wisdom won from pain

Clark was studying with Chloe and Pete at The Beanery when Lana came in. She spotted them and hurried over.

“Clark, can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure.”

They moved away from Chloe and Pete’s questioning eyes and ears.

“What’s up?” Clark asked, stuffing his hands in his jeans pockets.

“Have you seen Whitney lately?”

“Not today, he wasn’t in school. He said he had family stuff. Why?”

Lana twisted her purse strap between her fingers. “I don’t want him to be upset with me, but I think you need to know.”

Clark frowned. “Is he okay?”

“That’s for him to tell you. It’s his father, Clark. Nell was at the hospital in Metropolis, visiting a friend, and she saw Whitney and his parents there. His dad was getting some test results back.”

“Nell was eavesdropping?”

“Not exactly,” Lana said, lowering her eyes. “Okay, maybe she was. What she heard wasn’t good, Clark. His dad’s sick, something with his heart.”

“He hasn’t mentioned anything about this to me. But he has been quieter this past week.”

“You need to talk to him.”

“Yeah, I will. Thanks, Lana.”

Clark packed up his things, told Chloe and Pete he’d catch them later, and left the coffee shop. He headed for the Fordman house. Halfway there, he switched direction. Whitney wouldn’t be at home.

Clark reached his farm and headed up to the loft. Sure enough, Whitney was there, staring up at the stars through Clark’s telescope.

“Hey,” he said, dropping his backpack on the floor.

“Amazing isn’t it?” Whitney asked. “There’s so much out there, so much we don’t know. Do you ever wonder about your parents, Clark?”

Clark perched on the edge of the desk. “All the time. I wonder why they sent me away. If they wanted to, or if they had to.”

“Do you wonder about their health? If they’re still alive? How old you’ll live to be?”

“Whitney, what’s wrong?”

“Has Lana talked to you?”

“Umm.”

Whitney straightened. “It’s okay, Clark. I saw Nell at the hospital. It’s my dad.”

“His heart?”

Whitney nodded. “He’s been having some pains recently. We went to Smallville Medical Center, and a doctor referred us to a specialist in Metropolis. They ran some tests. His heart’s not doing so well. He’s on some pretty strong medication now, but they don’t know if...if...” His voice trailed off and he took a deep breath. “They don’t know if it’ll help him. He waited so long before he said anything.”

Clark took Whitney in his arms and just held him. After a moment, Clark felt Whitney trembling, then his shoulder shook hard with sobs.

“It’s okay, just cry. Let it out,” Clark whispered, rubbing Whitney’s back. “I’m here for you.”

“What if you’re not?” Whitney drew away, swiping at his eyes. “You don’t know anything about your background, what kind of diseases you may contract. You can’t promise me anything.”

“Hey, now wait a minute. No one in this world is immune to everything-”

“And you’re not from this world.” Whitney began pacing in the small area of the loft. “You don’t know what could happen to you, and I hate that.”

“Then we just have to live for the here and now, don’t we? What’s the point of worrying over what might happen later?”

It seemed that all the fight left Whitney’s body. He collapsed onto the couch and buried his head in his hands.

“Whitney?“ Clark asked. “Do you want me to leave you alone?”

Whitney raised his head, tears streaking down his face. “No, Clark. Being alone is the last thing I want to be right now.” He wiped the tears away and looked Clark square in the eye. “I want you to make love to me.”

“What?”

“You said we have to live for the here and now. I want you to make love to me right here, right now.”

“Whitney, I don’t think-”

“You don’t want me?”

“No! I mean, it’s not that. I do want you.”

Whitney unzipped his jacket. He shrugged out of it and tossed it over the back of the desk chair.

“Then let’s do it. We’ve been waiting for this, this moment. Come on, Clark.”

Clark raised a hand and stood up. “You’re hurting. You don’t want it to be like this, in a barn. Whitney, please.”

“Why not?” Whitney shouted. “Why can’t we do it? What, aliens can’t get it up? Afraid you won’t like it?” He got to his feet, grabbed his jacket and stormed down the stairs.

Clark supersped past him, stopping him at the door.

“You’re pissed that your dad is sick, I know that. But you’re not thinking clearly. Take some time and-”

Whitney glared at Clark and pushed him hard against the wall, pinning him there with his elbow across Clark’s throat. Clark let him.

“I don’t need advice from you, Kent,” Whitney hissed. “What the hell do you know anyway? You’re not even human.”

He let go and walked out. Clark watched him leave. As Whitney’s truck faded from sight, Clark sank down to the ground and cried.

~*~*~

“So, is the happy couple still on a break?” Chloe asked as she set her tray down next to Clark in the cafeteria. She looked over and saw Whitney sitting with the football team, his head down and an angry expression on his face.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Clark said.

“And apparently you don’t want to eat either. I know that cafeteria meatloaf isn’t the best, but-”

“Chloe.”

“All right, I’ll shut up.”

Clark pushed his food around his plate, not really seeing it. Whitney hadn’t spoken to him in almost a week. No calls, no visits, and in the hallways, Whitney wouldn’t even glance in his direction.

It hurt.

“Can I ask what happened?” Chloe asked.

“You’re just like my mother, you know that? I don’t want to talk about it.”

Chloe looked at her nails. “Well, when you do want to talk, I’m here, okay?”

Clark instantly felt bad. He turned sideways and hugged Chloe.

“Whoa, mood swing,” she murmured, but hugged him back.

“Thanks for putting up with me.”

“You’re my friend, Clark. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some ass-kicking to do.”

“You won’t.”

“I won’t what? I told him if he hurt you, I’d hurt him. Well, he’s hurt you. It’s time for me to fulfill my part of the deal.”

Clark’s grip tightened slightly on Chloe. “Please don’t. Just let it go.”

“Why? You won’t tell me what he did, but it’s obvious he did something with the way you’re practically dragging yourself around school, half dead. I’m pissed at him, and he should know it.”

“Chloe, if you’re really my friend, you’ll just continue to hate him because he’s a jock and leave it at that.”

Chloe gave him a look like he was nuts and said, “All right, but only because I’m your friend.”

“Thank you.”

“So, I’ll change the subject now and ask if you’re excited about the biology field trip?”

“Searching for rocks in the dirt, could be fun.”

Chloe opened her milk and took a sip. “Yeah. Fun. What’s so great about rocks anyway?”

“Some people keep them as pets, you know,” Clark said.

“Please tell me you aren’t one of them.”

“Well...”

“God, you are a nerd. No wonder Whitney broke up with you. Sorry, sorry. I’m sorry,” she said hastily, seeing Clark’s face. “I really will shut up now. See, this is me, shutting up.“ She took a bite of meatloaf and grimaced. “Forget what I said about this being decent. Ugh.”

Clark laughed. It felt good.

Whitney recognized Clark’s laugh and dared a glance in his direction. He was laughing with Chloe. He seemed to be okay.

Whitney wasn’t. His dad was getting worse, and he had no one to talk to about it. He regretting saying what he had to Clark, but he was too embarrassed to apologize. Clark must think he was a real jerk, and he probably wouldn’t even speak to him.

Serves me right, Whitney thought. I pushed away the one person in the world who really, truly cares about me. I deserve to be unhappy.

Leaving his tray on the table, he picked up his backpack and left the cafeteria.

~*~*~

Clark was sitting in the loft, reading his biology book when Lex showed up.

“Hey there, Clark. Hard at work, I see.”

“Just brushing up. We have a field trip tomorrow.” He set the book aside. “What’s up?”

“Actually, I was going to ask you that question. You and the quarterback broke up?”

Clark jerked. “Uh, what?”

“It’s all right, I won’t say anything. Although, a word of advice? You might want to keep the make out sessions private,” Lex said, pointing a finger at the open window.

“Oh.”

“I’m a little hurt, Clark. You didn’t tell me.”

“I’m sorry. I just, well, I wasn’t sure how you’d react.”

“I guess I should tell you that I’ve dabbled in that area myself.”

“What?” Clark asked, intrigued.

Lex settled into the wooden desk chair and steepled his fingers together. “In my slightly younger years, yes. Don’t look so surprised. It was Metropolis after all.” He smiled.

“I think I messed up.”

“How so?”

Clark chewed on his thumbnail. “Whitney’s father is sick, and the day he found out, he was really distraught.”

“And he wanted to have sex, but you knew it was his grief talking. Understandable.”

“He took it the wrong way. I didn’t mean to hurt his feelings.”

“You didn’t. Not really. I’ll bet he’s simply unsure of how to apologize to you. He probably knows you were only thinking of his best interests.”

“I kind of doubt it.”

“You’re too hard on yourself, Clark. Just give him time. He’ll come around.”

“How do you know all this?”

“I’m wise beyond my years.”

Clark let out a little laugh. “Why are you really here, Lex?”

“Can’t I just stop by and visit a friend? I figured you might need someone to talk to, and sometimes parents aren’t the best options.”

“My mom keeps looking at me like I’ll break. And you’re right. I can’t really tell her what happened.”

“I know this may sound crazy, but, would you like me to talk to Whitney?”

“You? Whitney thinks you hate him,” Clark said.

“Hate is a strong word. More like, dislike.”

“Why?”

“That’s a stupid question, Clark. He tied you to a cross in a cornfield. It was freezing that night. What if I hadn’t found you?”

“But you did.”

“But you didn’t know I would. You looked pretty damn ill when I got to you.”

“You can’t hold that against him forever.”

Lex sighed. “I know. But he did hurt my friend.”

“Now you sound like Chloe. She’s all set to beat him with her laptop.”

“I always knew I admired that girl. Tell her I’ll buy her a new one if she does.”

Clark shook his head and sighed. “Well, at least I know you all like me. Even if you are nuts.”

~*~*~

Clark was normal.

He’d lost his powers to Eric Summers during the biology field trip, and now he wasn’t quite sure what to do with himself.

He was walking home from school when Whitney zoomed past in his truck. Clark barely got out of the way, tripping over his own feet and tumbling into the ditch by the side of the road. Whitney slammed on his breaks and pulled over.

“Clark!” he yelled, running over.

Clark coughed and sat up. “I’m okay.”

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.” Whitney helped him up, as Clark brushed dirt from his clothes. “At least I know you wouldn’t have been hurt.”

“Actually, something’s happened. I don’t have my powers anymore.”

“What? What happened?”

“An accident. My powers got transferred to Eric Summers yesterday during the lightning storm.”

“You’ve got...nothing?”

“Nope.”

“You sound happy about this.”

“I am, kind of. I don’t have to worry about anyone finding out about me. I’m normal!”

Whitney took a step back. “Then if I’d hit you, you could be dead.”

“Whitney-”

“Forget it, Clark. Forget it.”

Clark watched him hop into his truck and peel out, showering Clark with bits of gravel. If he still had his powers, he would have raced after him and demanded to know what the hell was up. One minute, Whitney was worried because Clark had special abilities, the next he was pissed because Clark didn’t have special abilities. It was enough to make Clark want to pound fence posts into the ground.

But then he remembered he couldn’t do that anymore.

~*~*~

Whitney heard the screaming as he made his way towards the main doors of Smallville High. Like everyone else, he hurried to get outside and see what was going on. He made it to the steps in time to see Eric Summers flip a truck over with one hand. Then he tossed Brent, a fellow football player, into a picnic table.

He was using Clark’s powers.

When Clark stepped in to try and stop Eric, Whitney’s heart lurched. When Clark was flung through the air and crashed onto the top of a parked car, Whitney screamed, “Someone call 911!”

He pushed his way through the crowd and climbed onto the hood of the car. Clark was unconscious, and blood flowed from a cut on his forehead. He couldn’t believe it. Clark was bleeding.

“Come on, Clark, please be okay. Oh, Jesus, I can’t keep doing this,” he whispered.

“Is he okay? How bad is he?”

Whitney ignored the questions. He placed his ear to Clark’s chest, relieved to hear a steady heartbeat. He was breathing just fine, but Whitney worried about a possible back or neck injury. An ambulance siren could be heard approaching.

“Ugh, what happened?” Clark murmured, slowly opening his eyes. “Whitney?”

“I’m right here. Don’t move, I don’t know how bad you’re hurt.”

Clark sat up and gasped, clutching his ribs. “Where’s Eric?”

“He took off. Please, just stay still. An ambulance is coming.”

“Did he hurt you?”

“Me? No.”

“I have to find him,” Clark said, struggling to get off the car.

Whitney held him down. “Dammit, will you just forget about him? You’re bleeding.”

Two paramedics checked out Brent and Clark and sent them to the hospital in the ambulance. Whitney grabbed Clark’s backpack and told Clark he’d follow him and call his parents.

“You don’t have to,” Clark said from his stretcher. He grimaced as he took a breath. “But thank you.”

Whitney nodded and ran to his truck. He called the Kents from his cell phone and explained what had happened. They were going to meet him there.

Once at the hospital, Whitney took a moment to pull himself together. He was shaking, and his heart wouldn’t stop pounding. Very slowly, he walked inside the hospital and towards the admissions desk. A wave of nausea rolled over him and he raced to the bathroom to throw up.

~*~*~

Clark had never felt such incredible pain in his life.

“Raise your arms just a little bit higher, Clark,” the doctor said. He was wrapping thick white gauze around Clark’s ribs. “You were mighty lucky. Just a couple of bruised ribs.”

“How long will it hurt like this?”

“Oh, a couple of weeks.”

“A couple of weeks?” Clark asked in disbelief.

Whitney peeked through the window of the room, and Clark motioned for him to come in.

“I’m going to write you a prescription for some painkillers, and then you can go home,” the doctor said. “I’ll be right back.”

Clark touched his ribs gingerly. “Ow.”

“So what’s the diagnosis?” Whitney asked, trying to keep his tone light.

“Bruised ribs. God, I didn’t know they’d hurt this much.”

“Yeah. I’ve suffered through a few of them myself.”

Clark slid off the hospital bed and picked up his shirt. He fumbled while trying to put it on.

“Here, let me help you,” Whitney said. He took the shirt and held it open, allowing Clark to slip his arms into the sleeves. Then he began buttoning the shirt.

“Whitney-”

“Clark, I’m sorry. I am so sorry for pushing you away. That night, I was kind of crazy, I know. I didn’t mean to say what I did. You’re more human than anyone I know. I love you, Clark. I do. I’ll wait until the moment is right, and I’ll stop being such an asshole-”

Clark pressed a finger to Whitney’s lips, silencing him. “You’re forgiven.”

He lowered his lips to Whitney’s and made sure Whitney knew exactly how he felt.

“Oh, uh, sorry.”

Clark and Whitney jumped apart, Whitney’s arm bumping Clark in the chest. He winced and leaned against the bed.

“Dad, Mom,” he said, seeing his parents standing in the doorway. “I’m okay.”

Whitney blushed to the roots of his hair.

~*~*~

“So this is your room, huh?” Whitney asked. “Kind of messy.”

“Yeah, well, I’m a teenager, what did you expect? Oooh.” Clark lay down on his bed. Whitney sat on the edge and reached for Clark’s shoes. He untied them and put them aside.

“Do you need a pain pill?”

“Nah, I’ll be fine. I just need to rest, and then I need to find Eric.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I don’t know yet. I just feel responsible. They are still my powers, and he doesn’t know what he’s doing. What if he kills someone?”

Whitney shivered. “He could have killed you.”

“He didn’t. Look at me. I’m okay.”

“I’m beginning to really hate that phrase.”

“Sorry.”

Whitney ran a hand through his hair. “Okay, so anyway. How are we going to stop Eric?”

“We?”

“I’m in this with you, all the way. You can’t take him on by yourself, especially in this condition. You’re too weak.”

Clark snapped his fingers. “Weak. Weakness. He’s got my powers. What if he’s got my weakness, too?”

“You mean the meteor rocks?”

“Yes!”

“It makes sense. But where are you going to get one? I’m sure your parents don’t have any lying around.”

“Lana’s necklace. My shoes, I need my shoes.”

“Wait, can’t I just take the necklace and stop him? Why do you have to go anywhere near him?” Whitney asked, purposely kicking Clark’s shoes out of his reach.

“I need to get him near an electrical source. I can get my powers back. Stop kicking my shoes, I can’t move that fast!”

Whitney looked to the floor. “Are you sure you want them back?”

“My shoes? Yes.”

“Not your shoes, dumbass. Your powers.”

Clark paused. “If I have them, I can control them. I can make sure no one gets hurt.”

“But if you have them, then you have to hide them. Wouldn’t life be easier without them?”

“I can’t just let Eric go around hurting people. I have to stop him. Whitney.” Clark took Whitney’s hands in his. “I might not want them all the time, but they’re me. They don’t define me as a person, but they are a part of me.”

Whitney sighed heavily. “I know. All right. What do we have to do?”

“We’re not doing anything. You’re going to go home while I go get Lana’s necklace and get my powers back.”

“Clark, you can’t go alone.”

“I have to. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I don’t want you there when it does. Promise me you’ll go home.”

“No, I’m not going home.” Whitney shook his head. “I’ll be waiting in the loft until you come back to me.”

“Okay. Now help me with my shoes.”

Several hours later, Whitney was stirred from his sleep on the couch by Clark lying down beside him.

“I’m back,” Clark whispered. “I’m back.”

~*~*~

It was the last day of classes before Christmas break, and Whitney was on a mission. Clark didn’t have time to stick around after the final bell; his dad needed his help on the farm, so Whitney was free to plan without Clark nearby.

Whitney knocked on the door to the Torch office and smiled at Chloe. Instead of racing for the door like everyone else, she was cleaning up the office, getting it ready for her to come back to after the start of the new year.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hey, yourself. What brings you to the newspaper? Thinking of writing an article about asshole jocks and the very forgiving boyfriends who take them back?” she asked, slamming a filing cabinet drawer shut.

“I deserved that. And you have permission to kick my ass anytime you want to.”

“I may just do that yet.” She slapped a file down on her desk and whirled on him, her eyes ablaze with fire. “You know, you really broke his heart. I don’t know what happened to make him forgive you, but you better know that you had one, and only one, chance with me. You hurt him again, and I will bury your body someplace where no one will find you.”

“Chloe, I don’t know why Clark loves me, but he does. I know now not to ever take him for granted.” He pleaded with her with his eyes. “I don’t want you as an enemy. You’re one of Clark’s closest friends, and I want to be yours, too.”

Chloe still continued to glare at him. “Don’t count on that happening too quickly. I’m known to hold grudges.”

She sat down at her computer and stared at the screen.

“I need your help.”

“Oh no you did not just say that,” she said with a laugh. “You dare to ask me for help? With what?”

“Research.”

“For a paper? Forget it. I’m not anyone’s research minion.”

Whitney placed his hands on the desk and got right in her face, startling her and making her roll back in her chair.

“This is for Clark. Christmas is coming up, and I want to do something special for him. He deserves it, after all I’ve put him through, I know it. You don’t have to say it. But I don’t know what to do. I figured you could help me, since you are one of his good friends.”

Chloe’s lips narrowed until they almost disappeared. “You want me to help you be all romantic with Clark? Excuse me for a moment while I try to scrub that image from my mind’s eye.”

“Chloe, for God’s sake, I’m asking you for serious help here.”

She sighed and Whitney straightened up, hopeful. “Nothing like waiting until the last minute. What did you have in mind?” she asked.

Whitney grinned and told her his plan.

~*~*~

Clark loved the Christmas season. The Kent family would get sleep in on Christmas day, then Jonathan and Clark would make a special breakfast. After breakfast, they would sit around their decorated tree and open gifts. It didn’t matter if they’d had a good year financially or not; the gifts were more sentimental than monetary. Plus, Martha really got into her baking, and the entire house was warm and smelled of pies and cookies. Clark sampled everything, even when his mother slapped his fingers with her spatula.

“I can’t help it,” he said, stuffing two fresh from the oven chocolate cookies into his mouth. “They’re so good.”

Martha rolled her eyes, even though there was a smirk on her face. She packed a plastic container with peanut butter cookies. “These are for Whitney.”

“Cool.”

Martha cleared her throat. “So, you and Whitney are going into Metropolis tonight?”

“Yeah. He’s got some big surprise for me.” Clark shrugged and wiped crumbs from his mouth.

“Things are back to normal with you then?”

“As normal as they can be. You know, he takes the whole ’my boyfriend is an alien’ thing really well.”

“And when will you be back?”

“I don’t know, probably late tomorrow. I don’t know anything about tonight, except we’ll be in Metropolis.”

“You’ll be careful, right?”

“Of course, Mom.”

“I’m still a little unsure about you two going staying over on Christmas night. But Whitney came and asked permission and promised to look out for you. Your father was so shocked, of course he said yes. Clark, if you eat one more of these cookies, I’ll-”

“Okay, okay,“ Clark said, backing away from the table. “I have to go pack anyway.”

His mother turned to check on a pie in the oven, and Clark swiped two more cookies before racing up the stairs. In his room, Clark surveyed his closet very carefully. Whitney had said to pack an overnight bag, but he hadn’t specified what to bring.

“Comfy clothes, Clark. And your toothbrush,” Whitney told him.

Clark dug out a duffel bag and packed a clean change of clothes and some toiletry items. He also tucked a small gift wrapped box into the bag. Whitney was coming to pick him up in an hour, and Clark wanted to talk with his dad before he left.

“Mom?” Clark asked, coming into the kitchen and dropping his bag by the bottom step.

“He’s in the south field. Said he had to fix a hole in the fence,“ Martha said.

“How did you know I was going to ask about Dad?”

“I’m your mother. Do you really need a reason?”

Clark smiled and shrugged into his coat. He walked out to the field and found his father working.

“Dad? Need any help?”

“I’m good, son,” Jonathan said, twisting off a piece of wire. He looked up at Clark, who had his hands tucked in the pockets of his coat. “But you look like you need to talk. What’s on your mind?”

Clark leaned against the nearest fence post. “You’re really okay with Whitney and me spending the night in Metropolis?”

Jonathan snipped the wire and dropped his cutter to the ground. He stood up and pulled off his work gloves, tucking them into his back pockets.

“I trust you, Clark. And I trust Whitney. I know that you’ll be fine.”

“It’s just kind of, I don’t know, strange to me how calm you are about us. I still can’t get over it. And tonight. Well, I don’t know exactly what’s going to happen tonight, but I think I may have a clue.”

“Whoa, do we really want to go there?” Jonathan asked.

“I don’t know. Do we?”

“If you’re talking about sex...”

Clark remained quiet.

“Clark, your mother and I have had the sex talk with you.”

“Yeah, but it involved a girl.”

“Uh, well, so we just, um.” Jonathan scratched his head and frowned. “Hmm. I’m stumped.”

“Little different anatomy here, Dad.”

“I guess so. Have you talked with your mother about this?”

“No. I’d like to save some of my dignity, thank you.”

“And you really think I could help? Clark, this is new territory for me.”

“Me too.”

“But I trust you’ll make the right decision regarding Whitney.”

They stood side by side, each lost in their own thoughts. Clark picked up a broken piece of wire and twisted it in his hands until it was a tight knot of metal.

“Nervous?” Jonathan asked.

“A little. I mean, I want to, but I’m scared at the same time. What if I hurt him?”

“You’ve always been careful. I don’t see, uh, this being any different.” Jonathan could feel his cheeks getting warm, and it wasn’t from the sun either.

“Would we feel this awkward if we were talking about a girl?” Clark asked.

“Probably. Sex for the first time is awkward, no matter who’s involved.”

Clark saw his dad was getting uncomfortable and tossed the wire knot aside. “Okay, let’s make a deal. I won’t mention anything about what happens with Whitney and me tonight, and you and Mom won’t ask. Does that sound fair?”

“God, yes,” Jonathan said, letting out a breath. “I mean. Yes, that sounds fair.”

“I better get back to the house. Whitney’s probably on his way, and I don’t want to leave him alone with Mom for too long. No telling what she might say,” Clark said.

“Have fun,” Jonathan said. “Er, I mean, be careful. Oh, damn. Just go, okay?”

Clark chuckled all the way to the house.

~*~*~

The building was thirty stories tall with a glass elevator on the outside.

“Where are we?”

“This is where we’re staying tonight,” Whitney said. He laced his fingers with Clark’s and pulled him inside, through the revolving front door and straight to the elevator.

“Have you been here before?” Clark asked, staring in awe at the crystal chandeliers hanging in the lobby.

“Once, last week. I had to check the place out.”

“People live here?”

“Uh huh.”

They rode the elevator to the top floor, the penthouse suite. Whitney knocked twice, and a small woman in a maid’s uniform answered the door.

“Mr. Fordman, Mr. Kent, welcome,” she said, smiling. “My name is Elma. Anything you need, just ask. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.”

Clark stepped inside and looked around. The living room was huge with a fireplace and high ceilings. The windows were floor to ceiling, and there was a spacious dining area with a glass table and plush chairs. The table was set for two. The kitchen was equipped with state of the art cooking utensils, and amazing smells drifted from them. A spiral staircase led to the second floor.

“May I take your bags?” Elma asked.

Clark handed over his duffel bag, and Whitney did the same. Elma disappeared up the stairs.

“This is awesome, Whitney. But I hope you didn’t have to spend too much. We’re only here for the night.”

“Actually, it didn’t cost me a cent.”

“How is that possible?”

“Don’t worry about it. Come on, check out this view. There’s a balcony, too.”

Clark followed him to the sliding glass door, but hung back when Whitney stepped outside.

“I’m a little afraid of heights,” Clark said.

“Sorry.” Whitney came back in and closed the door. “Do you want me to pull the curtains?”

“No, that’s okay.”

“If you’ll be seated in the dining room, I’ll serve you dinner,” Elma said quietly.

Whitney held out Clark’s chair, then sat across from him.

“Is this real crystal?” Clark asked, examining the fluted glasses.

“Probably.”

Elma returned and placed a covered plate in front of each of them and a basket of still steaming bread between them. She filled their glasses with water and lit the candles in the centerpiece.

“If you need anything, just call for me. I’ll be near.”

“Thank you,” Clark said.

She smiled and left them alone.

“So, should we see what’s for dinner?” Whitney asked.

“Okay. You first.”

Whitney lifted the lid and breathed a sigh of relief. “Crab legs. A baked potato, steamed vegetables, and rice.”

Clark lifted the lid from his plate. “The same.”

“Then why do you look so confused?” Whitney asked, smiling.

“I’ve never had crab legs before.”

“They’re really good.”

Whitney picked up a crab leg and held it out for Clark to see. “Take it in your hands like this and break it. Then you pull the meat out.“ He demonstrated and dipped the hot crab meat in the cup of melted butter on his plate. “Here.”

Clark leaned forward and placed his lips around Whitney’s fingers. Whitney felt a shiver race up and down his spine at the contact.

“Wow, that is good,” Clark said, licking butter from his lips. He looked at Whitney, whose eyes were smoldering with lust.

They spent the rest of the meal feeding each other. By the time Elma came in to clear their dishes, they were both squirming uncomfortably in their chairs.

“Would you care for dessert?” she asked.

Clark shook his head. “No,” Whitney said. “I think we’re pretty stuffed for now.”

“Everything else has been set up, Mr. Fordman. If you won’t be needing anything else from me, I’ll leave after I wash the dishes.”

“Thanks very much, but you can leave the dishes. I’ll take care of them,” Whitney said. He stood up and guided her out of the dining area. Clark could hear them talking softly, and then Whitney returned alone.

“Well, Clark. Are you ready for your Christmas present?”

“I thought this was my present,” Clark said, waving a hand.

“It’s part of it. Come on. You haven’t seen the upstairs yet.”

They hurried up the spiral staircase.

“Guest room, bathroom, office, entertainment room,” Whitney said, opening doors. “And master bedroom and bath.”

“Wow. Whitney, this place really is amazing.” Clark sat down on the king-sized bed and ran a hand over the comforter. “Okay, seriously. How’d you swing this?”

“Will you just shut up and enjoy it?”

“I can’t help it. I’m curious.”

“Well then I’m glad you’re not a mind reader.”

Clark spread his legs and pulled Whitney so he was standing between them. “I’m pretty sure I can tell what you’re thinking right now.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Clark ran his hands up Whitney’s thighs and rested them on his waist.

“You really want to do this?” Whitney whispered.

“I really do.”

Clark gave a gentle tug and Whitney tumbled onto the bed with him. Clark took control then, covering Whitney’s mouth in kisses. With one hand firmly on Whitney’s hip, his other hand worked quickly to strip off Whitney’s shirt.

Clark kissed the curve of Whitney’s neck, following the collarbone down to his chest. He flicked his tongue at a nipple, and Whitney gasped.

“You sure you’ve never done this before?” Whitney asked.

“I’m just going off what I’ve seen on tv. Is it working?”

“Oh hell yes.”

Whitney hooked one leg around Clark’s and flipped them so Whitney was now on top. He looked down at Clark and smiled. “You’re so beautiful.”

“So are you.”

“I’ve had my eye on you for a long time.”

“Really?”

“You always tried to blend in, but you should know it’s nearly impossible. Everyone sees you, Clark. You’re gorgeous.”

Whitney unbuttoned Clark’s shirt and tugged the white t-shirt over his head. Whitney’s lips were like fire on Clark’s skin. He drew his index finger down the center of Clark’s chest, following the soft trail of hair as it disappeared beneath the waistband of his jeans. Whitney unbuttoned and unzipped the jeans, slowly moving his hand inside, his fingertips brushing against the tip of Clark’s cock.

“Whoa,” Clark breathed.

“Was that a good whoa?”

“Uh huh. Touch me all over,” he said, staring into Whitney’s eyes. “Make me feel you. Make love to me.“

Whitney did his best to comply.

~*~*~

“Did I hurt you?” Clark asked, raising himself up on his elbows. He was still trembling a little.

Beneath him, Whitney just smiled. “No, you were perfect.”

Clark flushed and rolled onto his back. “I was clumsy.”

“So was I.” Whitney stretched and snuggled closer. He rested his head on Clark’s chest and held him close. “For our first time, I’d say we did pretty well.”

“I cried.”

“So?”

“Are guys supposed to cry the first time they have sex?”

“Some do. You’re not any less of a man because you did.”

Clark opened his mouth to say something else, but Whitney stopped him. “Just shut up. You were perfect. And if you’re so worried about your performance this time, we can always try again.”

Clark laughed. “I’ll get better, I promise.”

Suddenly Whitney bolted from the bed. “I forgot!” he cried, running from the room.

Clark sat up and enjoyed the view of Whitney dashing away, bare ass naked. A few minutes later, he returned with a silver tray.

“No champagne,” he said. “I didn’t think your parents would appreciate me getting you drunk, if you even can get drunk. But sparkling cider goes just as well with strawberries.” He set the tray on the bed, flipped on the bedside lamp on his side, and then turned off the main lights before crawling back under the sheets. He reached into the nightstand drawer and pulled out a small remote control.

“What’s that?” Clark asked.

“Watch.”

Whitney punched a button and the ceiling became aglow with stars.

“It’s like the display at the planetarium,” Clark breathed.

“I borrowed a mini-projector from the planetarium. We have to return it tomorrow, or else I’m out tons of bucks.” He steered the tray closer to them and poured two glasses of cider. Clark took one and sipped.

“This is wonderful, Whitney. This whole night has been like a dream.”

“You deserve the best.”

They ate the strawberries and drank the entire bottle of cider under the stars. Clark felt giddy and completely in love.

“Okay, spill it,” he said, nudging Whitney with his elbow. “How’d you get this place? And the projector?”

Whitney sighed. “Chloe may turn you into a reporter yet, what with the way you keep asking question.”

“Please tell me. Or else I’ll worry for the rest of the night about what you had to do to get this.”

“Chloe knows a guy who works at the planetarium. He loaned me the projector.”

“You talked to Chloe about this?” Clark asked. “So she knows what you had planned for tonight? Oh God. She’ll never shut up about it!”

“She didn’t know I was planning to seduce you, relax. I told her I wanted to do something special for your Christmas gift, and she knows you like the stars. She suggested it actually.”

“She’ll figure it out, Whitney. She’s a reporter, after all. And the apartment? Whose is it?”

Whitney bit into a strawberry and offered the rest to Clark, who took it greedily. He was suddenly starving.

“Lex Luthor’s.”

Clark choked on the strawberry. Whitney pounded his back.

“Lex?”

“He practically made me write in blood that I loved you and would never hurt you, and I had to apologize about a million times for the scarecrow thing. He even challenged me to a duel!” Whitney shivered at the memory. “He’s your scariest friend.”

“He’s like a big brother. Protective.”

“Anyway, he suggested we use his apartment. He insisted.”

Clark was a little embarrassed that everyone seemed to know what they’d be doing in Metropolis, but he’d get over it since they all seemed supportive. “Hey, where’s my bag?“ he asked. “Your gift is in there.”

“I think Elma set it in the closet.”

Clark set his glass down on the tray and hopped out of bed. Now it was Whitney’s turn to admire Clark’s butt. Whitney gulped hard and downed the rest of his cider.

“Open it,” Clark said, tossing a small box in his direction.

“What is it?”

“You have to open it, goober. You don’t have x-ray vision.”

Whitney tore the paper from the box and lifted the lid.

“Clark, this couldn’t have been cheap,” he said, taking in the heavy silver watch.

“I saved some money, no big deal.”

“It’s beautiful.”

Clark picked it up from the box and turned it over. “I had it engraved. See? ’CK and WF Christmas 2001.’ Do you like it?”

“I love it, thank you.”

They kissed softly, Clark placing the watch on the nightstand. Whitney set the tray on the floor and turned off the lamp. They buried themselves under the sheets once more and fell asleep with the stars twinkling above them.

~end