Truth
by Miss Binks

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The heavy door to the castle opened abruptly just as he had been about to knock.� Clark was so startled that he tripped.� His feet tangled and he stumbled backward down several stone steps.� He regained his balance and looked up at the open doorway, eyes widening in surprise.� What he saw was enough to make him forget trying to right his body, and he fell backwards, wrists twisting to catch the weight of his body.

Lex was standing in the doorway, surprise then concern in his expression.� "Clark, you all right?"

Clark felt himself blushing and stood quickly, wiping his hands on his jeans.� He nodded and then sheepishly raised his eyes to meet Lex's.� "I'm okay.� You just surprised me."�

He looked at Lex and took in the outfit that had shocked him so much that he had made a fool of himself in front of his friend.� Lex had taken a sudden departure from his usual wardrobe of tailored suits and casual slacks.� Clark felt his pulse quicken as he looked over the tight, smooth black leather pants.� Clark was sure that they must have cost him a fortune, just by looking at the creaminess of the leather and the remarkable fit.� Instead of the usually colorful yet tasteful shirts, Lex was wearing a tight sleeveless black shirt that was made of some sort of silky spandex.� Clark had no idea what it was made out of, but he knew that it would be soft and cool to the touch, and the sight of that fabric clinging to Lex's chest made Clark's mouth dry in the most peculiar way.

To add to his embarrassment, Lex seemed to note Clark's appraisal.� He looked down over his clothing, his mouth twisting into a sardonic smile.� He brushed a hand over his chest smoothing the tight fabric and almost laughed as Clark's eyes widened even further.�

"I know what you're thinking, Clark."� His tone was playful, and the words made Clark's eyes jump from Lex's hand to his face, looking for the mocking smile that he was sure must be there.

"You�do?"� It shouldn't have been that hard to speak, but he was having trouble forming sentences.� Clark had no idea what was wrong with him, and he wondered idly if the fall had scrambled his brains as Lex nodded.

"Not exactly what you would expect to see me wearing, is it?"� Relief flooded unexpectedly though Clark.� He was more than happy to let Lex assume that he had been surprised by Lex's clothing and not unexpectedly aroused.��� He shook off that train of thought and struggled to force his brain to function at least somewhat normally.

"Well, uhm, yeah.� Why� Where�What's the occasion?"� //Idiot.//� Clark really wondered if it was possible that he could be getting stupider as the years passed.

Lex looked at him with that intense gaze that always made Clark wonder if he was capable of reading minds.� After meeting Ryan, he supposed it could be possible.� Or maybe Lex was just really good at reading people.� //Or maybe just me?//

Lex just stared at him, a strange expression forming on his face.� Clark almost couldn't believe it, but Lex looked a little embarrassed.� "I'm going to Metropolis for the night.� Why are you here, Clark?"

Clark had actually no real reason for being there.� He had planned to spend the night with Chloe and Pete, but Chloe's cousin had abruptly come into town and Pete was grounded because parents had found out the his grades had slipped since he joined the football team.� Clark had begun the night sitting in the loft, watching the stars, but that had swiftly gotten boring.� He had planned to go to the Talon, see if Lana was working, but in the end, his thoughts had turned to Lex, and before he had realized what he was doing, his feet had taken him to the Castle.� Considering how the night was turning out, he should have just stayed at home.

"No real reason.� I was just bored and wondered what you where doing.� But since you are going out, I'll just take off."� He was turning to leave when a question formed in his mind.� It started to nag at him, so he asked even though he supposed it was rude.� "What were you planning on doing, in Metropolis, I mean?"

There was that embarrassment again, ghosting over Lex's face so briefly that Clark wasn't really sure that he had seen it at all.� "I was headed to a club."

Clark understood.� "Like Zero?"� He tried to keep the disapproval out of his voice, but it was hard.� He remembered vividly what had happened at the abandoned club just weeks ago, all due to Lex's wild past, and he had hoped his friend would be too smart to repeat past mistakes.

Lex's eyes flashed for a moment, and Clark winced at the anger that his tone had caused.� "Sorry, it's not my place to judge.� It's just that, well, I thought that you were past all that."

Lex's expression hardened, his tone becoming brusque.� "I am not the same person I was three years ago, Clark, and I am not stupid enough to make the same mistake twice."

Clark wanted to drop this entire conversation, turn around and run home, forget that this ever happened.� But he couldn't.� He was worried and confused, and he really wanted to understand Lex.

"So, why go back?� I mean, if you are not the same person� I'm not saying that�I just want to understand."� Clark found it impossible to meet his friend's eyes, knowing that they would probably be dark with the anger that was so heavy in his voice.� He finally raised his head; looking up from behind his tangled bangs and was relieved.� There was still cold distance in Lex's face, but it seemed as though he was no longer mad.

"I suppose that it might just be nostalgia.� Have you ever felt that way, Clark?� The need to revisit a part of your past, take a look at the person that you once were, just to get a sense of the person that you are now?"

Clark stared at Lex.� "Are you that much of a different person, Lex?� I mean, you talk like you're two separate people."

Lex sighed and traced his hand over the top of his head.� Now he was looking annoyed, and Clark really should have just stayed in the loft.

"What does your father say about me, Clark?� What do the people in town say?"� Clark looked uncomfortable, and Lex waved his hand as he opened his mouth to speak.� "No, I know that you don't think they're right.� But the truth is that everything they've said was true.� I was the person they say I am.� I did so many things I am not proud of, much more than you know, or will ever know."

"But that's not you, Lex.� They don't know you, not the real you."

Lex just stared.� "That's not true, Clark.� Many people from Smallville have known me a lot longer than you have.� Did Lana ever tell you about the first time that we met?"� Clark shook his head.� "It was about five years ago.� She was in Metropolis, and my father invited her and Nell to stay with us for the night.� She came down to see the indoor pool, and I was there, skinny-dipping with a girl.� I didn't even remember it until Lana reminded me.� To tell you the truth, I was so high that I really can't remember much, including the girl who was with me."

Clark was a little shocked by that, not so much that Lex was high or that he couldn't remember the girl he was with, but by the idea that Lana had been there, had seen Lex naked.� He knew there was something wrong in that logic, but he couldn't think about that now.� Later, he was sure that the idea of Lex skinny-dipping would resurface in his mind, but for now, Clark pushed the thought away, eager to make his point.

"But that's not you now, Lex.� You are not that person anymore."

Lex nodded.� "Exactly, that's my point.� I am no longer the person I once was.� I have changed, and I would like to know why."

Clark's forehead creased at the circle the conversation had taken.� He was pretty sure that he had not meant to make all of Lex's points for him, but somehow he had forgotten the topic in his anger over Lex's reputation.� "What do you mean, 'why?'"

Lex sighed again and looked around them.� They were still standing in the doorway, and Lex put his keys in his pocket and turned towards the door.� "Since it looks as though I am not going to be leaving for a while, why don't we continue this conversation inside?"

Clark wondered if you could overdose on embarrassment.� "I'm sorry, Lex.� You had plans.� I'll just go."� He turned and took a step towards the gate but stopped when he felt a hand on his arm.

"No, Clark, It's all right.� My plans weren't anything that couldn't wait.� I think that we need to discuss this more than I need to be on the road."

Clark felt the warmth of Lex's hand seeping through his shirt to his bicep, and his mouth again went dry.� He nodded, not trusting his voice, and turned, following Lex into the castle.

***

Lex walked into the study, confident that Clark was following him, and immediately moved to the small wet bar.� He poured himself a drink, not really caring what, just reaching for the closest bottle.� He finished off the glass quickly, and then poured himself another, turning and facing Clark, who had taken a seat on the couch.� Lex took the seat next to him and couldn't resist the urge to trace the boy's body with his eyes.��

He took another sip, the alcohol burning a path down his chest and focused on Clark's mouth, the one that featured in all his best dreams.� Then down the long, firm body, his eyes pausing obviously at his waistline before moving to Clark's eyes.� Lex could see the confusion and awkwardness in them, and he felt a small stab of guilt.� He hadn't expected to see Clark tonight, and the boy had caught him off balance.� He was sure that he should just send Clark home and continue to Metropolis, but Clark had valid questions, and Lex felt the need to make him understand- everything.

He had finished his drink in a few quick gulps and then refreshed it, pouring the alcohol nearly to the brim.� Looking back to Clark as he took the first sip, he saw the question in Clark's eyes.� Three drinks in just a few minutes were extreme even for him.� Lex sat down on the couch- closer to Clark than before, just inches separating their thighs- and closed his eyes, letting the exhaustion seep into him.�

"Lex, what's wrong, what started all this?"� Clark's hand waved vaguely at Lex's drink.

Lex met Clark's worried gaze and was amazed at how much Clark's concern meant to him.� It was not good that he was becoming dependant on the empathy of a high school freshman.�

Lex settled into the overstuffed cushions and crossed his legs, his ankle settling on his knee.� He was the picture of ease and confidence, outward appearance never betraying his inner tension.� "It was a hard day today, Clark.� My father called with a demand, and it was not pretty when I told him 'no.'"

Clark's eyes turned harsh when Lionel was mentioned, and a part of Lex was gleeful.� His father had tainted everyone that he had ever cared for- his mother, Victoria- but he knew that his father would never be able to touch Clark.�

"What did he ask you to do?"�

Lex stiffened, still debating on how much he was willing to tell his only friend.� "Clark, be sure that you really want to know the answer to this question.� If this is just idle curiosity or small talk, let it go.� But if you really want to know, I will tell you the truth."

Clark nodded, sincerity shining in his eyes.� //Lord, he never knew there were people as earnest as Clark seemed to be.//� "I want to know everything, Lex.� I don't want there to be secrets between us."� At that last sentence, Lex stared at Clark, unable to believe the opening that the boy had just placed in his lap.� Regret-filled eyes dropped to his lap, as Clark seemed to understand what he had just offered to Lex.

"Are you really ready for that, Clark?� For the secrets to end?"� Clark averted his eyes- staring at the fireplace as though it would give him answers.� He seemed to come to some sort of decision, for when his gaze met with Lex's, resolve was apparent.

"Yes, but first, please Lex, what happened with your father?"� Lex heard the request in the question, and he acquiesced.� He would give Clark some time, revealing his own secrets first.� He could do that, but when his story was done, Clark was going to have many questions to answer.�

"My father called today to talk about Plant Operations and some of the personnel.� He had a problem with one of the employees, and expected me to take care of it."�

"What was the problem?"

"It wasn't really a problem.� His job performance has been above average; he has been with the company since the beginning.� The problem is that he is due for his yearly review in a few weeks, and his stature in the company demands that he receive a substantial raise on top of his already large salary.� My father wants me to fire him before the review happens."

Clark looked confused.� "Why fire him?� You said that he was a good employee."

Lex sighed.� "He is, and he will continue doing a good job.� But he is making a large amount of money for a job that is not particularly specialized.� We could hire someone just out of college who would be as qualified, at a fraction of the salary.� My father intended this man to be the first of many employees that we would systematically fire and replace.� Of course, there is a reason why this particular employee is the one that he wanted me to terminate first."

"Who is it?"

Lex paused.� Once he said the man's name, this conversation would be inescapable.� He felt on the edge, and the fear of losing control in front of Clark was almost enough to make him rescind his offer of the truth and kick the boy out of his house.� But in all honesty, he needed to confess, to show Clark his true nature, and this was the simplest way to finally make the boy understand.� He braced himself and looked into Clark's eyes.

"Gabe Sullivan."

Lex had been expecting the shock that he saw on his friend's face.� "Chloe's dad?� Your father told you to fire Chloe's dad?� But, that's not�"

"Fair, Clark?� No, it's not.� But my father has never really cared about playing fair."

Anger now.� //God, did Clark not realize that you could see every emotion written on that beautiful face?//

"You told him 'no,' right?� What did he say?"

"Well, after making sure to remind me what a worthless heir I am, he insisted that I come to Metropolis and meet with him tomorrow.� I think that he's intending on turning me back to the dark side."� Lex was not surprised when the attempted joke fell flat.� Wrong crowd.

"So, what are you going to do, Lex?"� Clark asked hopefully.

"Well, I was going to go to Metropolis tonight.� Go to the clubs- drink myself into oblivion.� See if there are any new drugs that will incapacitate me and then, tomorrow, see my father.� Of course, that plan is on hold right now, obviously."

"Are you going� What are you going to tell him?"� This was it.� The moment where everything could change.� Lex could see the hope in Clark, hope that Lex would do the right thing, but deep down, there was doubt.� That hurt a little, knowing that somewhere inside Clark, there was a part of him that still didn't, and would probably never trust Lex.� But Lex could use that part to save them both.

"I�"� He looked down at the glass in his hand.� "I need another drink."� He stood, knowing that he was just stalling.

"Lex, what is that, your fourth?� Don't you think-"

"No, Clark.� Now is not the time for a lecture on alcohol abuse."� He tried to keep the anger out of his voice, but dammit, this was hard, and he needed all the courage he could get.

�"Sorry."� He had hurt the boy's feelings.� Good, that was going to make what he had to say next much more powerful.� He returned to his seat on the couch, this time placing more space between him and Clark.� He was hoping that Clark would notice.� Good, from the hurt look in Clark's eyes, Lex knew he had.� Lex felt as though he were fencing, systematically scoring small wounds that would weaken his opponent to the point that Lex could easily annihilate him.�

"I hadn't really decided my answer until just now.� With you sitting here, it is obvious what I must do."� Ah, now that expression was definitely triumph and pride.

"I knew-"

Lex interrupted him.� "Clark.� I am going to tell him that I will fire Gabe Sullivan and that I am going to accept his offer to return to Metropolis."

Clark virtually exploded off of the couch.� "What!� Why, Lex?"

He never thought he could feel this tired.� "Because, this is who I am, the man I am destined to be."

Clark was shaking his head, pacing before the couch, anger and hurt flying off him in waves.� "No, that is who your father wants you to be, not who you are."� Clark turned and knelt before him, placing a hand on his leg.� Lex felt a fissure of desire split his cold demeanor and for the first time since he had met Clark, he was enraged by the boy's refusal to see the truth.� The combination of the alcohol, his lust for the boy and his anger threatened the iron control that he had mastered so long ago.� He took a deep breath and struggled to calm himself.

"Lex, I know that you don't really want to do this.� That you don't really want to become just like your father."�

The word 'father' shattered Lex's control.� He could no longer hide the bitterness in his voice.� "You're right, Clark.� I don't want to be just like my father.� I am going to be better than him, more powerful, more ruthless.� It is my destiny, and the last few months are not going to change that.�� You can't change that."

"What?"

"I understand what is going on here, why you keep trying to help me.� You can't hide your savior complex, Clark.� You can't save me."

"No, I-" Clark jerked his hand from Lex's leg as though he was burned.

"The decision has been made, Clark.� Now if you will excuse me, I need to get on the road if I'm going to make it to Metropolis before last call."� Lex stood and walked around Clark, who was still kneeling on the ground.� He walked over to the bar and set his glass down.� By the time he had turned, Clark was on his feet, eyes bright with anger.�

"No, Lex, you can't leave.� Not until we finish this."� The stony resolve in the boy's voice deepened it and Clark suddenly seemed older than fifteen.

Lex moved to the door, opening it and turning back to look at Clark.� "We are finished.� Good-bye, Clark."

He walked towards the front door, pulling the Ferrari keys out of his pocket as he opened the door.� He felt a gust of wind behind him, and suddenly the handle of the door was wrenched out of his grasp and slammed shut so hard that the stone walls of the castle vibrated.� Shock flooded through him, and he turned to see Clark standing behind him, an arm reaching over his shoulder, palm flat against the door.� His surprise turned to rage, and Lex tried to open the door but was unable to move it.

"You are not leaving, Lex.� This is not ending this way."� Lex could feel the coiled tension in Clark's body, and he remembered the roof of the Porsche, ripped open like tin foil.

Lex walked away from the door, merely to place some space between himself and Clark.� "What are you planning to do, Clark?� Keep me locked in here until you can convince me the errors of my ways?� Show me the true path?"� He found himself quivering with anger, and he walked back to the study, shouting over his shoulder.� "You can't save me, Clark!"

He returned to the study and fetched his glass, refilling it.� Clark walked into the room behind him.� "I know."� The words seemed small and quiet in the electrified air of the room.� "Only you can save yourself, Lex."

Lex laughed, the sound bitter and twisted.� "You're assuming too much, Clark.� You assume that I want to be saved, that I need it."

"Don't you?� Isn't that what this is about?� Fear of who you might be?� You're scared to death of becoming like your father, yet here you are, letting it happen.� I never knew that you were such a coward."

Silence filled the room.� Lex stood in front of his desk, and he honestly believed that he had never been this angry before.� Even his father hadn't the power to enrage him this easily.� His voice was quiet and strong when he finally found the words.�� "A coward.� Really.� What about you, Clark?� I told the truth.� Now it's your turn.� How were you able to slam the door that hard?� What happened on the day that I died?"� He was shouting and ashamed of the way that he was losing control, but he couldn't stop.� "Tell me the truth, Clark.� Stop fucking lying to me!"

Clark looked sad, and God, it really shouldn't hurt to see that, but it did.� "I can't do that, Lex.� Not if you are who you say you are.� If you insist on becoming your father, then you can never know."

"Then we are at an impasse."�

Clark nodded.�

Lex summoned all his rage, disappointment and disgust into his voice, and it was enough. "Get out, Clark.� I don't ever want to see you again."�

Clark froze, his body tightening, and Lex could almost feel Clark's heart breaking.� Clark turned from him, facing the wall, but Lex could see his back shaking with the force of holding back his tears.� Lex repressed a moan and knew he must be a monster because the sight of Clark trembling with pain was so good he could almost taste it.� He had inflicted this pain on the only person that he had allowed himself to care for since his mother died, and he was turned on by it.

Lex heard Clark's voice, muffled and constricted with tears.� "Why are you doing this, Lex?� How can you be this cruel?"

//Because I am falling in love with you, and that is unacceptable.//� Lex ignored his heart and walked to Clark, standing behind him, letting the coldness that he struggled to maintain flood his voice.� He turned the boy around roughly and stared into his friend's tear-streaked face� "Because this is who I am.� And you refuse to see that.� I tried to show you so many times, but you were too stubborn, just like your father."

"Was it all just a lie then?� I thought�" Clark choked on a sob.� "I thought we were friends."� He was so young.� Somewhere deep inside him, Lex's heart started to shatter at the sound of that voice.� "I thought that you liked me."

"Do you really want to know the truth, Clark?"� The boy nodded.� "The only reason I kept you around was that I wanted you."�

Clark looked up sharply, tears making his eyes shimmer.� "You�?"�

Lex watched as he tried to figure it out.

"I wanted to fuck you, Clark."� He allowed his hand to cup Clark's face, his thumb tracing tear tracks until it was moist.� Lex removed his hand from Clark's face and slid his moist digit into his mouth, tasting the salty flavor of his friend's tears.� He cocked his head to the side and regarded the boy, seeing that sinful mouth open, watery eyes locked on Lex's mouth as he suckled his thumb.� Lex recognized the arousal there and smiled, knowing that the confusion from the conflicting emotions of pain and lust would only hurt Clark more.

"I still do, Clark.� Seeing you here, weeping, in pain. I am so hard right now.�� All I want from you, all I have ever wanted is to shove you against the desk and fuck you raw.� Fuck you until we both bleed."

That caused a reaction.� Clark shivered and looked away, his mouth forming words that Lex could barely make out.� I can't bleed.� He seemed to be thinking, and Lex let him, giving him time to make the connection, to understand that Lex had been maliciously using Clark all this time.� He continued to stand before Clark, and Lex was grateful for the shock of pain as his teeth closed around his own thumb.

Clark turned back to him and confidently met his eyes.� The look scared Lex.� Something had gone wrong.� Clark should have been running home at this point, not turning with understanding in his eyes.

"Why didn't you, Lex?"

"What?"�

"You had plenty of opportunities to fuck me, Lex."� Clark was almost smiling.� "You had plenty of chances to use my trust in you, and you never took one.� Why?"

"You have no idea what I'm talking about, Clark.� I'm not talking about making love.� I am talking about brutal sex.� The kind of sex that would leave you limping for a week and ensure that your father was on my doorstep with a shotgun in his hand."

Clark really did laugh then, the sound bitter.� "That's not it.� That's not why you haven't taken advantage of me.� You already planned to leave.� Why didn't you try tonight?� It would have been so easy.� Fuck me like you said and then run back to Metropolis.� The reason you didn't do it is not because you're afraid of my father, but because you have feelings for me.� Feelings that scare you to death."� There was a cold glint in his eye.� "Now who's the fucking liar, Lex?"

Lex kept his eyes on Clark, never flinching, but took a deep breath as the calm that he was struggling to maintain was shattered.� His vision narrowed and all he could do was stare into Clark's eyes and clench his fists against the urge to fight, to pummel the boy into submission.� When he finally felt able to speak, his voice was low and harsh.

"You have no idea what you're talking about, Clark.� I meant what I said.� Leave!� Get the hell out of my house."

Clark nodded as Lex watched, his body shaking with rage, his erection wilted and completely forgotten.� //Must remain calm, it's almost over.//� Clark would leave, and Lex would do his best to destroy the person he had become.

Instead of leaving the study, Clark sat down on the couch and removed his shoes, then pulled off his socks.� He stood and removed the flannel shirt and then pulled the white undershirt over his head.� Lex was frozen.� He stared at the way the muscles in Clark's chest rippled under the tanned skin.� His erection had faded when Clark had so accurately pegged Lex's motivation, but the sight of Clark in front of him brought it painfully back.� For months he had admired this boy from afar, wondering, imagining what he looked like under the heavy flannel and jeans, and now it was all being ruthlessly revealed.�

Clark turned towards Lex as he began to unbutton his jeans, slowly drawing down the zipper.� It was the most erotic thing Lex had ever seen.� He didn't know who was standing before him, pulling the jeans off long, well-muscled legs, but it couldn't be Clark.� The farm boy could never be this self-assured, confident and seductive.� As he watched his anger morphed into painful desire.� Lex bit his lip sharply, trying to contain a moan, and the pain heightened everything as Clark stripped off the faded blue boxers and turned away from Lex, bracing his hands on the desk, spreading his legs and smiling sadly over his shoulder.

"Fuck, Clark."

He nodded.� "That's the idea, Lex."

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"� He couldn't stop himself from walking closer, his eyes moving over Clark's long back, the expanse of silky skin just begging for a hand, a tongue.� His hands were shaking, and he was torn between the need to move closer and touch that skin, or to turn and move away, finish the job he had started.

"This is my good-bye present, Lex."� He spoke in a mournful tone that matched the look in his eyes.� "I can't give you the truth, but I can give you this.� Do it, take me the way that you said."�

Lex stepped forward and then paused.� He was standing within touching distance, and he put his hands behind his back to avoid grabbing Clark.� "Idiot.� You don't want this, and you can't possibly think that you can out-bluff me."

Clark turned, and Lex could see that he was half-erect and uncircumcised.� Clark closed the distance between them and placed his hands on Lex's waist, pulling their bodies together so that their hips brushed, both men inhaling sharply as the cool smoothness of Lex's pants slid along their sensitive skin.� Clark rubbed himself against Lex, but Lex remained still, trying to ignore the ache in his cock and Clark's warmth seeping through his clothes.� When he didn't react, Clark stood back, doubt flickering on his face.� He looked up and down Lex's body and then placed his hand over the older man's shaft, cupping the hard length tightly.� Lex gasped and Clark smiled, certainty back in his face.

"I know you want this, Lex.� Take it.� Take me."� He stood waiting, and Lex's patience hit its end.� Clark had no idea what he was asking for, but he would.� Lex would give him what he requested, and then Clark would understand.

Clark leaned forward to kiss Lex and the older man shook his head, stepping back.� He couldn't stand the thought of kissing Clark, not while doing this.� "No, turn around."

Clark returned to his previous position with his hands on the edge of the desk and legs apart.� Lex moved around him to the other side of the desk and opened the bottom door, bringing out a condom.� He moved back and took his place behind Clark, placing the square on the desk near Clark's hand.� He unzipped the leather pants, pushing them down around his ankles, and then retrieved the condom.� His hands were shaking so badly that he could barely open the wrapper.� He had a feeling that the pain in his heart might kill him before he had a chance to do this, and Lex stopped, the condom in his fingers.� Clark noticed that Lex had stopped, and he looked over his shoulder.� "Do it, Lex, please.� You�You can't hurt me."

"I already have, and believe me, I will."� He slid the rubber on his cock and slid closer to Clark.� He positioned himself with his hands on Clark's hips and paused, allowing them both a moment to back out.� Clark pressed himself back against Lex, and Lex closed his eyes, silencing the screaming in his head, and thrust into Clark, hard and fast.� Clark cried out, and Lex's eyes shot open, unable to look away from the smooth expanse of Clark's back, rigid with pain.� He pulled out slowly, trying to not hear Clark's whimpers, and reversed the motion, slamming into Clark again.� This time Clark only managed a choked moan that made Lex's body shudder in grief.� He felt an ache behind his eyes and closed them against the tears that threatened to fall.� He hadn't cried since he was a child, and he was determined to not cry now.� His hips found a natural rhythm, and he began to fuck Clark, ruthlessly, just as he had promised, silent tears carving a path down his face.�

***

Clark had no idea that it could feel like this.� The pain had been more than he had considered.� But after the first few thrusts, his body adjusted and the pain subsided, replaced by an almost pleasant burn that sent shocks of heat throughout his body.� He felt himself grow harder, and when Lex changed the angle of his thrusts and began hitting something inside him, he moaned, pleasure filling him and making his cock twitch.� He wanted Lex to touch him, stroke him, but he knew better than to ask.� This act wasn't about his pleasure, but Lex's need, and so he closed his eyes, and just concentrated on the feeling of Lex's cock filling him.�

The thrusts grew ragged, and Clark heard Lex's panting grow rough.� He slammed into Clark and then stopped, moaning.� Clark felt him trembling behind him and was amazed at the feeling of Lex coming inside him.� He never knew that sex could feel this real, and he felt a stab of regret that his first time had to be like this, an expression of anger and hurt rather than love.� Lex seemed to sag behind him, chest falling to rest against his back.� Clark held them both up, his cock still hard and felt Lex's breathing slow, and then catch.� He heard the first sob, and he jerked, surprised at the sound.� Was Lex crying?� Clark moved, and Lex pulled out of him.� The older man removed the condom and threw it in the general direction of the wastebasket, and then his legs buckled and he hit the ground, his back bowed over his knees.� Clark turned and sank down beside him, placing a hand on his back.� Lex shifted and unexpectedly grabbed at Clark, wrapping his arms around him, burying his face in Clark's shoulder.

Clark tried to understand what was going on, but this entire night was just beyond him.� He gave up and shut down his brain, tightening his arms around Lex and offering comfort with a few whispered words.

Lex shuddered and spoke, his voice rough and wet with tears.� "What have you done to me, Clark?"

The despair in Lex's voice hurt Clark deeply.� "I don't know, Lex.� But it will be okay.� I promise."

Lex shook his head, the motion rubbing tears into Clark's neck and chest.� "No, I don't even know who I am any more."

Clark lifted Lex's head off his shoulder, capturing his gray eyes with his own.� "I know you, Lex.� You're the man that I lo-"

Lex's hand on his mouth had been sudden, stopping the word before it was fully stated.� "Don't say it.� You can't�After what I did to you�"

Clark smiled gently.� "I asked you to do that.� Remember?"�

Lex laughed bitterly, his eyes shying away from Clark, fixing on the carpet to the side of them.� "Not just the sex, Clark, although that was bad enough.� All the things that I said, all the horrible things that I told you, that was the unforgivable part."

Clark nodded, looking down at Lex's head.� He gave into a temptation that had consumed him since he met the young billionaire.� He placed his hand on Lex's head and stroked it, resting briefly on the back of Lex's neck before repeating the gesture.� It seemed weird, kind of like petting a dog, but it felt right.� Lex closed his eyes and sighing, sagging into Clark's arms.� The caress seemed to calm Lex, and the tears stopped.

"I can't lie to you, Lex.� The things that you said hurt, they hurt a lot.� But I forgive you."

Lex met Clark's eyes, confusion shining through the tears.� "How?� Why?"

"Because I know that deep down you really didn't mean any of it."� Lex shook his head, but Clark continued to speak, not wanting to rehash this well-covered argument.� "I know that you're scared and lost, and all I want to do is help you."

"I don't think you can, Clark.� You're part of the problem."

"Maybe I can, if you just tell me what the problem is.� Tell me what's wrong, and maybe we can solve it together."� He winced a little at the hopeful idealism in his voice, but Lex seemed not to notice.� He seemed to be gathering his thoughts, and Clark let him.� He gave into another temptation and he cupped Lex's face with both hands, using his thumbs to wipe the tears from Lex's cheeks.� He then bent his head, placing a kiss on both of Lex's eyelids, tasting the salty tears, and then placing a light kiss on Lex's mouth.

He drew back and looked into Lex's face, his heart breaking at Lex's sad smile.� "Just tell me, Lex.�� Tell me everything.� No more lies, no more half-truths.� No more trying to protect me.� Tell me the truth, and then I can do the same."

Lex nodded, and Clark could see that he was trying not to look excited by the prospect of finally learning Clark's secrets.� Clark grew a little afraid at the eagerness that still leaked through, but he pushed that thought away as Lex began to speak.

"All my life, I've always known who I am, what I was destined to be.� I am a Luthor, and since I was a child I knew that one day I would replace my father at the head of LuthorCorp.� I never doubted that, not once.� Even after my mother died, and my hate for my father grew out of control, I only wanted it more.� At that point, I understood that my father would not be handing the company over to me, that I would have to take it from him, ruin him.� Even that only made me more eager to assume my destiny.� Can you understand what that was like, Clark?� To always know what your place is in the world, to be confident in the man that you will become?"

Clark shook his head.

"It made my life very simple.� I am not saying that I've had a good life, or a happy childhood, because I haven't.� I just never had to wonder what I was going to do with my life, never wondered who I was going to be when I grew up."

"That must have made career day at school really boring."� Clark was pleased when Lex laughed.

"Clark, the schools that I went to never had career day.� Most of the people there were like me, receiving training to inherit their father's lives."

"Oh." Clark blushed and was a little shocked when Lex placed the palm of his hand on his cheek.� Either Lex's hand was cold, or his cheek was as hot as it felt.� Probably the latter.

"It's okay.� Some of the other students felt trapped by that life, but I never did.� I rebelled, of course, just like everyone else, but unlike the other people I knew, I always understood that one day I would stop, and I would take my place.� I thought that I wouldn't really start to settle down until I was older, but my father finally lost his patience and sent me here.� From the minute I moved into this castle, I knew that this was the time for me to assume my place and begin the process of taking over the company."

Clark was confused.� All this time, Lex wanted to do what his father demanded?� "I don't understand.� It sounds as though you agree with you father.� I've never heard you say anything like that before."

Lex smiled.� "Don't misunderstand me, Clark.� I hate my father, and I disagree with him on just about everything.� But he has what I want- LuthorCorp- and I will do anything to get it."

Lex paused, and Clark knew that they were finally getting to the heart of the matter.

"When my father called me today with his latest demand, my immediate thought was of you and Chloe.� That's why I told him 'no,' because I knew that it would hurt Chloe and in turn hurt you.� I couldn't allow that.� I disregarded what was good for the company because of my feelings for you, Clark, and while my father knows nothing about you, he was able to see that there was something affecting my judgment.�� My father made it clear that he was tired of me disregarding his edicts.� He told me that if I hadn't changed my mind by the time I reached Metropolis, I would be disinherited."

Clark nodded, understanding now what had happened tonight.� "I understand.� You were torn between following your heart, which scares the hell out of you, or doing as your father ordered and pushing me away."� Clark laughed.

Lex looked angry.� "What is so damned funny?"

"Geez Lex, you are such a drama queen."� He couldn't help but giggle at the shocked look on Lex's face.� "You really have to do everything the hardest way possible.� You throw this huge fit, get drunk, try to push me away by having sex with me- which so didn't work- and in the end you could have saved us hours and just told me the truth."

Now Lex was sulking.� "Well, if you know so much, farm boy, why don't you tell me what I should do?"

That stopped Clark's giggles.� "I don't know, Lex.� I really don't know.� But we can figure it out together.� A problem shared is a problem halved."

Lex looked at Clark incredulously, and then burst into laughter that was slightly shrill.� Clark looked confused and waited for Lex regain his breath before asking, "What?"

Lex shook his head and took a deep breath, the laugh trailing off.� "You are sitting here in my office, naked, and you just sounded so much like your father.� It was really funny and extremely creepy."

//Oh, shit, my father.//� Clark looked for a clock.� "What time is it?"�

Lex looked at his watch.� "It's 11:30.� It seemed much later than that."

Clark relaxed a little, but stood, moving back to the couch.� Lex watched him, and Clark could tell by his hurt expression what he was thinking.

"You should go home, Clark.� I'll handle this by myself."� Lex's tone had grown cold and final.

Clark dressed, leaving the white undershirt and his shoes and socks on the couch as Lex stood and refastened his pants.� "No Lex, you won't.� I'm staying.� But I do need to call home and ask my parents if I can stay over, and there's no way I can do that if I'm naked."

Lex looked relieved and pointed to the phone.� "Feel free."

Clark thought about what he would say to his parents to get them to allow him to stay.� He couldn't lie to them, but he would have to bend the truth just a little.� He thought about that, imagining himself talking to his parents with Lex watching him, and he knew he couldn't do it.� He would be way too nervous, and his parents would know something was up.

"Do you have another phone that I could use?"� Lex arched an eyebrow.� "It's just that I may have to lie to them, and I don't think that I could do that with you watching me."�

Lex nodded, amusement coloring his face.� "Use that one.� I will just go and clean up."

Clark walked to the phone and watched as Lex walked out of the room. Lex always walked like he owned the world, and seeing him walk out with his shoulders slumped made Clark's heart ache just a little.� He shook away the pain and dialed his number.

When Lex returned to the office, Clark was just finishing the conversation.� He looked up, nodding at Lex, who took a seat on the couch.

"All right Mom, I promise.� I really should go.� Okay, bye."

"What did you promise your mother, Clark?"

Clark moved to the couch and sat next to Lex.� "Oh, I just have to be back in the morning to help with the chores."

Lex looked surprised.� "Your parents let you stay here?"

Clark felt a stab of guilt.� He really didn't want to tell Lex what he had told his mother.� //Please don't ask, please don't ask.//

"How did you swing that little miracle?"� //Damn.//

Clark looked down at his hands.� "I, uh, told her that you had a fight with your father and that you were really upset.� It wasn't really a lie, I just might have made you seem more suicidal that you really are."

Lex smirked.� "Well done, Clark.� Lying while telling the truth.� I never would have thought you were that skilled."

Clark shrugged, embarrassed and guilty.� "I really hate not telling them the truth, but they wouldn't understand this.� And I can't leave.� This is too important."

Lex turned and touched Clark's chin, making him raise his head and look at him.� "What is this, Clark?� Why do you refuse to leave, even when I've treated you horribly?� What do you want from me?"

Clark had to think about this; so far tonight he had been running on instinct, not really planning what he was doing.� But Lex wanted an answer, and Clark knew he had to give him one.� In order to be honest to Lex, he had to be honest with himself.

"I'm not sure, Lex.� This has been all so confusing, and fast.� I'm still trying to keep up."� Lex opened his mouth and Clark hurried on, wanting to say everything before Lex could ask more questions.� "Wait, let me finish this and then I'll answer any question that you have."� Lex nodded and sat back, his face open and accepting.� Clark was so grateful that for a moment all he could do was grin foolishly.

"You are my best friend, Lex.� I know that you think you're bad for me, and that being friends with you will end up hurting me, but�"� Clark wondered how to say this.� "I know that you've done bad things, Lex.� And you've tried to hurt me.� You're not perfect, none of us are.� And I know there's enough good in you to make being your friend, well, it's enough to make you very important to me."� Clark paused to let Lex absorb what he had said.��

Once the words seemed to have sunk in, Clark continued.� "There is something else, something that I hadn't realized until just recently.� But lately I've been noticing that I don't like you the same way that I like Chloe or Pete.� I think about you all the time.� I mean, at first I thought it was weird, and bad in some way, but my feelings for you, they are right in a way that my crush on Lana never was.� I always thought that I loved her, but it doesn't seem real now.� And, there are thoughts that I have of you that I never had for Lana.� She's so perfect, that the thought of touching her seemed wrong, like I might get her dirty or something."�

Clark was fully blushing now, and he thought that he might die from embarrassment, but he really wanted Lex to understand they way he felt.� Maybe if Lex understood that he wasn't this completely pure, innocent child, he would stop trying to protect him.� "But when I think of touching you, well, uhm, dirty kinda seems like a good thing."� He chanced a look up through his eyelashes.� "The things that I think about, at night, when I'm alone, they�" He intended to finish speaking, tell Lex everything that he had been dreaming about behind closed eyes and closed doors, but his nerve failed him.� He had never spoken so frankly about sex before, and he just didn't have the vocabulary.

Lex smiled, and the lust in his eyes was enough to make Clark realize that he had not come earlier.� His erection had faded with Lex's despair, but Lex was staring at him with more heat in his gaze than all of his blushes combined.�� Clark felt the need to shift to ease the tightness in his pants.

Lex spoke, and his voice was low, husky.� "Do you think about me, Clark, when you touch yourself?"

Clark couldn't quite meet Lex's eyes.� He nodded again and stared at his hands, which were lying folded very obviously in his lap.

"It's okay, Clark.� There's nothing to be embarrassed about.� I think about you too."

Clark moaned as those words sent a jolt to his cock.� He suddenly had a visual of Lex lying in bed, stroking himself, coming as he whispered Clark's name.� He shifted more obviously and tried to look everywhere but at Lex.

Lex smiled, his eyes dropping to Clark's lap.� "Well, I guess that answers the question of whether you're attracted to me or not."�

Clark sneaked a look at Lex and smiled at the pleased expression on his face.� "I am, but I don't think I can talk about that right now.� I have things I need to say, and the way that you're looking at me right now is not making it easy to think."

Lex's smiled suggestively.� "I can help you with that, Clark."� Lex seemed to roll the words off his tongue in a way that implied he would have a very talented mouth.�

"No!"� Lex looked taken aback at Clark's exclamation.� "It's just that there are things you should know, before�well, before anything happens."

"Continue then."

Clark opened his mouth, and then shut it abruptly.� How could he say this and not make Lex freak.� He wasn't sure, but he figured that the best way would be to just come out and say it.

"I just want to say that I never really wanted to lie to you, Lex.� There have been a million times that you've looked at me, and I would know that you knew I was lying, and I really wanted to tell you, cause I think that you thought the reason I never told you was because I didn't trust you.� Well, I do trust you, Lex, with my life.� The reason I was scared to tell you is that this secret, it's really huge, and I've never told anyone.�� I mean, my parents know, but no one else.� And I'm a little afraid of what you might think about me.� That's why I wanted to tell you, before, you know, we did anything."� Clark blushed.� "Well, anything else.� I wanted to give you time to change your mind."

Lex slid across the couch so that he was touching Clark, and placed his hand on Clark's back, the other sliding up to cup his face.� "Listen to me, Clark.� You never have to fear that with me.� There is nothing that you could ever be that would make me change my mind about anything.� If you can forgive my many faults, then I can look past whatever you have to tell me."

Clark felt as thought his face might crack with the huge smile that he couldn't suppress.� The hand on his face traced over his lips lightly, and then dropped to his thigh.� Clark tried really hard to ignore it, but Lex's thumb was drawing small circles over his jeans, and it made him so hot that he began to worry about spontaneous combustion.� He concentrated on the conversation and what Lex had just said.

"Better be careful, Lex."� His voice was teasing and light.� "You haven't heard what it is yet."

"Does it have to do with the meteors?"� Clark nodded.� "I figured that much.� So what, you're a mutant?� Is that why you're so strong?"

Clark took a deep breath.� "Not really.� The day of the meteors�They followed me, from wherever it is that I came from."

Lex looked confused.� "I'm not really following, Clark."

"I am an�uhm�an alien."� He looked at Lex's shocked expression and continued on, talking quickly, hoping to get it all out before Lex kicked him out, or turned him over to the X-Files or something.� "My parents found me on the day of the meteors.� My spaceship is in the storm cellar.� I'm not just really strong.� I can do other stuff too."� He risked a glance at Lex, and was happy to see there� amazement.� No fear, no disgust, just excitement.

"Really?� You're an alien?� What happened to the little green men idea?"

Clark laughed.� "Too clich�d."

Lex joined in.� "Well, I have to say I'm happy with their choice.� Tall, sexy farm boy is much better.� So, am I supposed to take you to my leader?"

Clark liked the witty banter.� It made him feel so much better about the entire situation.� Even since he had found out the truth, there had been this weight pressing on him.� Laughing with Lex made that weight seem more bearable.� "Nope, we don't want to have anything to do with him.� We're just after sexy, young businessmen, and amazingly, you are at the top of my list."

"Really?"� Lex purred the word, and Clark felt the temperature in the room rise.� This was really going so much better than he had ever thought.� Lex's hands were still on him, and he was really having trouble focusing.� Lex seemed to sense his problem and reminded him of the topic of conversation.

"So, what can you do, Clark?"

"Oh, right.� Well, I'm really strong.� I'm not sure how strong, since there really isn't any way to measure it."

"What's the heaviest thing that you have ever lifted?"

Clark grinned.� "Well, I can lift the tractor with one hand."� Lex looked suitably impressed.� "And I can run really fast.� Faster than a bullet.� And I'm invulnerable.� Nothing can cut me, or hurt me."

Lex's eyes darkened.� "So I really did hit you with the Porsche."� Clark nodded.� "But what about at the hospital? I saw you, the cut on your forehead.� I had it all figured out until then, but seeing you hurt�"

"I had lost my powers.� Somehow they transferred to the guy who hurt me."� The guilt seeped through him.� "I'm so sorry, Lex.� You were right about me when you asked about the day on the bridge.� And I was so rude to you.� I am so sorry."

Lex's hand slid up his back to cup the back of his neck.� "It's all right, Clark.� I understand that you had something you needed to hide.� It's all in the past now, and we can just move on from here.� Okay?"

Clark nodded, relieved to be free of the guilt that had haunted his every conversation with Lex.� "There are a few more things."

"More?"

"Yup.� I have X-ray vision, and sometimes, I wake up floating.� I think that maybe, once I get everything figured out, I might be able to fly."

"Fly."� Lex looked dazzled.� "That's always been my dream.� You know, I flew, before you revived me."

Clark nodded.� "You told me when I brought back the truck."

"Right.� So is that it?� Are those all your super alien powers?"� Clark nodded.� "Well, all in all, it's not too surprising.� A lot of this I'd already figured out, I just needed to have the details filled in."

"So you're not freaked?"

Lex smiled.� "No, not freaked.� And Clark-"

"Yes?"

"I haven't changed my mind about anything."

Clark blushed.� "So, what do you want�?"

Lex shook his head.� "No Clark.� I already took what I wanted.� This is about you.� What do you want?"

"Uhm, well, I liked what we did before.� But, I didn't like�The way you were before, so cold and angry.� I never want to feel like that again.� I did it because I knew that you needed it to be like that, but never again, Lex."�

Lex nodded.�� "Your first time should never have been like that.� I'm sorry, and I'd like to make it up to you."

"I want that too, Lex.� I�I want you to�make love to me, please."

Lex smiled.� "It would be my pleasure."� He stood and reached down, offering his hand to Clark.� "Come on, let's go upstairs."

***

Lex led the way up the stairs and into the master bedroom.� He held the door open for Clark and waited as he walked through, closing and locking it behind them.� He watched as Clark walked into the room, eyeing the large bed in the center of the room.� Clark turned, and Lex could see that he was nervous.� His fists were clenching repeatedly, and he had his gaze locked on the ground.� Gone was the self-assured man who had stripped for him in the study, replaced by Clark, looking unbelievably sweet and unsure.� Lex walked to him, stopping just before their bodies were touching, and grasped both of his hands, forcing the fists to open.� He placed a light kiss on each hand and was rewarded when Clark finally looked at him, a bright smile warming his face.

Lex dropped Clark's hands and placed his on either side of the boy's face.� "God, Clark.� You are so beautiful when you smile at me like that."� Clark blushed but kept smiling, and Lex felt so happy that this beautiful boy was in his life.

"Nervous?"�

"A little.� I�I'm afraid of hurting you, Lex.� I'm so strong, and I never�I mean, when I'm by myself, I've broken stuff."� Clark looked horrified, and Lex placed a light kiss on his mouth, just a brush of lips to calm him.

"I understand, Clark.� Your hands clench when you come, right?"� Clark nodded.� "Has this happened recently?"

"No, not really.� A lot when I was younger, but not so much now."

Lex smiled while wondering how Clark had explained those things to his parents.� "That's good news, Clark.� It means that you don't lose control completely, and that the more you experience sex, the better you control your strength."

That didn't seem to make Clark feel any better.� "But I've never done this, any of the things that I think we are going to do, and if I can't control myself, then I could really hurt you and that would kill me and-"

"Clark."� Lex's tone broke through Clark's panicked rambling.� "Calm down.� This is not that much of a problem."� Clark opened his mouth to interject, and Lex silenced him with a finger.� "Let me speak.� First of all, I'm not afraid of you, Clark.� I know that you would never intentionally hurt me, and I know that your control is much better than you think.� The easiest solution is that when you feel yourself close to coming, don't touch me.� Grab anything, the bed, yourself.� If you aren't touching me, then you can't hurt me."

Clark was nodding, and his panic seemed to be fading.� "But what if I break something?"

"I don't care.� Break it all; bring the entire castle down around us.� As long as neither of us get hurt, then I'm happy."� Lex smiled, and Clark returned it, the concern wiped from his face.

Lex watched his full lips curving and was entranced.� He used his thumb to brush them lightly, marveling at their softness.� Clark inhaled sharply at Lex's touch, and his eyes grew dark- focused tightly on him.� The air in the room seemed to grow thick, and both men were breathing heavily.� Lex wanted nothing more than to taste those lips, so he rose up on his toes and kissed Clark.� The boy pulled Lex close, arms tightening almost painfully around his back, pressing their bodies together from head to knees.� Lex tasted Clark's lips, feeling Clark respond to the kiss and grow more sure and confident with each passing moment.� Lex wove his hands through dark curls and deepened the kiss, nibbling at Clark's bottom lip until the boy granted him access.� He slid his tongue slowly into his mouth, tasting every nook and cranny as Clark's tongue moved hesitantly to meet him.� Their tongues danced and played, and Clark gave a little moan when Lex sucked his tongue into his mouth.�

Lex broke off the kiss only when breathing became more important than the amazing feeling of Clark's mouth, and he stepped back, sitting on the bed.� Clark stood before him, looking uncertain until Lex spoke.

His voice was thick with need, and Lex couldn't help but be amazed at how much Clark was affecting him.� "Clark, I want to see you.� Undress for me."� He softened his voice so that it seemed more a question than a demand, but Clark still arched his eyebrows.� "Please."

Clark smiled shyly and began unbuttoning the red flannel shirt, his fingers moving slowly, more due to their trembling rather than any attempt at seduction.� Lex supposed that he should offer a hand, but he merely sat and watched, the teasing slowness pleasing him more than relieving Clark could have.� Bit by bit, the muscular, tanned chest was revealed, and Lex stared, unable to draw his eyes away.� Farm work had done Clark more good than Lex had expected, although Lex was beginning to wonder if Clark was born- created, whatever- to look like this.� Lex thought that maybe Clark was really sent here to take over the world, one horny person at a time, and Lex had to bite his lip to restrain the chuckle.

Lex shook off his thoughts of world domination through orgasm and focused on Clark as he pulled the shirt off and started unbuttoning his jeans.� He pulled them down over impossibly long legs, and then the boxers followed, proving that all of Clark's body was larger than normal.� Clark stood there, and Lex could see that he was uncomfortable, his hands searching for somewhere to land before settling as his sides, fists tightening.�

"Do you not know how beautiful you are?"

Clark shook his head at the compliment.

Lex stood and moved to him, trailing fingertips over Clark's stomach, causing little shivers that tightened the washboard abs.

"You are absolutely gorgeous."� His fingers continued running lightly over Clark's chest, and Lex could easily see the favorable effect that it was having on him.�

"Lex," the sound was breathy and low.� Lex could easily have listened to it forever.� "I want to see you.� Please."

Lex nodded, clutching at the bottom of his own shirt before Clark stopped him with a touch.� "Let me."

Lex held his arms out to the side, and Clark trailed his hands over them.� His touch continued over Lex's shoulders, along his collarbone and then down over the tight black shirt.� The heavy caress rubbed the silky fabric against Lex's skin, and when Clark slid his hands over Lex's nipples, the feel of the cool smoothness of the shirt against sensitive skin sent a jolt of pleasure to Lex's cock.�

He repressed the urge to just throw himself at the boy, instead standing still as Clark slowly found the bottom of his shirt and lifted, pulling it over Lex's head.� Clark's breath caught as he saw Lex's bare chest, the expanse of skin, every inch bare.� Once again the boy's fingers danced over Lex's chest, skimming lightly over ribs, the taut muscles of Lex's stomach, the dips at Lex's waist that led underneath the black leather pants.

The fingers ghosted under the hem of the pants briefly before slipping down over his hips and around, cupping his ass roughly and pulling him against Clark.� Both men groaned as their cocks brushed along the tight, smooth leather.� Clark's head lowered to suckle at the point where Lex's shoulder met his neck, and Clark's hips continued moving slowly against Lex.

"Mmm, leather."� Clark's words were muffled against Lex's skin, and Lex clutched at the curly black hair, pulling Clark's mouth to his.� The intensity of Clark's thrusts increased, and Lex could feel himself pressing painfully against the zipper of the leather.

"Clark, wait.� I need my pants off.� Now."� Clark nodded and fumbled with the top button, and Lex threaded their fingers together to help.� Once they had tackled the button, Lex removed his hands and let Clark lower the zipper.� He felt more than heard Clark gasp as Lex's cock almost leapt into his hand.

"No underwear."� There was a shocked tone to Clark's voice that made Lex sure Clark had never considered the importance or pleasure of going commando.� Clark caressed the shaft lightly, grinning as Lex arched into his hand.� He then knelt to remove Lex's boots, socks, and finally, the leather pants.� Once all of Lex's clothing was removed, Clark remained on his knees, gaze locked on the proud cock jutting out.� Lex looked down, just the sight of Clark on his knees before him causing his knees to weaken slightly.��� He stroked Clark's silky hair as the boy considered the sight before him.

"No hair anywhere?"� Lex had heard that phrase before, but never spoken with this amount of wonder and amazement.� Usually the words were filled with anything from distaste to horror, but Clark seemed oddly pleased.

Lex chuckled, but the sound was quickly choked off as Clark grasped his cock in a large, strong hand and began to stroke.

Lex moaned as Clark steadily jacked him.� "God, Lex, you feel so good."

Lex watched Clark stroke him and moaned as Clark's tongue emerged to lick full lips.� "Cock sucker mouth."� Lex murmured to himself, but Clark heard, his eyes fixing on Lex's.�

There was a hint of tease in his voice when he spoke.� "Is that what you want, Lex?� Do you want me to�suck your cock?"

God, those words coming from that sweet, virginal boy's mouth were almost enough to make Lex come.� "Not what I want.� Do�oh God�do what you want, anything."

Clark smirked- actually smirked- and leaned forward, his tongue sliding out to flick lightly against the head.� Lex jerked, his hips moving on their own, and Clark placed a hand on Lex's thigh, holding him still.� He then wrapped the other hand around the base and encircled the head with his lips, his tongue moving back and forth over the slit.� Lex moaned, the feeling of Clark's lightly rough tongue almost painful on the sensitive tip.� Clark didn't really know what he was doing, but it was enough, the wet heat and suction of his mouth more than compensating for his lack of technique.� Clark took more of him in, sucking strongly and running his tongue over the underneath.�

"Ohh, good, Clark, so good."

Lex felt his entire body humming, bright shocks of pleasure shooting from his cock to the rest of his body.� Clark was licking him like he was an ice cream cone, those marvelous lips tightening and releasing.� The tension was building steadily, but Lex knew he needed something more.� He was about to ask, but Clark seemed to read his mind, taking his hand off Lex's shaft and taking Lex deeper into his mouth, while he slid his hand between Lex's legs and cupped the heavy sac.� Lex's lack of hair had always made that spot particularly tender, and the feel of Clark rolling the balls between his soft fingers brought Lex to the edge.�

Lex wrapped his hands in Clark's hair, trying to warn him, but when a nail gently flicked against the small section of skin just behind his balls, Lex came, his eyes rolling back behind tightly closed lids.� Once the tremors had stopped, Lex opened his eyes and looked down at Clark still kneeling before him.� Clark had done his best to swallow, but at the last minute he'd choked, sending small trails of come down the sides of his mouth.� Lex pulled on his shoulders, and Clark stood.� Lex leaned forward and kissed him, his tongue darting out to taste his own bitter tang, mixed with the flavor of Clark's mouth.

They embraced for seconds-hours-days before Lex felt his mind regroup and his knees return to something closer to bone than over-cooked pasta. �He stood back and looked at Clark.� The boy was wearing a rather goofy grin, and seemed to be very pleased with himself.� Lex couldn't help teasing him just a little.� Lex worked hard to clear the grin off his face and replace it with a frown.� He sighed sadly and shook his head. "Well, Clark, the good news is that you will get better with practice."

To his surprise, Clark didn't take the bait.� "Shut up, Lex.� I know you enjoyed that."

Lex laughed.� "You used to be more gullible.� What happened?"

"I fell in love with a man who could write a book on the use of teasing in everyday conversation."� Lex tried not to stiffen as the l-word left Clark's lips, but he did, and Clark noticed, warily watching Lex's reaction.

"Clark-"

"No, Lex.� I don't want to discuss this now, not again.� I wanted to say it, have for a long time, but let's just save the discussion for later, 'kay?"

Lex nodded.� "Well then, I think that I need to sit down and find something to occupy myself."� He dropped his voice suggestively.� "Do you have any ideas about what we could do to fill the time?"

Clark smiled and walked them both to the bed, then lay on his back so that his long body was spread out on display.� Lex joined him, lying on his side so that he was facing Clark.� He placed his free hand on Clark's stomach, his fingers trailing over well-muscled skin.� Clark giggled as Lex stroked his ribs and Lex noted that ticklish spot for the future before moving on, caressing every inch of Clark's chest.� He could tell by Clark's increasingly heavy breathing that the contact was affecting him, but Lex kept his touch light and teasing.� Clark moaned a little as Lex's fingers found his nipples, running the back of his nails over one, than the other.� He leaned down to whisper into Clark's ear.

"Tell me, Clark.� What are the things that you've imagined us doing?"� Clark shook his head.� "Tell me and I'll do it, anything you want."�� Lex could see that Clark was torn between his fear of talking dirty and his need for Lex to fulfill his every wish.� Lex just waited, his fingers teasing Clark mercilessly, and finally Clark closed his eyes.�

"I think about kissing you, and I always wondered if it would be different cause you're a guy.� Then I think about you kissing me and touching me everywhere."

"Like this, Clark?"� Lex rose up on his hands and knees and straddled Clark, his mouth starting at Clark's neck and slowly moving downward.� Every few inches Lex would alternate: a wet open-mouthed kiss, a long slide of his tongue, a quick but sharp bite.� Lex was thorough, and soon every inch of Clark's chest was covered.� Lex continued working his way downward, pausing to plunge his tongue into Clark's belly button- earning him a sharp gasp- before purposefully avoiding Clark's cock to lick each of Clark's hips, his tongue following the deep grooves and then moving to Clark's legs, spreading them so he could trail nibbling bites along his inner thighs.� Clark was whimpering now, his eyes open and dark, his head raised to follow Lex's journey down his body.� Occasionally Lex would bite down hard, sucking the skin in and worrying it between sharp incisors, and Clark would hiss, head falling back to hit the pillow.� Lex was at first worried about causing too much pain, but Clark's repeated gasps of more, harder and good alleviated his concern about being too rough.

Lex worked his way down one leg, then another, reaching his toes, sucking one after another into his mouth.� Clark was panting , and his cock was almost purple and looked painfully hard.� Lex had considered working his way back up just as slowly, but considering that Clark had yet to come tonight, Lex decided to be kind.� He moved quickly up Clark's body, resting his weight on him and moving his mouth to Clark's ear, sucking the lobe in briefly before whispering, "Now what?"

Clark swallowed heavily, his body shuddering, and tried to speak.� "God, Lex.� Can't think�" Clark was staring at him, his eyes heavy-lidded, his mouth swollen from biting on it, and Lex kissed him briefly.�

"Close your eyes, Clark."� The boy obeyed him, his breath catching at the sound of Lex's voice.� "What do you see?� What do you need?"

"I�" Clark moaned.� "God, I see you inside of me."� Clark opened his eyes.� "I want you inside me, Lex.� But� I want to see your face."

Lex's cock jumped at the command, but he was hesitant.� "Clark, are you sure?� After earlier, it might hurt more."

Clark shook his head roughly.� "Alien, remember� I need it�Please!"

Lex kissed him, his entire body tingling with the plaintive and aroused tone in Clark's voice.� "Anything for you, Clark.� I will do anything."� Clark moaned as Lex sat up, one arm reaching for the bedside drawer and the other grabbing a pillow from behind Clark.� He handed the pillow to Clark but kept the condom and the lube.� "Put this under your hips."

Clark did as he was told, the new position pushing his hips in the air, his cock jutting out and his legs falling open.� Lex paused for a moment, savoring the sight of Clark ready for him.� "You look so good like this, ready for me."

Clark moaned.� "Hurry, Lex, please!"

Lex moved so that he was between Clark's legs as he considered the best way to do it.� Ordinarily, he would work the man open with his tongue. �He found that rimming was the best way to prepare someone for his cock, especially a virgin, but he could see that Clark was too close to coming.� Lex wanted him to come while they were fucking, not before, so he quickly lifted Clark's legs so that they were thrown over his shoulders and opened the condom, placing it on his cock.� He opened the bottle of lube, spreading it over the condom and his fingers.� He looked at Clark whose head was thrown back against the bed, breathing jagged, and he placed a finger against Clark's entrance.� Just the light touch made Clark jerk, a gasp caught in his throat, and Lex hesitated.� Clark opened his eyes when nothing happened and fixed Lex with a stare that was almost inhuman in its need.�

"Lex, please�"

"Clark, I don't want to hurt you-"

"Do it!� Now!"� Clark growled, his demand very clear as his legs tightened around Lex's neck.� Lex gave up his objections and slid one finger inside Clark.� True enough, Clark was ready, tight, but easily accommodating the finger.� Lex withdrew, ignoring Clark's whine of refusal, and replaced the finger with two.� Clark whimpered, the sound full of pleasure, and Lex twisted the fingers, easily finding his prostate.� He pressed the bump lightly, and Clark screamed his name, hips bucking wildly.� Lex held on with his free hands and continued twisting his fingers, scissoring them to open Clark further.� Sensing that Clark was close, he slid his fingers out, positioning himself so that his cock was pressing against Clark's opening.�� He pressed Clark's legs back with his body, lowering himself so that he was in reach of Clark's mouth.�

"Clark, open your eyes.� I�I want to see you."� Clark opened his eyes, and Lex felt consumed by the faint line of blue around the large pupil.

"Ready?"�

Clark nodded, speech apparently beyond his capabilities, and Lex pressed forward, his cock slowly sliding into Clark.� Clark hissed at the first breech but exhaled slowly, and Lex felt his body relax and open up.� He pressed forward, entering Clark inch by inch.�

"Harder, Lex, faster."� Lex disregarded his worry about hurting Clark and did as he asked, quickly thrusting so that Clark's body surrounded his entire length.

"God, Clark, you feel so good."� Clark just murmured something unintelligible, and Lex withdrew, and then reversed, thrusting into Clark hard.� The boy just absorbed the thrust, making some sound that was low in his chest, and Lex found a rhythm, his thrusts long and fast.� They were both moaning now, and Lex paused to pull Clark into a kiss, savoring the feel of Clark's tongue fucking his mouth to the same rhythm as Lex's cock sliding into him.� Days-hours-minutes passed, and all that Lex could concentrate on were his steady thrusts, the sound of his skin slapping against Clark, and the feeling of Clark's tightness grasping his shaft.�

Lex looked at Clark beneath him, searching for a sign at how close he was to orgasm.� The boy looked overcome; his eyes had fallen closed, and mouth was open and raw, every inch of his body tight with tension.� He checked Clark's hands and was relieved to see them tangled up in the sheets by his shoulders.� Lex removed one of his own hands from the bed where he was bracing himself and let Clark's strong legs support his weight.� He then wrapped his hand around Clark's cock and began stroking it to roughly the same pace as his thrusts.���

Clark lasted just three strokes before coming with a cry that Lex was sure would bring the walls down around them.� He heard the ripping of silk and looked down to see Clark hands curved into claws that were ripping through the mattress like it was made of butter.� Lex felt warm slippery heat on his stomach before the feeling of Clark's body trembling and clenching around him brought him over the edge, and he came with a grunt and one last thrust.� He remained inside Clark, trembling and gasping, idly wondering if the French were right that orgasm was death, until the strength in his body gave out and he collapsed, Clark's legs easily receiving the weight of his body.

Both boys lay still for a moment, tremors passing though their bodies, each gasping for air.� Lex finally gathered enough of his wits to pull out of Clark, remove the condom and then crawl up Clark's body.� He wrapped the boy in his arms and collapsed again, his head pressed into Clark's shoulder.� They remained that way, hands moving without direction, until their bodies calmed and their breathing returned to normal.

"Lex," Clark sighed.� He lifted his hands from the ruins of the bed to cup Lex's head, the fingers dancing over his skin and brought their mouths together in a kiss that was sweet and gentle.

Once the kiss was over, Lex swallowed and found his voice.� "Was that what you wanted?"

Clark laughed, the joyful sound caressing Lex's ears.� "God, so much more.� It was better than anything I could ever have imagined or wished for."� Clark looked serious.� "Thank you, Lex.� For trusting yourself enough to be with me."

"Clark.� I really don't deserve you, but since you're so determined, I'm yours."

"Mine."� Clark grinned his quadrillion-dollar smile, and Lex smiled back, his heart lighter than it had ever been.� He settled back down, relaxing on top of Clark, and just breathed, memorizing the moment.

They lay in each other's arms, resting lightly, but without his permission Lex's mind turned towards the problems that had started earlier that night and were still unresolved.� He could sense Clark turning serious beneath him as well, and he slid to Clark's side.� Lex propped his head in his hand, regarding the boy who in one night had both damned and saved him.�

"Lex, what are you�we going to do?"� Clark was nibbling worriedly on his bottom lip, and that reawakened Lex's body.� He ignored it and returned his mind to the dilemma that faced them.

"I really don't know, Clark."� He sighed and slid his fingers into Clark's soft curls, hoping to find comfort there.

"Have you decided what to tell your father?"

"I have only one choice.� I have to tell him that no, I won't fire Gabe Sullivan."

Clark nodded, looking heartbroken.� "No, Clark.� Don't look like that, like you think this is all your fault.� Please�"

Clark's lip trembled.� "I can't help it, Lex.� Your life would be so much simpler if I weren't in it."

Lex caressed the boy's cheek.� "Simpler yes, but empty and horrible.� I've made my decision, Clark, and for better or for worse, you are in my life, and I won't allow anything to change that.� I need you, Clark."� It was the closest he could come to saying that he loved Clark, and he wished he could just say the words.� In the end, however, he was still so afraid.� Afraid of hurting Clark, of hurting himself, afraid of finally letting go of all the barriers that he'd worked so long to build.

Clark seemed to understand and accept Lex's declaration of need as opposed to love.� His face cleared, and he looked happier, but still worried.�

"So, you are going to tell him 'no'?� Will he really disown you?"

Lex sighed.� "Maybe, I don't know.� I was planning on confronting him at some point, but that time is still years away.� I don't have enough money and power accumulated now to try to overthrow him.� At this point, there are two options.� One, I manage to convince him not to disinherit me.� I think that it will be possible, but his trust in me will erode to the point that he'll constantly be looking over my shoulder, which will push back my plans several years and-"

"And what, Lex?"

"That will probably put you in serious danger, Clark.� My father is ruthless and very skilled at discovering every aspect of my life.� He will find out about you, Clark, and I'm not sure that I can protect you and your family from him."

That statement caused a bolt of pure fear to be clearly revealed on Clark's face.� Lex continued caressing Clark's face, hoping to calm him.

"Or, two, I just walk away.� I disinherit myself, and leave the Luthor life behind."� He couldn't control the sadness that crept into his voice at the thought of walking away from everything that he had ever known.

Clark's voice was really small.� "Can you do that, Lex?"

"I don't know, Clark."� Both men were silent as they pondered their future.

Lex asked himself what he wanted, not yesterday, not when he was a child, but what he wanted right now.� The answer was obvious, considering who was lying in his arms.� He wanted Clark, more than his important destiny, more than his father's approval, more than all his money and power.� But could he have Clark?� There was so much more to this relationship than just the desires of the two participants.� Clark was still in high school, still under the age of consent, still the son of a man that didn't and probably would never trust a Luthor.� He could quite possibly throw his future away, only to find that circumstances would still intervene to keep him and Clark apart.� So the real question to be answered was if he was willing to throw his life away for Clark if he had no guarantees that there would be a happy ending.

He looked down at Clark, whose big eyes looked up at him, love and concern shining from every pore.� And Lex knew this answer, too.� He would give up everything for Clark, even if it all ended tomorrow.� Once Lex had realized the depth of his feelings for Clark, he felt a calm settle over him.� He was no longer afraid- of his father, of his destiny, of love.� It all seemed so simple.

Clark seemed to see the decision on his face because the relief was clearly visible.� Lex kissed him and felt alive for the first time in years.� It would not be easy, working this out with Clark and his own father, not to mention Jonathan Kent, but Lex now knew his heart, and it would make decisions like this one easier.� He broke off the kiss and looked at the man he loved.

"I can give it all up, Clark, if I can have you."

Clark beamed at him.� "You have me, Lex.� I'm yours."

Lex returned the smile, his future rewriting itself in front of his eyes.� He couldn't remember ever feeling so happy.� He wrapped his arms tightly around Clark and held on, settling his head over Clark's heart.� "Mine."

�

The End