned it, I just agreed with whatever you wanted, because I just didn't know how to tell you that it wasn't working out. I'm sorry."

"You're sorry. What am I supposed to do now, Clark? I've told everybody I know that I was going with you. Why did you suddenly change your mind now anyway?"

When he didn't say anything, she got this angry glint in her eye.

"Who is she, Clark? Or did you decide to go with Chloe instead? I know she likes you."
He was still silent.

"Tell me!"

"Lana, I like you, but I don't think it’s enough for us to start seeing each other. So we should stop before it gets too complicated and we can't be friends any longer. I'm sorry."

Then Clark stood up and left the office, leaving behind an angry and confused Lana.

Chloe and Pete sat in the Torch office looking over at their friend wondering what was going on. Clark didn't seem to be focusing on what they were working on for the paper. Chloe knew she would have to close this work session, or they would have to start all over again to straighten out the mess Clark was making of everything.

"Well, I think this is enough for today guys. I think we're close to finishing this edition."

Clark looked up at Chloe seeming to realize where he was suddenly.

"Okay, Chloe. I need to get home soon anyways. Chores."

"You’re not going to the Talon, Clark?" Pete asked surprised at the look of panic on Clark's face.

"Uh... no. I have to go now. See you guys." He left as if he were being chased away.

"Now what's going on with that?" Pete looked at Chloe.

"I'm not sure, but I think not all is happiness in fairy goddess land. This morning I saw Lana and though I would ask her how it was going, you know? She just gave me this angry look. When I asked her what was wrong she said, 'As if you don't know', then she took off in a huff."

"He hasn't spoke about her once at all today. Usually he’s in a hurry to see her or looking at her if he notices her in the hall. Today she was at her locker and he walked on the opposite side to avoid her."

"Well something is definitely not right."

"So he didn't say anything to you either?"

"Nope. I wonder if they broke up?" She sounded a little cheerful at the prospect despite her curiosity about what was going on.

Pete felt crushed that Chloe was still holding out hope that Clark might ask her out.
"Well it would explain a lot. Think we should ask him, or wait?"

"We wait, for a while at least, because I'm sure we won't be the only ones who'll notice that they aren't speaking to each other. But if he doesn't say anything soon, we sit him down and force it out of him."

"That's my girl."

Chloe gave him a strange look, before she smiled then gave him a friendly punch in the arm.

"Come on, let's reorganize this mess for tomorrow."

Pete groaned but happily gathered up the various papers and pictures that would make up the next edition of the Torch.

After leaving the Torch Clark decided to go see Lex, he didn't mean to lie to his friends, but he couldn't keep his mind focused. So many thoughts and feelings were rolling around in his head, he was happy that Lex wanted him as well and wanted to be in his arms at this very moment, but he had to restrain himself from using his speed to get there. He was also sad after seeing Lana for the first time after their confrontation at the Talon, she looked at him with such hatred, that he knew the possibility of them regaining their friendship would probably be next to impossible. And although he somewhat had his mother's support his father was barely speaking with him, unless it was related to work on the farm, Jonathan had become a veritable mountain of silence. Things were tense at the farm and he still hadn't told Lex that his parents know about their growing relationship.

He had reached the castle with no memory of most of the walk there; he rang the bell and waited to be let in. The door opened and he was greeted by one of the many house staff.

"Mr. Luthor is expecting you Mr. Kent. He's upstairs in his office." The man made to walk in that direction.

"That's alright. I know the way."

The servant nodded and proceeded to return wherever servants do in the oddly seemingly empty castle. He walked into the office to find Lex typing away at his laptop completely absorbed in whatever he was doing.

"Up for an interruption?" He asked hopefully.

Lex looked up at the sad face of his friend and immediately logged out of the program, shutting the lid of the machine closed. He walked around the desk and enclosed the young man in an embrace.

"I take it the talk with Lana went badly, huh?"

"Not that I didn't expect it too, she was just so upset and then this morning she was so mad, if she could create fire with a look I would be toast right now."

"Don't worry she may come around, she's just hurting and needs to be angry for a while. I don't believe I'm saying this, but I think she's smart enough to eventually realize that it wouldn't have worked between the two of you, it will just take some time." He rubbed his hands across Clark's back trying to smooth the man's turmoil. "Just be patient."

"I have to tell you something."

"Yes."

"I told my parents...about us I mean." Taking a step back to look at his friend, Lex was surprised at Clark's courage in telling his parents that he was gay and in love with a man they despised.

"How did they take it? We're not saying goodbye are we?" He asked a bit worried, Clark was eighteen and well over the age of consent for Kansas.

"My dad's not happy, that's for sure. My mom's pretty much okay with the idea, she says it will just take some time getting used to us being together, but that she would make you feel welcome when you come over to see me."

"I always did like your mother, maybe I'll stop by to see her in the next few days. Now let's end all this tedious talking and use our lip for more pleasurable pursuits."

Pulling Clark back towards him, their lips immediately meshed together, trying to make up for all the lost time their misunderstanding caused. He was amazed at the amount of heat that rose from his soon to be lovers body, but he also felt slight nervous tension that he radiated as well. They hadn't gone as far as he would have liked, but every moment he spent with Clark was intimate within itself, more than that of any one lover he’d had before, so he often wondered how explosive it would be when they finally came together in that ultimate joining of bodies. He wanted it true, but he was also very afraid of the passion they would be creating.

"Clark, Clark. We should slow down a bit, we don't have to rush into anything." He held Clark's face in his hands, as he looked up into his eyes, dark with his arousal. "I will still love you, no matter how much time it takes, until you're ready."

The small smile Clark gave him assured Lex that he had made the right decision.
"You don't have to leave right away, do you?"

"No."

"Good, then we could just spend some time being close." He led Clark to one soft fabric woven couches close to the fireplace and they sat, Lex leaning into Clark's chest, relaxing in the quiet around them.

Lex looked across the desk at the man from one of his father's newspaper interests. Roger Nixon was a sleazy reporter, one of the worst. Lex should know because the exploits of his youth were commonly stories for the Inquisitor.

"What do you have for me that was so urgent, Mr. Nixon?"

"Just wondering about your interest in the young Mr. Kent. You can say I have some information I think you will want."

"What could you possibly have that is of interest to me?"

"You think I give away this information for free, Lex?"

"How much is it going to cost me?"

"Roughly in the range of 500,000, but know that the price increases the longer I have to wait."

"That much, you sound pretty sure of yourself. And why should I give you that much on just your say so."

"I do have a small bit to whet the appetite, so to speak." The man reached over for the briefcase he had brought with him, which was resting against the leg of his chair. He placed the case on his lap to open the combination lock that secured the documents within.

"I'll give you this as a starter." Placing a black and white snapshot on the desk before Lex. The picture shows Clark holding up the end of the Kent pickup truck.

"I assure you, its no forgery. Amazing strength is only a small portion of the boys’ talents. I know of many others who would pay to know what else he could do."

"I can have the money for you tomorrow. I want the pictures, video, disks, every scrap you've gathered and nothing had better be missing."

"Consider it done. I'll call your cell to arrange the meet." Nixon stood up to walk to the door.

"Whom are you working for? I know you didn't come across Clark on your own, you wouldn't have an interest in a small town like this one, unless money brought you around."

Nixon gave a small laugh as he walked out the door. "That'll cost you extra."

‘Don't worry Roger; you'll be more than compensated for your effort.’

Clark walked into the mansion making his way to Lex's office. He found his boyfriend in deep thought.

"Hey Lex."

"Oh, Clark." He looked over the form of his lover appraisingly as the words of Roger
Nixon went through his mind.

Aren't you interested in what else the young man can do? The price ranges from 500,000 but know that changes the longer I wait.

"Lex. You okay?"

Clark's voice broke him away from his brooding thoughts.
"I love you Clark, you know that right?"

Clark nodded moving closer to Lex rubbing his hands up and down Lex's arm bringing warmth back into him.

"I would do anything to protect you Clark, anything." Lex stated with determination.
"What's going on?"

"Nothing, I just wanted you to know how I feel." He gave Clark one of his seldom smiles.
Clark felt a tingle ripple down his spine at the look, he wanted to get Lex alone right now, but in the back of his mind he couldn't put off a certain sense of foreboding.

Clark hurried home with a small burst of speed, no need to make his father even angrier about things by being late for curfew after seeing Lex. He wanted his dad to understand that what he felt for Lex was real and would not go away because he didn’t care for Lex’s father. Maybe one day his dad will realize that Lex was a good person and tried his best to the do the right thing, regardless of what his father taught him. He reached the yard and was about to go into the house when he suddenly felt pain, the ill feeling he got when around the meteor rocks. He skin felt like it was on fire as his body spasmed under the power of the rock green glow, he felt his muscles give up and his body fall slack as he loss all control. The pain was so overwhelming that he didn't realize that he was being dragged away from his home and placed in the back of a dark van parked some ways away from the road. He could only fold into himself as the constant throbbing of the rock siphoned away his energy until he fell into darkness.

Lex was in his office working through some reports for the briefing at the plant the next day, when the ringing phone on his desk disrupted his thoughts.

"Lex Luthor."

"Where is he Lex?" Jonathan Kents voice screamed along the phone lines.

"Mr. Kent? Where's who?"

"Clark. Send him home right now."

Lex stood up from his chair. "Mr. Kent, Clark left hours ago."

"Quit lying to me Luthor, I know..." Lex could hear the scuffle of the phone being taken from the angered man, and then the concerned voice of Mrs. Kent began to speak.

"Did he say if he were going anywhere before going home, Lex?"

"No, Mrs. Kent he didn't mention anything. Have you tried Chloe's or Pete's yet?"

"Yes, but they haven't seen him since school today."

"Mrs. Kent? Is it possible that maybe I could come over?" He hated sounding desperate but he wanted to be there in case Clark returned home or if they need someone else to start looking for him.

"I'm not sure..." But Lex's voice overrode hers.

"Please, Mrs. Kent, I'm worried about him too."

"I'll see you soon Lex." She said before hanging up the phone.

Lex rushed about getting ready, thinking of who needed to be called in if a search for Clark was started. He closed up his laptop, when he came across the picture in a manila folder on his desk. It was the snapshot of Clark holding up the end of the Kent's truck. This feeling of doom hit Lex in the chest as he suddenly realized why Clark might have disappeared. He took the folder with him as he raced through the corridor on his way to the garage.

When he arrived at the Kent farm, Martha greeted him at the door.

"Jonathan's gone out in the truck to look for Clark." She didn't let him see what she feared of what her husband would find written on her face. Jonathan had gone to check areas that had substantial deposits of the meteor rock, hoping that Clark hadn't fallen victim to the exposure by accident.

"Good, I wasn't looking forward to telling him this news."

"Come in then Lex and let's sit down." She led him to the kitchen were the family had managed all types of crisis over the years. They sat at the table and Lex brought forth the manila folder.

"Yesterday, I was approached by a man claiming to have information about Clark. He's a reporter for one of the tabloid papers in Metropolis. I didn't believe his story at first, so he gave me this as proof." He presented Martha with the picture watching as her calm expression crumpled at the visible evidence of her child special-ness.

"I've suspected for some time that there was something different about Clark, but in light of our relationship I had decided that it was more important that he loved me, than if I knew for sure if he was affected by the meteors like I was or something else. I could be patient and wait, because I know he cares and trusts me, and that eventually he would be able to open up to me with his burdens, so I kept quiet with what I was sure about."

"What does this man want with Clark?" Realizing yet again that someone who wanted to abuse his abilities for their own interests was threatening her child’s life.

"Money, possibly fame who knows what else? He's not a very trustworthy sort. I was planning on meeting him tomorrow with payoff."

"Do you really think he could have taken Clark?"

"Before I did think he would have gone so far, but when I received your call tonight I suspected that it was possible."

"You weren't going to tell us this were you?"

"If the money would keep him quiet, there wasn't any reason for you to know. I would do anything to keep him safe Mrs. Kent."

She looked at the young man before her, determination pouring from his skin, begging her to believe in him. She was positive now that Clark would always have this fierce protector to look out for him and that certainly this man who had taken her son would pay dearly for crossing the path of Lex Luthor.

Jonathan returned without Clark, there was no question that Nixon had him. They told him what they suspected had happened and Jonathan had no choice but to allow Lex to help them reclaim their son. It was a tense group of people waiting in the Kent's sunny yellow kitchen waiting for Lex's cell phone to ring.

Lex sat on the Kent’s sofa the next day after a tension filled night of sleeplessness. Martha had insisted on him staying and secretly Lex was glad because he wanted to be close to someone who loved Clark as much as he did. Now the waiting was getting to him, it was beginning to gnaw at his heart as no word of Clark's whereabouts came. Chloe stopped by that morning to ask after her friend and went away sad and afraid of what could be happening to him. When the call finally came Lex had to remember to remain aloof not to tip off Nixon.

"Lex. You have the money?"

"No problem. You sure you have definite proof?"

"After today there will be no more questions. At the warehouse on 17th, 7 o'clock."

Lex hung up the phone and turned to face the stern look of Jonathan and the frightened features of Martha Kent.
"Well?"

"I meet him at seven."

"I'll follow you." Stated Jonathan.

Lex was angered at first, but then realized that the man just wanted to make sure his son was fine.

"Wait a bit after I'm inside. If he has Clark then someone is helping him."

Jonathan saw the look in Lex's eyes wondering what he was thinking, but decided to trust him anyway. Their partial truce was necessary in order to find Clark and get him home safely.

Lex looked Jonathan in the eye. "There are a few things I need to do first. I'll see you at the meet."

"For what it's worth Lex, thank you." Jonathan reached out his hand. Lex paused for a moment, looking at Jonathan weighting the sincerity of the man before taking his hand.
"Well get him back Mr. Kent, on that you have my promise."

"Be careful Lex." Martha said as she gave the young man a hug.

Lex let himself be held as he wished that he could have his mother this close again.

"I bring him back to you." He whispered before reluctantly tearing himself away. He looked at the Kents once more before walking out the door.

Clark lay in the darkness as close to the wall as he could be, but even then it wasn't enough to spare him from the waves of energy emitted for the meteor rocks.
He didn't know why he was here and he hadn't seen who'd taken him from his home, but the person seemed to know enough about him. There were only a few stone present, just enough to weaken him, but not kill him, at least he hoped. He wasn't sure how much exposure to the meteor rocks would kill him and he didn't have a need to find out either. He'd have to stay alert and hope an opportunity to escape would make itself known.

He had called in a few favors and the plan was set, even factoring in the insistent Mr. Kent. Lex looked over the brief case of money knowing it would not be enough. If Nixon had Clark like he suspected then the money would only be the beginning. He knew he had to finish this now and anyone that Nixon had involved. He felt the heavy weight of the pistol concealed in the small of his back. There was only one way to ensure complete silence. Taking the briefcase in hand, Lex made his way to the car, starting the engine he sped off into the night.

The sounds of footsteps echoed in the quiet of the night, with only the distant hum of electricity filling the air as complement. The alley leading to the warehouse was awash in debris from a few overturned crates waiting to be carted away. The long creak of the overused hinges announced his presence to the occupant inside.

"Lex. Glad you could make it. Let's get down to business. Just place the money on this table." He waved his hand indicating the metal rectangle that held a laptop computer attached to a portable handheld camcorder.

"Let's see this so-called evidence first."

A few strokes on the keyboard and the screen came to life with various images of Clark working on his parents’ farm. Pounding fence posts with his bare hands, lifting the tractor, doing his chores at a speed that would be impossible for the average person.

"This is all nice Nixon, but a good computer graphing software could make all this possible. Give me time to make a few calls and I could be flying by tomorrow morning."

"How about evidence you can see with your own eyes."

He led Lex towards the back of the room to a closed door.

"I think this will peak your interest."

He opened the door to reveal Clark lying against the back wall. He was hunched over breathing heavily sweat streaking his face. He looked pale. Even worse than the one time at Smallville General Hospital getting his ribs taped after being attacked by one of the students. As a matter of fact, Lex had only seen Clark look this way before, the night he found him hanging as a scarecrow in Riley field.

‘Clark.’

"Don't worry he can't go anywhere." Nixon squatted down to pick up a small rock lying on the floor. "See this?" Indicating the rock in his hand. "They seem to incapacitate him. He's as weak as a kitten now."

He threw the rock back down to the floor. "You should hang on to that briefcase, that's your price of admission. You may want to witness the spectacle for yourself Lex."

"What spectacle?"

"After our little conversation the other night, I realized that I was thinking small. $500,000????" He snorted. "Just a piffy amount to the millions I could make selling this boys' secret on the open market. People around the world would pay big to see an actual alien. I could even make use of him on the black market, secret wars need untraceable soldiers, and hell I could hold our country in the palm of my hand. Yes. With the control of this creature I could own the world."

All Mine

Rich as Midas
That’s what I’ll be
When the world gets an eye
On what I have, you see

A creature beyond compare
And to their surprise
This creature is
All mine

Fame, fortune
All its trappings
Are at my fingertips
All I have to do
Is command my creature
To tear my enemies to bits

Who are my enemies you say?
Whoever is opposite of whom I’ve been paid

The creature is mine
All mine
To dance at my command
The power of the world
Is in my hands

It’s such a delight
The plans run through my head
There’s no stopping me now
My greed must be fed
Any and all takers
I turn none away
Just be prepared to pay

The creature is mine
All mine
To dance at my command
The power of the world
Is in my hands
A creature beyond compare
And to their surprise
This creature is
All mine

Lex looked at Nixon, the manacle glee in his eyes and saw the sum of his fears. He saw himself. His confronting Dr. Hamilton in his lab, blackmailing him into studying the meteor rock, keeping the Porsche in the garage at the castle obsessing over that day, the burning need to know exactly what had happened. Clarks face as he asked Lex to let it go, just be happy that he was alive. He could see himself making love to Clark at the castle marking his body as his, ensuring that Clark's love for him exceeding even that he gave to his parents. It would just start as a small favor here and there, a few lies to twist the truth, knowing Clark's trust in him would over ride any doubts, until he wouldn't question at all why Lex needed these favors done. With Clark, his dream of rule the world by thirty will be only the beginning, at his side he and Clark could lay waste to anyone or anything that stood in the way of Lex claiming what he wanted. Clark would be the ultimate power and Lex's love, the control.

"You see Lex my choices are unlimited. You just the band wagon early before even you couldn't afford my attention."

Lex saw Clark huddling there in the near darkness, the plains of his face a painting a portrait of pain. He could see Clark in his minds eye, the blinding smile he wore whenever Lex walked into a room. The way his lips parted for his panting breaths, his eyes clenched tight as Lex tickled the head of his cock with his tongue before taking it in his hand, stroking Clark to orgasm that night at the castle, only the second time he had ever been intimate with his lover. These images in his head collided with his heart. Anyway his life went, Clark would be at his side, their passions knowing no bounds. Any future he had with Clark did not include the fanatical rambling of an over ambitious reporter.

"I have come across many people in my time at the Inquisitor, people who know the 'right' type of people, if you know what I mean. Plans are being made now to put together a small auction for interested parties. The going cost of a small army doesn't impress these types, there always looking for bigger, better and faster. The more mystery surrounding him the higher a price I should gather."

He slowly turned to look at Lex. "So you see, that pitiful amount of change you carry means nothing anymore." When he faced Lex completely, Lex could see the flash of silver over the chrome-plated finish of the automatic in Nixon's hand. "But it wouldn't hurt."

Jonathan drove the truck a couple of streets over from where the warehouse was located and parked. He was glad of the darkness, because he needed it to conceal the shotgun he had brought with him. Martha had been feeling anxious, as she knew he intended to follow Lex and down right infuriated when she realized he was taking the gun.

"Jon. You can't seriously be considering taking that thing?"

"Martha this man has our son, there's no telling what he's capable of doing."

"Lex has money, he'll take it and leave." Her voice sounded pleading, trying not only to convince Jonathan but herself that this was the truth.

"Martha there's no way I will allow him to destroy our son's life. I'll do what I have to do."

Martha looked at her husband staring at the determination in his eyes, knowing their was no way she would change his mind, leaving her no doubt that someone was going to die that night. Weapon in hand, Jonathan raced off into the darkness ready to put an end to this terror they were all feeling.

Lex faced Nixon watching the hand on the gun give a slight tremble as the reporter frowned in his direction.

"You have more backbone than I expected Roger."

"Small minds have small plans I believe you said those words yourself once upon a time. You always thought you were better than me Lex, with your daddy's money backing you up. But as you can see, I have the upper hand now. You think I didn't know how you were sniffing after the boy. Ready to bend right over and take it up the ass, huh Lexy boy. Your father was quite curious as to why you decide to stay in this pansy assed little town. Wouldn't he be interested to know, that you only stayed here panting to get fucked. I probably won't have to tell him anyway, that briefcase of yours is holding more than he offered me to stay here and watch you. He'll be too busy perfecting his acting skills for the news cameras to wonder whatever happened to me, when news of his son's latest scandal hit the airwaves."

The hand that wasn't holding the gun rose, waving into the air to illustrate his point. “Lex Luthor runs off with local minor, Sex in Smallville. Nice little headline isn’t it? Of course you'll be buried in an unmarked grave in the middle of nowhere hick Kansas, and I get the alien. You see a nice tidy little package. His parents will think the smooth talking rich boy seduced their sweet naive son and led him into a life of sin. They'll receive sympathy from their church, friends and neighbors. While the police and the world will be looking for you, I get away Scott free.”

Jonathan made his way towards the warehouse; Lex's car was parked across from the building. He didn't see anyone about but the main door was open, he walked closer and looked inside. He could see Lex and another man talking, he couldn't make out exact words could only hear waves of sound from the slight echo of their voices. He watched as Nixon led Lex to the back of the room and opened a door there. He recognized the tale-tale glow of the meteor rocks and knew that Clark was inside that room. He watched closely to see how this would play out and when Nixon brought out his pistol to aim at Lex, Jonathan decided to make his move. As Nixon began to lay out his plans Jonathan made his way into the room coming closer and closer to the two men. He listened as Nixon told Lex his plans to kill him and run off with Clark as his prize. Jonathan was filled with rage as this man planned quite callously the destruction of not only his family but the life of the man before him. His anger quickened his steps, he need to reach Clark more important than ever. Nixon continued to speak as Jonathan crept up behind him.

"Now Lex just hand over the case."

Lex had seen Jonathan enter the room, Nixon had foolishly left his back unprotected and facing the door. He listened to Nixon's lofty ideas, as Jonathan got closer to the madman waiting for his moment, which Nixon graciously provided him.

"The money Lex. Now."

Lex began moving his arm in Nixon's direction, when he suddenly gripped both ends of the case changing the velocity of movement to hit Nixon in the arm, knocking the gun from his hand. Nixon yelled out as the gun hit the floor, Lex moved forward again to swing the briefcase yet again at Nixon's head, sending his body to the floor.

"Mr. Kent, Clark's in the back room." Lex said not taking his eyes off Nixon's crumpled form.

Jonathan left the shotgun near the doorway and ran into the dark room to his son. He grabbed Clark by the shoulders and began to pull him along the floor towards the door. Lex left Nixon downed form to help Jonathan pull Clark into the light. When they got far enough away from the rocks presence the pulsing stopped and they became a dull ordinary seeming rock again.

"Clark. Clark, son, are you all right?"

"Dad?"

Clark seemed to be breathing better, Lex thought as he watched Jonathan take care of his son.

"Can you walk?"

"I think so."

"You better go now Mr. Kent."

"Lex?" Clark's pained voice questioned.
"I'm here Clark. Go with your dad now. It'll be okay."

Jonathan helped Clark to his feet; he began to walk his son out to the truck. He had almost reached the door to the outside when someone spoke.

"Not so fast. You're not taking him anywhere."

All three men turned to see Nixon leaning against the wall near the darkened room. There was an open gash across his forehead where Lex had hit him with the briefcase. He had managed to retrieve his gun from the floor as well as one of the rocks.

"Don't think you can use your speed on me boy. If you don't want me to shoot your 'boyfriend' here step away from your father now."

"No Clark don't listen to him, leave with your dad."

Lex was standing perfectly still one arm resting near his hip. Nixon turned on Lex again, brandishing the gun.

"You shut the hell up Luthor." Turning back again in Clark's direction. "And you boy step away from the old man now."

That was all the time Lex needed to reach the gun at his back, so Nixon never saw him make the shot; he only felt it as the bullet entered his chest.

Jonathan watched as Nixon’s face turned from a mask of rage to puzzlement as the bullet pierced his chest. He held tight to Clark as the man was forced back into the wall from the impact and then slid down leaving a trail of blood.

Lex stood for a moment longer as the body slumped across the floor its support gone; he walked closer kicking the gun away from the hand still holding it. He kicked at the body waiting for a reaction, when there was none he turned to face Jonathan and Clark.

"You better go, I'm calling the police now."

"Lex want are you..." Clark started to say.

"You go with your father Clark, nobody needs to know why you were here. I'll tell them he lured me out here to blackmail me, the money will prove that, he really didn't have anything on me. He just planned to shoot me, take the money and run, all absolutely true."

"What about the pictures Lex?" Jonathan asked.

Lex walked over to where the laptop and camcorder were set up. Using a handkerchief, he retrieved the small tape from the handheld giving it to Jonathan. "I'll get rid of the laptop myself and see about deleting any files before the police arrive. Don't worry, I'll take care of that other thing too."

Jonathan was confused at first by the cryptic comment then he saw that Lex was looking toward the doorway where he left his shotgun.

Lex turned to look at Jonathan again. "You go ahead and get Clark home. I'll let you know how it goes."

Jonathan nodded to Lex, a newfound respect in his eyes for the young man.

"Come on son. Let's go home, you're mothers worried about you."

"Lex." Clark looked at his boyfriend once more before following his father out the door.

I will do anything to protect my friends.

Lex watched them leave before starting to gather up the laptop and camera to take to his car. He made it outside Jonathan had already driven away with Clark, placing the items in his car; he went back inside to retrieve the shotgun and locked it in his trunk. He breathed deeply, taking out his cell phone, he made his call to the police.

They didn't speak in the truck on the way home. Clark mind replayed what happened in the warehouse as Nixon held the gun on Lex, threatening his lover's life. He was unsure of what to do, he was still a bit weak from the prolonged exposure to the meteor rocks and he probably would have been fast enough, but Nixon had a piece one of the rocks in his hand holding him back. He only wished he could have done more, sparing Lex from having to do what he did to save them all. The knowledge that Lex had brought the gun with the intention to use it was secondary in Clark's mind. Lex had told him on more that one occasion that he was the most important part of his life and he would do anything to keep him safe. He just didn't expect to be faced with such a situation so soon, but he was grateful that Lex had been there for him.

His father brought the truck to a stop, breaking him from his thoughts. His mom must have heard the truck because she was standing in the door waiting for them. She grabbed Clark close, holding tight. Her baby was home and he was all right.

"I'm okay mom. Lex and dad found me."

"Oh Clark."

"Martha, let's go inside." Jonathan followed his family into the house. Martha was hovering over Clark, unwilling to let him out of her sight.

"Are you hungry Clark?"

"Starving."

Martha poured Clark a glass of milk and started making sandwiches for him.
"What happened to you sweetie?"

"I was coming back home and about to walk into the house, when I felt weak all of a sudden, from the meteor rocks. When I woke up I was in a dark room, but I couldn’t move because the doorway was blocked in with some of the rocks. I just remember hoping that something would happen soon or whoever it was that grabbed me would do something and I would have a chance to escape. I don't know how long I was there before the door opened up and I heard these voices, but I was so much pain I couldn't focus on them too much. Next thing I know someone was dragging me through the door and when the pain stopped I saw that it was dad and that Lex was there too." He stopped his story there not wanting to mention what happened next.

"Where is Lex?"

"He stayed to wait for the police. He figure if Clark wasn't there, then nobody would know exactly why Nixon tried to blackmail him." He took the small tape from the hand-held video recorder out of his pocket to lay it on the kitchen table. "He said he'd call us later after everything was over."

"It is over, thank goodness." She brought Clark his sandwiches, pausing a moment to run her fingers through his hair, then she sat at the table to watch her son eat.

After he gave his statement to an officer he was told there would be a preliminary investigation by a detective, so Mr. Luthor should stay close home, no trips out of the country. But they took his gun, as well as that of Nixon's, along with whatever evidence the forensic team could gather. They allowed him to return home not considering him to be a flight risk. Lex returned to the castle, figuring it would be too late to head out to the Kents. In the morning he would go over and see Clark, for now his parents deserved some time with their son.

Parking inside the garage instead of outside, Lex brought in the shotgun from the truck along with the other items from the scene. He stored the gun in the old armory then went to his office to examine the laptop. He accessed the hard drive looking for any files of interest. He saw several of what must have been Nixon tracking his daily habits for his father, some notes for various new items for the Inquisitor before he found the files he was seeking. As Lex watched the footage collected by Nixon his face reflected none of the hurt he felt at Clark's need to conceal his secrets from him and more importantly he understood. When he had listen to Nixon's plans for Clark he couldn't deny they reflected his own thoughts. Clark was a glorious find, an alien here in Kansas. He could not deny the great temptation to corrupt such pure goodness and beauty. But over the years Clark's friendship had shown him something, the joy of knowing he could be more than his father ever envisioned and importantly how it felt when Clark looked to him for friendship and now his love. This didn't mean that he was turning over a new leaf, but in order to be with Clark he was willing to live with the dark burden of his own soul. Just knowing about Clark would have to be enough.

He went down to the garage of the castle where he employed a full time mechanic for the maintenance of his vehicles, which sometimes included minor bodywork. It didn't take long to locate the materials he needed. Soon he was wearing the protective gloves and apron as well as the mask to shield his face from the searing heat of the blowtorch. He sparked the flame to life and cut away the plastic molded frame to reach the hard metal disks inside. Then he slowly, painstakingly destroyed the long sought evidence of his lovers’ differences. He looked at the melting mass of metal, feeling relieved that he was able to resist temptation this one time.

Clark sat with his parents at the kitchen table. The day after his ordeal seemed like any other. It was strange that he woke to do his chores as usual.

"Clark maybe you should rest today." The concern in his mother's voice almost convincing him.

"No mom. I'm okay. I just need to get out of the house for a bit." He smiled at her.
He lingered over his chores, taking his time instead of super speeding as usual. He needed the time to think of what he wanted to say to Lex when he next saw him. He knew he would have questions, about all that happened when he was taken, as well as what Nixon may have shown him. His pondering was cut short at the sound of a car; he turned to watch as it drove into the yard. Lex stepped out of the sleek automobile, exuding confidence and calm regardless of the events of the night before.

"Clark, feeling better today?"

"I'm okay, Lex. What about you? How are you feeling?"

He didn't know another way you asked your lover, what he was feeling after killing someone the night before.

"As well as can be expected, I guess. I'm just focusing on the fact that he was willing to kill me in order to take you, destroying your parents lives taking you away from the people who cared about you, like Chloe and Pete."

"I felt so frustrated. I wanted to do something Lex, anything to help. I was going to do as he said. I was prepared to walk over to him. I couldn't let him kill you."

"No Clark, he would have done it anyway. I would have died willingly if it meant you were okay."

"Don't you think I feel the same way?"

"It doesn't matter. It's over now. And I'm definitely glad of that."

He walked the last few feet of distance between them and took Clark into his arms, pulling him close as their bodies could fit together. Knowing that he would do everything in his power to never be unwillingly separated from his lover again.

"I love you, Clark."

"I love you too, Lex."

Martha and Jonathan watched from the doorway of the house as the two young men held each other tight.

"I guess he really does love him." Said Jonathan feeling strangely content at the sight of his son and Lex.

"I think last night changed a lot of perceptions." Martha replied leaning back into his body. ‘Especially yours Jonathan.’

"I want you to know Clark. I looked at what Nixon had gathered before I destroyed it. I had to see it for myself."

"Lex..."

"It wasn't anything I hadn't figured out on my own."

"What.."

"Clark, I always new you were different. I told your mother as much the other day. I want you to know I understand now why you felt you couldn't tell me and that I will always be here to help you. You can come to me, if you need to."

Clark tightened the hold he had. "Thank you Lex for being there for me, for being my friend and loving me.

He pulled back to look Lex in the eyes, what he saw there made him lean forward to kiss him, tasting the longed for remembered flavor of his mouth. After a moment he stopped, resting their foreheads together.

"They're watching us."

"I know."

"We better go inside."

They walked to the house where his parents still stood in the doorway, Jonathan with his hands resting on Martha's shoulders.

"Hello Lex. Thanks for coming." Martha welcomed him into her home, stepping away from her husband to give Lex a hug. "Thank you for saving him, Lex." she said softly.

Lex silently accepted her praise, enclosing her in his arms to return her embrace. She stepped back wiping away the tears from her eyes.

“Come on inside everyone."

They all went inside, into the warm yellow kitchen. Lex sat next to Clark at the table.

"Can I get you anything Lex?"

"I'm fine."

"How did it go last night, Lex?" Jonathan came directly to the point.

"It should be alright. I explained what had happened and was told there would be a preliminary investigation. It was clearly self-defense. They took both our guns, my statement, and since they already had my fingerprints on file, it went rather quickly. As long as I don't leave the country, it should be okay. It seems Nixon was following me after all, there was days worth of documentation."

He didn't tell them he had called in a few favors from a friend, who had given an
'eye witness' account of the altercation between him and Nixon, leading to the subsequent shooting. Nixon had underestimated him, as if Lex would follow his command, without planning ahead.

"I know we haven't always gotten along Lex, but I want to thank you for what you've done."

Lex felt Clark's hand close around his. "I love Clark, Mr. Kent. I couldn't do anything less to protect him. And don't worry his secrets are safe with me. I destroyed the laptop and everything Nixon had pertaining to Clark."

"You said that Nixon was really investigation you. Why?"

"My father was checking up on me."

"I think when news of what happens get to his ears, there will be no more of these situations."

"What kind of father..." Jonathan started to say."

"Mine." They all sat quietly at the table while the events of the last day or so filtered through their minds. Martha decided to break the silence.

"Okay, lunch will be ready at twelve. Are you staying Lex?"

"Yes." He replied, pleased that this family was starting to accept him into their lives.
Lex spent the rest of the day at the Kents’, watching Clark complete his chores for the day, talking with him to pass the time. Later that evening he had supper with his newfound family.

"Mom, Dad, we're going the loft now."

Martha smiled at them as they walked over to the barn. They made their way up the steps and sat together on the sofa, just content to hold one another. Looking out at the moon through the window Lex spoke.

"Clark... I don't know if I can tell you how happy you've made me. It's when I'm in your arms like this that I feel safe."

On Nights Like This

Nights like this
made for lovers
like us
I hold you in my arms
Tasting the sweetness of your lips

I feel your heart tremble
Your skin so smooth and warm
You taught me how to love
And together we should always be

Nights like this
under a full moon
shining upon your face
An angel in my arms
Protecting me from harm

On a night like this
I feel your love
with only one kiss
Hold me close
Don't let me go

'Cause on a night like this
I need your love
On a night like this
I am yours

Clark took Lex in his arms their lips meeting in a fierce kiss.

Chloe walked into the Kent’s yard. She had decided that Clark had to answer a few questions about disappearing the way he did. After that strange phone call from his mother the other night, she and Pete were worried when he didn't show for school the next day.

Chloe had stood in the parking lot looking at the student milling around before school. She noticed Pete as he stepped off the bus and walked to meet him.

"Pete, was Clark on the bus this morning?"

"No. I was hoping he would be. Did his mother call you last night?"

"Yeah. She sounded pretty worried. I wonder where he could be? Do you think he ran away? I mean, especially with all this stuff with Lana?"

"I don't know, maybe he just needed to leave for a bit. He's probably somewhere real close and when he comes home, he's going to be all guilty and embarrassed that everybody was worried about him. Remember that time he was gone all night because he didn't want to tell his dad that he was the one that had left the back fence unlocked and Betsy wondered off? They found him hiding in that old shack out by Mr. Harold's farm. Don't worry Chloe he'll turn up. Then maybe we can finally find out what's been going on the last few days."

"You're probably right Pete. If they haven't found him and grounded him by now, they would let us know since we're his friends."

She was happy when she called later that day and found that Clark had indeed returned home and was grounded. He also had a slight cold from being out most of the night and would be missing school for a few days. Sure winter was mostly over, but it still got pretty cool in the evening. He was sleeping his mother said so she didn't get to speak with him until the next day on the phone. He told her he was fine and could she pick up his assignments for him and bring them by this weekend.

So here she was on a Saturday night making her why through the yard towards the barn, were she was quite sure Clark was after being forced to stay in bed. He'll probably be looking forward to a visit to relive the boredom of being sick and grounded. As she walked into the barn, she wasn't expecting what she saw when she reached the loft. Clark was there all right, but so was Lex Luthor and they were plenty occupied enough not to notice her. Lex was kissing Clark as if he was a man dying of thirst and Clark was the only oasis in the surrounding desert. From all appearances it seemed that Lex had given Clark a sure cure for boredom.

Lex moved from Clark’s lips to his neck, worrying a patch of skin between his teeth.
"Clark."

"Yes Lex."

"I need you. I want to taste you."

Chloe watched as Lex removed Clark's shirt, moving his hands across his lovers' chest and paused to tweak at the nipples, causing Clark to hiss as Lex played with the sensitive nubs.

"I want your skin to burn for me. I need to know you're hot for me. Do you want me Clark?"

"Yes Lex. God yes."

Lex reached down to caress Clark's hard cock though the thin cotton sweat pants.
"You're hard for me. Should I take your cock into my mouth?"

"Please Lex, suck me."

"Do you want to fuck my mouth Clark?"

Clark didn't answer; instead he just placed his hands on Lex’s head and pushed him towards his crotch.

Lex laughed deliciously. "I'll take that as a yes."

He pulled down the elastic waist and briefs, releasing the reddened phallus; it bobbed up to nestle against Clark's stomach. After removing the pants from Clark's body, Lex took the hot cock in his hand and began stroking the member, watching as the foreskin move covering then exposing the head, and then he leaned down lapping at it with his tongue.
Chloe looked at the enraptured expression on Clark's face as his lover continued to pleasure him with his mouth. She had never seen anyone give a blowjob before and was fascinated at how Lex could open his mouth that wide. Lex took Clark deeper into his mouth until he could bury his nose in the hair surround Clark's cock. How did he manage to take Clark down his throat like that? Clark continued to moan, the only coherent word she could make out was the steady mantra of Lex's name whispered over and over again. Lex's hands held Clark's hips as his head bobbed up and down, focused on bringing his lover to climax. It wasn't long before Clark's breath began to hitch and his hands grabbed the edges of the sofa, tightening as he cried out. Lex head moved back so he could swallow the ejaculate spurting forth from his lovers’ body.

As Lex began to release Clark from his mouth Chloe realized she had just seen her best friend having sex. She quickly backed out of the door leaving the farm. She hoped no one had seen her there. When she reached her car she was surprised to find tears streaming down her face.

Chloe went home, but she didn’t go inside, she couldn’t see her father when she felt like this. So she walked about pass the various houses in the neighborhood, feeling lonely and unapproachable. She always seemed to miss out in romance. Just when she thought she could stand a chance, now that Clark and Lana didn’t seem to be speaking she finds him with Lex.

“I should just resign myself. Clark will never love me.”

Never Meant To Be

I saw him
Before I was to blind to see
Then I saw him
I was surprised how so easily
My heart was broken
Into pieces
Falling at his feet

I saw him
My eyes are now wide open
Yes I saw him
My love never to be spoken
As all my dreams
Fall to pieces

Because I saw him
Watched how passionately
They were together
Two lovers
Embracing eagerly

I saw them
Now the image
Seared in my mind forever
Tells me how we were never
Meant to be

“Chloe what’s the matter.”

“Pete?”

He walked to her, the girl of his dreams, crying her eyes out in the street.

“What happened?”
“I went to see Clark. He asked me to bring him his assignments from school. I went up to the loft and I saw…”

“You saw what?”

“The reason he broke up with Lana I guess.”

“What do you mean?”

“I saw him with Lex Luthor.”

“Luthor!”

“They looked pretty close. I guess Lana wasn’t what he wanted after all.”

“I’m sorry Chloe, I know you liked him.”

“Yeah, I do. But I guess I always knew it wouldn’t ever happen between us.”

“Chloe, I know this isn’t the best time to say this, but maybe now you’ll consider someone else. Someone who’s always cared for you, about you and was willing to wait until your heart was free. ”

“Who?”

“Me.”

“You.”

“I’ve always loved you Chloe. I was just waiting for you to notice. Do you think that maybe, if we went out some time, you’d want to find out?”

Chloe looked at her longtime friend, he was right, it wasn’t a good time, but maybe soon they could find out.

“I think that sounds okay. Maybe when it stops hurting a little?”

“I’ll be right here waiting.”

He pulled Chloe close letting her head rest on his shoulder. The tears fell freely from her eyes as Chloe thought of all the things she had wanted with Clark. It was the beginning of a cleansing, her spirit washing away the pain and hopelessness, making way for a possible future.

Epilogue: One Year Later

Clark brushed some lint off his new shirt that Lex had bought him. His parents had really come around in his relationship with Lex. With their acceptance, Lex had become more personable to those around him. He didn’t appear aloof anymore except when conducting business. Everyone would be here soon; they were all going to the Kansas State Fair. Chloe and Pete should be arriving shortly. They have been dating for five months now and seemed very happy.

This last year had gone so well for him and Lex. The only regret he had in all this was for Lana. They still weren't speaking like they used to, but at least she didn't give him death glares any longer. She was dating someone new from what he heard around. Maybe one day, if this new relationship of her worked out, they could became friends again eventually.

Clark gave himself one last glance in the mirror before leaving the room and heading downstairs. He reached the living room just in time to hear a knock at he door.

"Yes." He answered it.

"Delivery for Clark Kent."

He opened the door to see a deliveryman with a large bouquet of roses.

"Just sign here." Handing him a stylus for the electronic pad.

Clark signed his name, and then accepted the flowers from the man.

"Have a good day." The man collected the pad and retuned to his van and drove away.

‘Oh Lex.’

The bouquet was exquisite, two dozens long stem roses with a single white rose at its center, it bud the only one closed. Clark removed the card and read it.

I present to you this token of my affection. These roses symbolize our relationship, red meaning love and white as time as friends. Our friendship, the founding center of our love holds a promise of our future together.

Clark looked at the bouquet, touching the petals, when he noticed that the single white rose in the middle wasn't a real flower. It was made of silk; a thin string held it close. He touched it and felt something inside, so he pulled the string to open it. A ring was nestled inside the flower. Clark was stunned.

"So will you?" A voice asked.

He turned to see Lex standing in the doorway, smiling at his expression.
Forcing his shocked vocal chords into speaking. "Will I what?"
"Will you marry me, Clark?"

Looking down at the ring he held in his palm. "Yes."

Lex's lips met Clarks, their tongues entwining. Clark could feel the blood rushing through his body, causing a roar in his head. When the kiss ended he realized it wasn't a roar but clapping and yelling. Chloe, Pete, his mom and dad were smiling and cheering them on.

Lex whispered into his ear. "I once told you Clark that our friendship would be the stuff of legends, but our love will be remember for all time."

Those persons closest to them soon surrounded them; their circle of love was now complete.

The End