Imprisoned By Ivy

The trip to Gotham took hours. Somewhere along the way, I passed out. When I came to, I recognized parts of the city from when I stayed with Bruce Wayne. We almost seemed to head straight for Bruce's estate when we veered to the left and took a lonely road.

Surrounded by a canopy of trees, the day became very dark. Finally, we reached a set of high double doors. I noted a bronze plaque on the wrought iron gate. It said we were at "Robinson Park."

My Mother lowered her window and yelled into an intercom, "Pam, it's me."

Instantly, the doors opened. My mother rolled the window up again and we entered the park. As we drove up the narrow driveway, she noticed I was awake. Smiling, she said, "Isn't it lovely here, Clark? My friend, Pamela, is the Guardian of this park. She started working here when we were in college. At the time, this park was run down. Everything you see is the result of her hard work and talent. Yes, she takes such good care of it."

I was too weak to speak, so I just whimpered in protest.

In response, she frowned. Sadly, she sighed, "Well, I guess a mother is never appreciated for the sacrifices she must make. I've had to do all this on my own. Your father was no help. He didn't want to send you away. He couldn't bear the thought. I guess I had to make the hard decisions again."

We pulled up beside a small building overgrown with vines. My mother lowered the window when she saw her friend - a beautiful woman standing at the curb with flaming red hair. She looked far too young to have gone to college with my mother, but she obviously knew my mother very well. Smiling widely, she stepped forward once we parked. She placed her hands on the driver side door and said, "Welcome to Robinson Park. Martha, I'm so glad you could finally visit me."

My Mother reached out to touch her friend's hand, but the hand was pulled away. My Mother frowned as she apologized, "I'm sorry, Pam. I forgot."

Hugging herself, Pam replied, "It's okay, Martha. I almost forget sometimes, too."

Looking at me, Pamela smiled curiously and asked, "Is that little Clark?"

Nodding, my Mother beamed with pride as she answered, "Yes, but he's not so little anymore."

"Yes well, everything grows up, grows older, doesn't it?" she whispered sadly.

Attempting to change the subject, My Mother said, "Where are my manners? I haven't properly introduced you two. Pamela, this is my son, Clark Kent. Clark, this is my old, dear friend, Pamela Isley."

I grunted, in response.

Pam looked at me closely and asked, "Does he need to be exposed to this radiation at all times?"

"Yes, or you won't be able to handle him. Trust me, he's stronger than he looks."

"Interesting."

Suddenly, she clapped her hands. All around us, vines and trees seemed to come alive. I watched in horror as thin vines opened the passenger side door, followed by thick tendrils that wrapped around me and pulled me from the car.

Then, the vegetation paused. It held me just outside the car. I could feel some of my strength returning, but the Kryptonite was still close enough to sap a large amount of my power. Pamela sauntered over to where I was hanging. She glanced at me for a moment before reaching into the truck and retrieving the Kryptonite.

Slipping the rock into her pocket, she affectionately patted and petted the many branches, vines and leaves reaching out for her touch. Her face filled with love as she hugged an especially thick vine. Finally, she purred, "Come, my children. Bring our visitor. Carry him gently, my children. He is precious cargo."

Heading for the building, Pam and my mother walked side by side while I was carried closely behind. Inside the building, I looked around at all the holes in the walls where vegetation had managed to invade the structure. Soon, Pam and my mother stopped at an open doorway. Quickly, I was carried within. Deposited on the far side of the room, the greenery swiftly crept away, closing the door behind it. A small latch opened next to the door. With dread, I watched as Pam placed the Kryptonite on the ledge of the little window and then closed the small door.

On the far side of the room, I felt some more of the weakness leave me. Slowly, my super senses returned, not to full strength, but enough so that I could use them. Looking through the door, I saw my mother and Pam huddled together, talking about something. Straining, I engaged my super hearing as well.

"You needn't thank me, Martha. When you told me that LuthorCorp was involved, I was more than willing to assist you. When I stop to think about all the habitats, all the beautiful plants that have been destroyed by LuthorCorp's greed, I could just scream."

"Pam, you're a Godsend. Now, I need to get back to Smallville."

"Yes. You do need to leave. The toxins in the area will start to affect you soon. I wouldn't want that."

"I know. Perhaps, I will see you again someday."

"Perhaps."

I watched my mother take a step forward, looking like she desperately wanted to hug the woman in front of her. I also saw Pam step back, sadness in her face as she retreated from my Mother's touch. Finally, my mother stopped, her arms coming to hang at her sides. Taking a few steps back, she whispered, "Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

I watched her leave. I didn't know if I felt more afraid of her leaving or of her staying. All I knew was that I didn't know this woman named Pam or what she planned to do with me. Luckily, I didn't need to wonder for too long as she entered the room. She approached me slowly as she observed, "Your skin has more color in it. I'm guessing this rock has a limited range. Of course, you still seem very weak so it must be working a little."

Breathlessly, I asked, "How long do I have to stay here?"

"Well, that's up to you, Clark. You'll go home once I'm satisfied that you're free of the bad influences that my dear Martha told me about."

"Miss Isley, I don't know if my mother told you everything. I'm not stuck in a bad crowd. There's nothing wrong with me. I'm just gay and she doesn't like it."

Panicked, I begged, "You have to help me. You have to get me out of here."

She knelt beside me and placed her fingers at my lips. Instantly, a sour taste flooded my mouth. She answered the question in my eyes, "Yes, it's poison you're tasting, but it's no trick, Clark."

Standing up, she clapped her hands and vines slithered into the room. Once again, I found myself suspended in mid-air by the strong plants. Turning her back on me, she headed for the door. She stopped long enough to retrieve the Kryptonite before leading the way out of the building.

In the park, I was passed from tree to tree, vine to vine as we made our way to a far part of the grounds. After walking for several minutes, she came to a stop in front of an old tree. As she extended her arms, the old tree strained down to meet her. The tips of its branches touched her palms before being flung back to their original positions.

Turning back to me, Pam had tears in her eyes. She shooed the vines away from me as she took my hand. She handed the Kryptonite to a nearby vine before she gently tugged on my hand. Slowly, we walked to the tree. She lovingly massaged the cracked trunk as she explained, "Do you see this tree, Clark? It is the first. From her, all the plants surrounding you were sprung, in one way or another. She is very weak now. I fear she is dying, but she made all this possible and it will live long after she is dead. Now, do you begin to understand?"

I shook my head.

She took a deep breath before she continued, "All women are like this tree, Clark. We long to bear fruit and see it grow and bear fruit of its own. Not all women are as fortunate as others though. Some women, like your mother and me, are denied this pleasure. We grow older knowing nothing will spring from us, but then, your mother found you. Even though you're not of her flesh, she loves you like you are. Do you know she gave up everything to have you and how do you repay her? By taking on this lifestyle that will inevitably leave her just as barren as she was before. There will be no grandchildren bouncing on her knee. She will never have what this tree has - the long lines of her progeny surrounding her at the end."

Slowly, I came to understand the why behind what my mother did. Taking a step back, I said, "I didn't ask to be gay, Miss Isley. It has cost me things, I didn't know I had the strength to part with, but it's not something I can change."

Shaking her head, Pam silenced me with an intense look, "Foolish boy. Do you want to know what can't be changed? The memory of unborn children. That's what can't be changed. Martha had two miscarriages before you came into her life. That loss of life cannot be changed, but you can give your mother what she wants and what she wants is not too much to ask after a life of service."

Looking at the fury in her eyes, I tried to take another step back, but a wall of vegetation stopped me. Stuttering, I said, "Miss Isley..."

Once again, she placed her fingers to my lips. As I felt vines wrap around me again, she cooed, "Call me, Ivy."

 

Gotham Weirdness

The limo pulled in the gate at Wayne Manor. As soon as it stopped, I jumped out before the driver got to the door. Alfred was opening the door as I reached it.

"Master Bruce is in the library, Master Lex."

I nodded and hurried past him. Bruce was sitting at his desk and he glanced up then turned back to the screen.

"Bruce do you know anything yet?"

"Martha Kent knows two people in Gotham. Either might help her. You can narrow it down for me by telling me whatever it is that you wouldn't tell me on the phone."

"I'm trusting you with this because I have no choice, it should be Clark's decision to tell you these things. Bruce, you know he's faster, stronger than humans. What you don't know it that he's not human. His ship came down with the meteors that have caused the mutations in Smallville."

"Lex, you're telling me he's extraterrestrial?"

"Yes. He doesn't remember anything; he was a very small child then. The Kents found him and raised him. They know his only weakness."

"You think that's being used against him?"

"Yes. We've been getting along fine. Other than seeing me, he's been doing the things any parent would want their child to do. He was going to have dinner with me and he never appeared."

"Could he be angry?"

"No." Lex's voice was cold as he glared at Bruce.

"Easy, Lex. I just needed to ask. Things haven't always gone smooth with you two. What is this weakness?"

"The meteors, the green ones, cause him to be weak, sick. He thinks they could kill him if he was exposed for long periods of time. She must have used one to be able to bring him here."

"Lex, that certainly narrows it down. He's probably within a few miles of here. At Robinson Park. Pamela Isley maintains it."

"Let's go and get him."

"That might be a little difficult. We have our own brand of mutants in Gotham. Pamela Isley is one of them. I suspect, but have been unable to prove, that she is involved in practices that the EPA would frown on. We'll need to move carefully."

The look in his eyes told me that he was concerned. I circled the desk and looked at the computer screen. The picture of the gate for Robinson Park was on the screen. Without even trying, I could spot the high quality steel, the razor wire on top of the walls, and a vine that shouldn't even be in Gotham much less thriving.

"What is this woman like?"

"For one she hates both of us. She thinks our companies are destroying the environment. If she had her way, we'd be strung up in the middle of town, flayed and then burned, or maybe just ground up as fertilizer for her plants."

"I guess knocking on the door and asking for my boyfriend back won't work."

"I highly doubt it. Tell me if we can get the rock away from him, how quickly will his strength return?"

"We haven't experimented. He told me that the times he's been exposed he was better as soon as it was several feet from him. I can't imagine what Martha is thinking to deliberately hurt him this way. I didn't expect her to go this far."

"Are you sure Mrs. Kent hasn't been effected by the meteors?"

"I don't know what to think. Bruce, he said he wanted us to have a normal life. Do you see that happening?"

"He's young. He'll get over expecting normal."

"If this Isley woman doesn't let him OD on the meteor. We have to get him free."

"We will."

Alfred came through the door with a tray and I remembered that I hadn't eaten as the aroma of the chicken casserole reached me. Had I been less worried, I would have been suspicious. Will they never stop thinking they have to protect me?

I woke in the early hours before dawn. Bruce was dozing in the chair by the fireplace. The flames were high enough I knew he hadn't been asleep long. I rose and marched over to him intending to wake him, but then I saw the rising bruise on his cheekbone. I left him to sleep a while knowing he wouldn't sleep long and went in search of coffee.

Alfred was in the kitchen and he smiled as I entered. "Master Lex, would you like some coffee?"

"Is it drugged?"

"No, Master Lex. You will need to be alert today. Master Bruce acquired some information last night, he has a plan."

"Then I'll take a cup up with me. I want a shower."

"Very well, I'll have breakfast ready when you return."

Bruce was at the dinning room table when I came back down. He grinned at me as I scowled at him.

"You have a plan?"

"How do you feel about wigs?"

Oh, this was going to be good.

 

Dreams of You

After her explanation, Ivy had her 'children' carry me back to my cell. There they hung silently, swaying slightly at my slightest movement. For my part, I couldn’t take my eyes off the tendril wrapped around the small piece of Kryptonite that really held me captive. I kept working escape routes in my head. These grand plans always ended with large vines wrapped around my neck.

Not a pretty sight.

As such, I sat there for hours. Barely moving, I felt my muscles clench up. I winced from the discomfort and became extremely tired from the strain of trying to stare down creatures that have no eyes. Before I knew it, I fell asleep from sheer exhaustion.

Maybe it was all the chlorophyll in the air. Maybe it was the extended exposure to Kryptonite. All I know is that I had the most psychedelic dreams ever or since.

First, I was back on the Kent Farm. It appeared deserted so I entered the house and headed straight for my room. As I began to pack, I looked out my bedroom window and saw my dad walk into the cornfields. Wanting desperately to talk to him about what mom did, I rush downstairs and start running through the rows of corn.

My father seemed out of reach. No matter how fast I walked. No matter how loud I screamed. He was always one turn of the corner away from me. Finally, I stopped. I just couldn’t chase him anymore. Regretfully, I watched one last time as he disappeared into the corn.

Panting loudly, I crouched down in the middle of the row. I cradled my head in my hands. Then, I felt a tap on the shoulder. Looking around, I noticed them – The corn stalks. Their golden tops morphed to resemble faces. All their green leaves glowed an eerie green. As I felt my strength flow away, I raised my hands in a futile attempt to shield off their attack.

Bloodied and bruised, I screamed.

Suddenly, a beautiful, strong voice rang out, "Give him to me."

The attack ceased.

Slowly, I opened my eyes. The corn was gone. I was no longer on the farm. Everything around me was shiny and covered in blinking lights. In front of me stood a beautiful redhead. Her eyes were sad yet loving. Her hands were gentle as she wiped away tears and strays drops of blood from my cheeks. Comfortingly, she wrapped her arms around me and held me until my shaking stopped. Pulling back, she looked me in the eyes and whispered, "Please, forgive me."

Quickly, she grew. Or, maybe I got smaller. I’m not really sure. All I know is that she picked me up and squeezed me tight before placing me in a pod. Frightened beyond belief, I reached up as the pod hatch closed. Determined not to be locked up again, I slammed on the metal door. Desperate to be free, I tore at everything within reach until I heard the door click open.

As the hinge opened noisily, I braced for the fight of my life. Blinking against the light, I honed in on a little girl. She wore braids and a Catholic school uniform. She leaned toward me and whispered, "Shh…You’ll wake her up. You mustn’t do that."

Nodding, I took a hold of the small hand she offered me. Quickly, we tiptoed through a large hall. The whole time, I heard a resonating snore vibrate through the air. We continued to run with the little girl in the lead. Finally, I noticed that she was leading me down the same hallway again. Stopping in my tracks, I pulled on the little girl’s hand and asked, "Where are we going?"

Fearfully, her eyes darted about as she mumbled, "Shh. You’ll wake her. You mustn’t do that."

Grabbing her by the shoulders, I asked, "Why do you keep saying that?"

Just then, a loud clatter echoed through the hall. Quickly, she broke free from my grasp and backed away from me. Shaking her head, she whispered, "Now, you’ve done it. I warned you not to wake her up."

"Who is she?"

Tilting her head to the side, she sighed, "I’m sorry, Clark. I wanted to help you, but you wouldn’t let me. Now, I can’t help you anymore."

"But you know more about this place than I do."

The little girl nodded. With a sad face, she looked at the ground. I watched as she slipped her right hand behind her back. A moment later, she brought her right hand out from behind her back again, this time, clutching a pink rose tightly. Reaching out, she placed the rose in my hand. She waited until I held onto the flower securely, then she said, "This is all the protection I have left to give you. Hold onto it. Don’t let it go."

With tears in my eyes, I replied, "I won’t let it go. I promise."

At my promise, she smiled. As I smiled in return, she faded away. Shocked, I reached out to grab her, but came up with nothing but air. Punching a dent into the floor beneath me, I held my other hand and the rose against my chest. I almost conceded to despair when I heard an otherworldly scream.

Quickly, I ran. I turned so many corners and went through so many doors that I lost count. I continued to hear growls, moans and screams surrounding me as I fled. The halls grew longer. The doors were locked now more often than not. The inhuman voice drew closer and louder until I felt a hot breath breeze across the back of my neck.

Instantly, I filled with dread. Taking a deep breath, I turned around. Before me stood a large female devil – complete with horns and a tail. Her skin was red and her expression smug. Pitchfork held by her right hand, she said, "Mine. You’re all mine."

I kicked her. I punched her. She slapped me away like a toy. I attacked again and again, but none of my blows had any effect. She shrugged them off and just kept charging. Though the pain in my body was great, I never let go of the rose. She glanced at the rose and avoided it whenever possible. Watching her reaction to the rose, I felt an idea form.

Standing up, I screamed as I raced forward and plunged the stem of the rose into her chest.

Immediately, her eyes went blank. She died. Slowly, she crumbled to dust in my hands. As the wind blew her away, I picked up the rose and dusted it off. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw movement. Swiftly, I turned to meet it and found the little girl from before was back. She smiled at me as she ordered, "Wake up, Clark."

I opened my eyes and groaned from the stiffness in my joints. I heard a commotion outside the building and focused my x-ray vision. Looking through the wall, I saw two of the homeliest ladies I have ever seen talking to Miss Isley, or Ivy, whatever her name is.

 

The Game's Afoot

Bruce and I'd spent most of the day experimenting on the pieces of plants he'd brought back from Robinson Park. Between his knowledge and mine by afternoon, we'd come up with a formula that would kill the mutated plant life.

Alfred had put together costumes for us and I must say when he got through with us we were about the dumpiest women ever to walk the planet. But the clothing gave us plenty of room to hide the containers of plant spray.

We joined the afternoon tour of the park but soon slipped off on our own. Bruce had determined that the best place to hide Clark was the buildings at the edge of the park. We'd almost reached it when Pamela Isley caught us. Bruce was amazing as he chattered to her about different plants; he was so perfectly the image of the befuddled old lady.

I managed to drift back from them as he directed her gaze to the blooming vine near the fence line. A green glow caught my eye and I plunged into the dense growth leaving Bruce to deal with Pamela. I spotted Clark hanging from a nest of vines. Pulling out one of the bottles concealed under my clothing I began to spray the lower parts of the vines.

"Who are you? You need to get out of here before she hurts you."

"Clark, I'm not leaving without you."

The plant life was creeping toward me, so I ripped off the dress to reach the other bottles. Using both hands, I sprayed the vines holding Clark and directed a stream of the poison toward the ones trying to get to me.

I could hear the sounds of yelling as Pamela Isley and Bruce argued outside.

"Lex! Get the meteor away from me and maybe I can help."

"I have to get to it first."

The vines were swaying, making it difficult to target the rock. I hoped that I could at least kill enough of the vines to set Clark free, even if he had little strength.

"Lex, behind you!"

I turned as one of the plants towered over me. I raised the sprayer to coat it. From there, things got a little fuzzy. The poison blew back toward me, I heard a loud thump, which I assumed was Clark hitting the ground, and a maniacal scream followed.

I couldn't see because my eyes were filled with the liquid, it burned but all I could think was I had to get Clark out of that place. Hands touched me and I heard Alfred's low, controlled voice.

"Master Lex, give the bottles to me, go with Master Kent." My hands were emptied and guided to Clark. He was stirring. "Master Kent, you will have to help him. Master Bruce has subdued Ms. Isley but that hasn't stopped the plants. We must get out of here."

"Alfred, the rock! We can't leave that with her."

"I'll take care of it. Go!"

Clark pulled at me and together we managed to get out of the tumbled building. "This way, Lex. Alfred has the car outside the fence."

My eyes were tearing and on fire. I cut my arm on the fence as we worked our way through it to the car. I heard the door and then Clark was turning me. "Tilt your head back, Lex."

I did as instructed and blessedly cool soothing water poured over my face. "Get him in the car. We need to get away from here, she won't be restrained for long."

Clark stumbled as we made it into the car. I could feel the veins in his arm writhing as I held on to him. Alfred's voice was apologetic as he got into the car. "Master Kent, I'll deposit the rock as far from you as I can as soon as we get back to the manor."

Clark and I were a mess, but he was free. The exposure rendered him unconscious on the way to the manor. Alfred left Bruce and me to deal with Clark as he took the stone away. I'd told him it would need to be stored behind lead, but we'd had no idea how big the rock would be.

Clark began to look better as soon as Alfred was a good distance from the car. We entered the manor and Bruce disappeared to get the first aid kit. Clark and I clung to each other.

"I knew you'd find me."

"Hey, it was my turn to play hero. Are you okay?"

"I'm better now that the meteor is gone. I'm more concerned about your eyes and this cut."

"The cut will be healed in a few hours. As for the eyes, you got them flushed quickly. I'll probably be blurry for a few hours."

"Alfred has the meteor safely stored. He's running the tub so that you can soak after we get everything treated. Lex, I want your eyes flushed out again. Clark, you're sure there will be no lasting effects from the exposure?"

"Not one hundred percent, but the other times I've been okay."

"This is really something you should explore. Your weakness could cause problems down the road. Not just for you, but for Lex."

"Bruce, we can discuss all this later. Right now I'm more concerned with making sure nothing like this happens again."

Bruce nodded and quietly went about cleaning the cut on my arm and putting a bandage over it. Alfred entered the room with a tray.

"I thought Master Kent might be hungry."

"Actually, I'm starved. That Looney-tunes didn't feed me. That smells good."

I watched as the tray was set before him and he quickly devoured the sandwich and followed that with the cup of soup.

"Thanks, Alfred."

"You're welcome, Master Kent."

I looked over at the warm tone in his voice. Well, it seemed that Clark had joined that select list of people Alfred protects.

"Lex, why don't you go up and top off the tub for your soak. I'm sure you and Clark need some private time."

"Sounds good, I can feel the sap and poison on my skin. Want to scrub each other's backs, Clark."

He blushed as he nodded. And we took our leave. The big Jacuzzi tub was partly filled when we entered the room. I stepped over to the shower, started the spray, dropping the stained clothes in the hamper as Clark did the same. We showered off the poison and sap.

Clark stepped out as I flushed out my eyes again. As soon as I turned off the shower, he turned on the hot water to finish filling the tub. He wrapped me in a big towel to keep me warm until the tub was ready.

"Do you want to talk about it yet?"

"How much do you know?"

"Most of it is conjecture. Chloe told me about your mother's threat. I figured that she must have used one of the meteors to control you."

"I didn't think she'd go that far. I can't believe she could treat me this way."

I pulled him close to me, rubbing his back as he shook in my arms. He'd just been betrayed by one of the two people who are supposed to keep you safe. Being Lionel's son, I was well acquainted with such things, but it'd never happened to him before.

"Bruce wonders if maybe she is being affected by the meteors in some way."

He pulled back to look at me, the hope in his eyes was almost painful to see. "Do you think that's really it, Lex?"

"Something is going on. Of the two, I'd expect an extreme reaction from your father, not your mother. Come on, the tub is full."

I guided him down into the water and settled between his thighs. Hitting the button to start the jets, I leaned back against him. Now that he was safe, I could have my own mini breakdown. God knows I'd earned it. The shaking started.

His arms tightened, "Shhh, Lex, I'm okay. You saved me." I shook even harder.

 

Therapy Is Good For The Soul

The reality of my life didn’t really hit me until the next morning. I woke up and, for a moment, didn’t know where I was. I panicked and kicked away the blanket. Sitting up in bed, I stared around and, for a moment, I saw the room Ivy kept me in. I saw the hanging vines. I felt the lingering weakness from the meteor rock. I heard her sultry voice, telling me, "Clark, what’s wrong? Clark, snap out of it."

Finally, the fantasy dissolved. Slowly, I focused on Lex’s hands as they roughly shook me. Then, I looked into his crazed eyes as he said, "You’re not under Isley’s control anymore. You’re safe."

Confused, I asked, "Lex?"

Quickly, he drew me into a crushing embrace. Gently, he rocked me as he chanted, "You’re safe now. I saved you."

Suddenly, I grew very tired. Pushing away from Lex, I rolled onto my side and pulled a pillow over my head. I could feel Lex’s hand hover over my shoulder, but he didn’t touch me. Instead, he got off the bed and pulled on his robe. Picking up the room phone, he dialed the kitchen. I heard him say to Alfred, "Tell Bruce to come up to my suite, Alfred. There’s a problem with Clark."

Bruce appeared a couple of minutes later. Lex let him in the room. Then, he closed the bedroom door, but I could still hear everything. With concern, Bruce asked, "What’s wrong?"

"He woke up this morning scared for his life. It was like he didn’t know where he was."

"Of course, he’s probably going through post-traumatic stress syndrome. Considering what he’s been through, it’s only natural."

"But he’s safe now. And he seemed fine last night."

"He was probably in shock last night. The full impact didn’t hit him until just now."

"What can we do?"

"Well Lex, I know you hate them, but a psychiatrist might be a good idea."

"No. He’s not going through that too."

"Lex, not all psychiatrists are like the sadists your Father hired when Julian died."

Several moments passed in silence before Lex asked, "Do you know somebody?"

"Yeah. She’s discreet and she handles matters like this."

"Like this, Bruce?"

"This didn’t happen to Clark because he’s physically different. This happened because he’s gay. He’s gone through betrayal, unlawful imprisonment and God only knows what Isley did to him before we got there. All of this happened because he’s gay. It might do him some good to go to someplace where he can see that he’s not alone."

Shortly thereafter, Lex came back into the bedroom. He took the pillow off my face. Comfortingly, he caressed my face until I looked at him. Staring directly into my eyes, he said, "Come on, Clark. We’re going to get you some help."

Several minutes later, we climbed into Bruce’s limo. Once the limo started rolling, Bruce gave me the low down. "There’s a local teen shelter that offers group therapy. They have a regular session for gay youth. It starts in about two hours. It might do you some good to attend it."

I shifted about in my seat, not meeting his eye. A lot of thoughts floated through my head least of which was the horror of coming out in a public place. I couldn’t bear the thought of standing up like at an AA meeting and saying, "Hello, my name is Clark and I’m gay."

Bruce seemed to sense my hesitation and quickly said, "You’re in Gotham, Clark. No one knows you here. You don’t have to worry about having to face any of these people tomorrow."

I looked over at Lex for direction. All I got was a weak smile and a "It’s up to you. I’m more than willing to just go get some lunch."

I considered the proposition for a couple minutes before asking, "Can I have lunch anyway?"

"Of course," replied Lex as he pulled me into a hug.

I reached up and held onto him in return as I said, "Okay, I’ll go."

After a very hearty lunch, we arrived at the Gotham Youth Authority. Stepping out of the limo, I followed Bruce as he led me into the building. As we walked through the quiet halls, Bruce spoke, "The supervising counselor is a Gotham University psychology student by the name of Harleen Quinzel."

Suddenly, Lex said, "Student? You said she was a psychiatrist."

Quickly, Bruce defended himself, "No. I said a psychiatrist might do Clark some good. I never said she was one."

As Lex fumed, Bruce looked at me and said, "I’ve seen her do some real good things with the youth in her care. If I didn’t have complete faith in her, I wouldn’t have suggested her."

Nodding, I agreed, "I know, Bruce. It’s okay. We’re here already. I might as well go see what this is all about."

Bruce smiled warmly and led us the rest of the way. At a dark brown door, he stopped. I stared at it for a moment and then asked, "How long does this meeting last?"

"An hour."

"Okay."

With a wave goodbye to Lex, I opened the door. The room was small and thirteen boys about my age were sitting in a circle in the center of the room. Nearest to the door, sat a young blond woman who I assumed was Miss Quinzel. She turned around in her chair and smiled as she said, "Come on in, we’ve still got some empty chairs."

Her expression was so radiant and her demeanor so welcoming that I easily inched forward and found a seat. Looking around me, I found it hard to believe that all these kids could be gay, too. It took a moment, but I finally heard someone saying, "Hi there."

Looking up, I saw Miss Quinzel motioning with her hand, trying to get my attention. I blushed and she smiled kindly. After a moment, she asked, "Would you like to tell the group something about you?"

"Like what?"

Tossing her head to the side, an impish grin covered her face as she replied, "Hmm… Maybe you could start with your first name and then go from there."

I stared at the faces surrounding me. Some of the faces were very hardened. Others looked meek and fragile. Taking a deep breath, I spoke quickly, "Okay, my name is Clark and I recently came out to my parents."

Miss Quinzel asked, "How did that go, Clark?"

Looking at the ground, I mumbled, "Not well. My parents don’t like my boyfriend and they tried to get me to stop seeing him. Then, my mother sent me away to a place where I was supposed to be changed into the son she wanted."

Looking back up again, I saw a number of nodding heads. Sitting back in the chair, I was struck with the knowledge that there were people in this world who knew what I was going through. Miss Quinzel stared at me for a minute before thanking me for my honesty. Turning to the group, she asked, "Would anyone else like to tell their story?"

The room became very quiet. Just when it seemed that no one would speak, a boy a couple chairs down from me did. "My name is Isaac. After I came out, my parents put me in a mental institution. I was there for exactly one year and six months. Then, the insurance ran out and they released me. I stayed with my parents for exactly two days before I ran away. That was exactly five months, one week and three days ago. I roamed the streets until exactly fifteen days ago when the police picked me up and brought me here." [That's a lot of "exactlys"!]

By Isaac’s last sentence, tears spilled down his cheeks. Leaning forward, Miss Quinzel softly whispered, "Thank you, Isaac. That was very brave."

Looking around, she asked, "Anyone else?"

Next to her, a boy raised his hand. She nodded at him and he said, "My name is Armando. My parents found out that I was gay a little over a year ago. When they did, my mother grabbed me by the hair and dragged me out into the street. She pressed me against a wall and beat me with a belt. After she was done, my father pushed me down on the pavement and started kicking me. When he was tired of kicking me, he spit on me. I crawled away and I haven’t seen them since."

Boy after boy. Story after story, made me realize a little more that I wasn’t alone. I didn’t feel any better about being treated so badly by my mom, but at least I didn’t feel as bad. Listening to the other boys tell their tales, I realized how fortunate I was to have Lex. I had someone who saved me. He took care of me and got me out of that horrible place. After hearing about all the times that boys like me end up on the street, doing things, as one boy described it, that you’d rather not talk about, I knew I was fortunate to have a place to go.

Finally, Miss Quinzel looked at her watch and told us time was up. We all looked a little disappointed and she noticed. Clapping her hands once, she said, "You can come back next week. I’ll be here."

A part of me looked forward to next week. A part of me was surprised to be able to look forward to anything. We all got up to leave the room. As I drew closer to Miss Quinzel, she asked, "Clark, can I speak to you for a minute?"

Nodding, I stayed behind. After the others were gone, she patted the chair next to her. I sat down as she asked, "I noticed that you said your mother sent you to that place to have you changed, but you said your parents didn’t like your boyfriend. Are your parents divorced?"

"No, ma’am."

She laughed and said, "Don’t call me ma’am. You’ll make an old woman out of me. You can call me Harley, okay?"

Laughing lightly, I said, "Okay, Harley."

"Well, good. Since you’re sitting here in front of me, I have to assume you escaped from wherever you were. Have you spoken to your father since your escape?"

"No."

"Don’t you think you ought to? I mean, by your story, I’m assuming you have reason to believe he didn’t have anything to do with what happened to you."

"I don’t think he did. At least, she said he didn’t."

"You should talk to him. It might help you."

Nodding, I replied, "Maybe."

Standing up, I thanked her. I left the room and found Lex waiting for me the hallway. He grabbed onto my elbow and steered me out of the building. In the limo, I asked, "Lex, do you think we could go the farm?"

Unsure, Lex inquired, "Why do you want to go to the farm, Clark?"

"I need to see my dad, Lex. I need to know how much he had to do with it."

He nodded and then hit the intercom. "Take us to Smallville."

Six hours later, we arrived in Smallville. Half an hour later, we rolled up to the country lane that led to my parents' house. I had the driver stop there. I reasoned it would do no good for me to ride up to the front door in a limo. Lex stepped from the limo, too. He searched my face for a sign that it was okay for him to come along. Reaching out my hand, I smiled when he grasped a hold of it.

Hand in hand, we walked up the dirt road. About fifty feet from the house, I saw my father exit the barn. Swallowing hard, I called out, "Dad!"

He spun toward my voice. His eyes zeroed in on me. Dropping the tools in his hands, he walked, then ran up to me. With an amazing amount of strength, he pulled me into an embrace. Pulling away, his eyes appeared moist as he said, "Clark, I thought I’d never see you again. When your mother told me that Pamela called and said you escaped, I thought you’d be long gone and with good reason."

Shocked, I asked, "You didn’t know?"

Shaking his head, he replied, "I told your Mother not to do it. She wouldn’t listen to me."

Lex stepped forward and asked, "Where is she now?"

"In the house. She’s… She’s not doing too good."

Lex inquired, "How so?"

"Ever since Pamela called, she’s been catatonic."

Lex and I exchanged wary glances. Could she be under the influence of the meteor rocks? Taking in a deep breath, I ordered, "Show me."

 

Another Day, Another Problem

I followed Clark and Mr. Kent into the house. Mrs. Kent was lying very still and very pale in her bed. Clark knelt down next to her and touched her face gently. He looked up at me but I was already pulling out my cell phone.

Mr. Kent for once didn't argue. I think he'd faced the fact that this was something his pride and platitudes couldn't deal with. I walked back up the road and sent the car back to Bruce. By the time I entered the house again, Clark had brought his mother down.

"The helicopter should be here in a short time. Bruce and a specialist he knows will meet us at the hospital."

"Lex, I…"

"Not now, Mr. Kent. I wouldn't lift a finger for either of you if not for the love I have for your son. Not after seeing him held prisoner by Ms. Isley. As long as he wishes you to be a part of his life, I will do anything in my power to help him with that. Just make no mistakes about it, this is for him."

"I understand, Lex. But I thank you anyway."

Looking up at me from his position next to Martha, Clark spoke.

"Helicopter is coming, Lex."

"Good, the sooner we get her to care the better."

Jonathan looked from one to the other of us. I knew he couldn't hear the helicopter, I couldn't. Finally, his gaze settled on Clark.

"You've told him."

"He's known for months. If he hadn't known he probably couldn't have gotten me away from that mad woman Mom took me to."

"Months?"

"Since the first time we…"

The faint sound of the helicopter could be heard. "Let me suggest we table this discussion until a later time. Mrs. Kent needs attention now. When she's better we can sit down and discuss this."

He gave me a quick nod and picked up the small bag he'd packed as Clark lifted his mother in his arms. The trip to the hospital was tense. Clark held tightly to my hand once we were in the air. Jonathan looked at our joined hands with disapproval but he didn't speak of it.

The specialist Bruce had hired met the copter on the roof of the hospital. Bruce was standing just inside the door. We followed them into the building, in the elevator the doctor immediately began checking her vitals and firing questions at Jonathan.

I faded back with Bruce as the doctor ordered tests and asked Jonathan even more questions. Clark was pushed out of the way as well and he joined us in the corner. He reached for my hand, holding it tightly as we watched Martha poked, prodded, and bled.

Jonathan retreated to another corner of the room as his wife was hooked up to different machines, given an IV and eventually put on a respirator.

After a while, the doctor stepped back and gestured to the door. We followed him meekly into the hall.

"Right now, all I can tell you is she's behaving like someone having an extreme allergic reaction. Mr. Kent, are you sure you didn't forget any allergies?"

"No, Doctor. She's never had a problem. We live on a farm so she comes in contact with a lot of things that normally cause allergies."

"James, she was in Gotham a few days ago. She visited Robinson Park. Maybe it's a reaction between something in Smallville and the plants there."

"That's a possibility. For now we wait to see what the blood tests show and keep her hydrated and on oxygen. You should go get some food and rest. Leave a number where I can reach you."

"I don't want to leave her, doctor."

"Mr. Kent, I don't want anyone other than medical personnel in the room right now. You'll be of more use to her if you are rested."

"Mr. Kent, the manor is only a few minutes away. We can eat, rest."

"Please, Dad. They're right, we can do more for Mom if we take care of us." Clark's plea got through where ours were ignored. Jonathan nodded slowly.

Jonathan managed to maneuver us so that he and Clark were next to each other in the limo on the way to the manor. I wondered how the rest of the time we spent together would go. At the manor, Bruce excused himself to take care of a few things. I led Clark and Jonathan to the library.

"I'll just give the two of you some time to talk. I need to take care of some business as well."

Clark grabbed me and kissed me hard, then whispered in my ear. "I love you. Thank you for this."

"Anything for you, Clark, I mean that."

I pulled away from him and exited the room feeling the daggers Jonathan was shooting my way. I really did have some work to catch up on and I managed to put other things aside to take care of it. I'd just finished an international call when Alfred showed up to announce breakfast.

I entered the small dining room to find Clark and Jonathan waiting at the table. I moved around it to touch Clark's shoulder and he yanked me down for a kiss. I wasn't sure if he was trying to drive home to Jonathan that we felt like a couple or if he just needed the reassurance of my touch after his ordeal.

In any case, I took my seat next to him as Alfred pushed a small cart into the room.

"Master Bruce will be here shortly. He asks that you not wait for him."

"Thank you, Alfred. I'm sure Clark is starving, we missed dinner."

"Actually, Alfred gave us sandwiches earlier."

Serving dishes were placed in front of us. A platter piled with bacon, ham steaks, and sausages. A bowl of scrambled eggs and a platter of pancakes were added. Then the basket of rolls and biscuits was placed near Clark.

I watched as he loaded his plate. Jonathan might not like the situation but it didn't affect his appetite. I took a couple of slices of bacon and a scoop of eggs. Clark was reaching for seconds when Bruce entered the room.

"Ah, good I got here before Clark licked the bowls."

Jonathon looked up startled as Clark laughed at Bruce. "Barely, another couple of minutes and you'd have needed to go to the grocery store."

"I'm sure Alfred kept something back for me. After breakfast, I suggest that we all try to nap. It's been over twenty-four hours since any of us slept."

Bruce managed to get Jonathan to talk as he ate, which surprised me. I guess rich men who aren't Luthors and who aren't fucking his son are still considered human.

Alfred appeared as Bruce pushed his plate away. "Mr. Kent, if you'll follow me I'll show you to the room were I placed your bag."

"What about Clark?"

"Master Clark has his own room for when he visits."

"Own room?"

I could see the wheels turning. We filed out and Alfred led Jonathan toward the east wing as I turned to head toward my room in the west. As Clark started to follow me, Jonathan called out to him.

"Clark…"

I heard the rest and so did Clark. I waited to see how he would react.

 

Fathers and Sons

Seeing my mother in such a state almost made me forgive her for everything she did. Almost. As I left her room, I saw my father waiting at the end of the corridor and stopped. I turned to escape the pain I associated with the thought of either of my parents. I didn't get far. Bruce Wayne intercepted me a couple feet later. In his brooding manner, Bruce took me aside for a private chat.

"Clark, you need to talk to your father."

"Why? He knew what she was planning and he didn't stop her."

"You need to speak with him, Clark. Trust me. There'll come a day when you can't. Don't wait for that day to come before you realize how many things were left unsaid."

In his usual style, Bruce said no more. He walked away from me, leaving me to think about what he had said.

After leaving the hospital, the silence in the limo was greatly appreciated. I hadn't cared for the way my dad pushed me into the limo. It really bugged me when he held tightly onto my wrist, forcing me to sit beside him, away from Lex.

In his understanding way, Lex shrugged it off. He sipped on champagne and talked casually to Bruce as if nothing were wrong. I watched him, watched his eyes narrow, I knew a plan was forming in his mind. Afraid, I looked out the windows and smiled when Wayne Manor came into view.

Inside the manor, I saw my dad stare at all the art and antiques. It reminded me of the first time I stayed at Wayne Manor. I was starving and tired. I was ready to eat something and go to bed when Lex steered us over to the library and said, "I'll just give the two of you some time to talk. I need to take care of some business as well."

He turned to leave, but I panicked as I watched him back away. Reaching out, I grabbed his wrist and pulled him back. I kissed him with all the fear in me. As I pulled away, I shook my head and pled with my eyes for him not to do this, but Lex just looked at me sympathetically before drawing away.

I looked back at my dad. We exchanged matching grimaces as I gestured for him to enter the library. Once inside, I found it hard to speak. So did he. We walked away from each other, finding ourselves on separate sides of the room. We just stared at everything but each other until my dad whispered, "Are you okay?"

Taken aback, I didn't know how to respond. I stared back at my father in silence. Standing behind a desk, he asked again, "I mean, did Pamela do anything to you? Are you alright?"

Wrapping my arms around myself, I replied, "I don't know how to answer that."

His head fell. His hands, flat against the desk, started to shake. Looking back up, he said, "Believe me, son, I didn't know."

"Mom never said anything about it?"

"She did, but I told her no. I thought I had convinced her that it was the wrong thing to do. Now, I realize she was just biding her time."

"You didn't want to send me there?"

"No."

"I don't believe you. You wanted Lex out of my life just like mom did. You said horrible things to us. You couldn't even let me sit next to him on the limo ride over here."

He ran a hand through his hair, stopping to clutch at the back of his neck. Taking a deep breath, he explained, "No parent wants this for their children. No parent holds their baby and says I hope you grow up to be treated terribly. We just don't do it, Clark. You were so different already that I hoped for the rest of your life to be normal."

"Normal, what's that?"

Shaking his head, he continued, "Don't be naive. Or argumentative. Ever since we found you, I knew your life would be difficult. You being...like you are, just makes your already difficult life more difficult."

"If you want me to be happy you're gay, then you're asking for more than I can give you. I don't want you hurt. I don't want to hear people say nasty things to you or about you. You can't make me want those things."

"As for Lex, I don't like him. I've made no secret of that. I didn't like him before and I don't like him now."

Quickly, I argued, "You don't even know him."

Nodding, he agreed, "You may be right, but I know what he's from. In the end, all sons are a reflection of their fathers. I was a reflection of mine and Lex is the same with Lionel."

"Don't say that."

"Okay, I'll stop, but understand this, Clark - You are my son. I raised you and sacrificed what little a poor man has for you. We may not always agree, but that fact will never change. You are my son."

Sliding my hands down my arms, my stomach, until they slid gently into pant pockets, I asked, "Do you mean the deposition?"

Startled, he asked, "How do you? Wait, don't tell me - you were there."

"Outside the building."

"Eavesdropping."

"Yes. You meant the way Lionel forced you to lie under oath, didn't you?"

"No."

"No?"

"Contrary to what you might think, you don't know everything."

"What do you mean?"

"Before, I meant my honor. Lionel knows about your adoption records because he set them up. As repayment, he forced me to convince the Rosses to sell their property. It's a burden I've carried for a long time."

He walked up to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. He waited until my eyes met his before he said, "It's a burden I've carried for you and wouldn't change a thing."

We stood there like statues. When it seemed that we might never move again, Alfred opened the door. He carried a small, silver tray and nodded cordially as he paused at the door. "I brought some sandwiches. I made them to Master Clark's preferences, but I can make something else if you so desire, Mr. Kent."

My dad seemed shocked by Alfred's formality. My dad's wide-open eyes didn't seem to bother Alfred as he lifted the lid off. Instantly, I saw the hunger in my Dad's eyes as four, large, steaming hot meatloaf sandwiches were revealed. Glancing over at Alfred, I winked and joked, "Perfect timing as always, eh Alfred?"

Smiling smugly, Alfred placed the tray lid under his arm. Nodding knowingly, he bowed before stepping out of the room. Looking back at my father, I found him staring at the door. Slowly, his eyes met mine as he asked, "Is that guy for real?"

Laughing, I picked up one of the sandwiches. "Very," I answered him quickly just before taking a large bite out of the sandwich.

He reached for a sandwich as he said, "Well, I better get mine before you eat it all."

We laughed at his joke and we both remembered the Thanksgiving Day when I was fourteen and I did just that. The room became silent except for the sounds of our eating and occasional laughter.

After the sandwiches were long gone, we sat there happily rubbing our full stomachs. The mood was light, but it didn't last. Slowly, a serious expression covered my father's face. Suddenly, he sat forward and asked, "What did Pamela do to you? What did your mother do?"

I stared at the floor for a long time. I let the silence grow between us, as I considered not telling him. Then, what Bruce told me filled my mind. Afterwards, I decided I could do nothing else, but quietly tell him everything that happened from when mom offered me a ride to school, to how Lex and Bruce broke me out of Ivy's compound. I even told him about the counseling session with Miss Quinzel. I explained how much it helped and as I finished, he was nodding his understanding.

I was about to ask him what he thought of my ordeal when Alfred entered the room again. He retrieved the empty tray as he announced, "Breakfast will be served in ten minutes."

Jumping up, I asked, "Will Lex be there?"

"I will be making the announcement to Master Lex once I have left here."

"Thank you, Alfred."

"You're quite welcome, young Master Kent."

He bowed and left. My dad just shook his head and said, "That guy's too much."

"I know, but he's really cool."

"Of course, he is. He works for a living."

Throwing a warning glance at my dad, I led him to the dining room. We'd only waited for a couple minutes before Lex entered the room. He looked so tired and I realized that he hadn't slept. As he approached the seat beside me, I grabbed onto his arm and pulled him down for a quick kiss.

As he pulled away, he glanced at my father. I could tell he was uncomfortable, but only because I know him so well. He sat beside me and shortly thereafter, Alfred arrived with the food. I was very hungry after telling all to my father and I dove in. My father did the same.

When Bruce showed up, the tension in the room let up a little, as Bruce distracted my father, giving Lex and me a few moments to speak. During my third helping, my eyes started to droop and so did Lex's. Bruce seemed to notice this and suggested we all catch some sleep. That idea seemed great, so we all left the dining room, headed for our rooms.

I heard Alfred address my dad, "Mr. Kent, if you'll follow me I'll show you to the room were I placed your bag."

"What about Clark?"

"Master Clark has his own room for when he visits."

"Own room?"

The tension returned with the silence. We all stood there, staring at each other, wondering what the other would do.

Finally, Alfred broke the stalemate by motioning for my dad to follow him toward the East wing. I felt Lex turn toward the West wing and to the suite waiting for us.

I turned to follow Lex and then his voice rang out, "Clark..."

I stopped in my tracks. Slowly, I turned around. Waiting, afraid of what he might say, I met his eyes. He lifted his right hand and waved as he said, "Sleep well, son."

I stood in stunned silence. I paused long enough for the hope to leave my father's face, long enough for him to start to turn away. That was when I sprang to action. Swiftly, I closed the distance between us and drew my dad into a hug. Without missing a beat, he hugged me back. After several moments, we pulled away from each other and went our separate ways, smiling at each other.

Looking at Lex, I saw the questions in his eyes. Winding my arm around his waist, I smiled as we headed for our chambers.

 

Hope is also a 4-letter word

Clark's arm wrapped around me as we headed up the stairs toward our suite. I was so terribly exhausted that I allowed myself to lean against him. The last few minutes had been calm. Seeing Clark and his father hug had been strange, in a good way. The words they'd exchanged friendly, that alone was good.

I wanted Clark's happiness. I knew that he would never be as happy as possible without his folks in the mix in some way, so I allowed a little hope to slip into my mind. Near our rooms, I tripped and he scooped me up. I held on and let him carry me down the hall.

He put me on the edge of the bed and then knelt to begin undressing me. I gave him a smile as he untied my shoes and slipped them off my feet. He caressed each tired foot when he pulled the sock off. I reached out and touched his face. He looked up and I marveled once more at his beauty.

"Let me get you in bed, Lex. I can see how tired you are."

"You must be tired, too."

"I am. But I want to get you comfortable. Besides you can warm up the bed for me."

"Brat."

"Your brat."

"My everything."

I allowed him to finish undressing me and then he tucked me in. I watched as he undressed in a blur. As he got into bed next to me, I turned toward him. He snuggled me on his shoulder. For one of the few nights in our relationship we went to sleep without fucking first.

Several hours later, I woke on the verge of coming, a wet mouth wrapped around me. I moaned his name grabbed his hair and yanked him up.

"Clark, don't do that!"

"What? You like it when I suck you off."

"I love it when you suck me off, but I want to experience every minute of it. Make sure I'm awake before you get me so close to coming, please."

"How do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Manage to sound so in control when your balls are up tight against your body and your cock is about to shoot."

I grinned at him, "I'm a mature man."

"Yeah."

"Come up here and give me a proper kiss."

He moved up and we shared a kiss. Then I pushed him back toward my dick. "Finish what you started."

He covered the head and sucked. I tangled my fingers in his hair and thrust up into his mouth. He slipped his big hands under my ass and squeezed my cheeks before slipping a wet finger inside me. I gasped and unloaded down his throat.

He crawled up to me and shared my taste with me. I slid my hand down to find his hard on. I stroked it lightly as he moaned into my mouth. He pulled back and smiled. I squeezed near the base then slid up the length, before skinning it back and caressing the sensitive head. His eyes rolled back in his head, and I felt the grin he referred to as wicked spread over my face.

I watched his face as I jacked him. He flushes so beautifully when he's aroused. His lips part and he pants, loudly. I added some spit to my fingers and caressed just the head of his cock until he was whining. I love making him whine.

"Lex, please!"

"Please?"

His hands scrabbled for purchase on the sheets. His hips bucked into the air, seeking more contact with my hand as I tortured and pleasured him. I bent to lick the head; he bucked so violently he lifted us into the air.

I held on for the ride, and caressing the head continuously with my tongue, I jacked the rest hard and fast. His hands flailed as he sought something to grasp that he wouldn't break. My name poured from his lips alternating with please.

"Please, Lex, please, Lex, please, Lex, please, Lex, please."

I fluttered my tongue against his slit and he yelled louder as he began to shoot for me. I pulled off when he finished and watched as his body slowly settled back onto the bed. I stayed on my knees watching as he relaxed. When he reached for me, I settled on his shoulder again.

"Tell me how things are with you and your dad."

"He's – it's hard to explain. He says he doesn't want me to have the problems of being gay added to all my other issues. He still admits he doesn't like you. He admits he doesn't know you, but he thinks you are your father's son."

"That I am, Clark, just not in the way he means. Did you talk about your mother's actions?"

"Yes, he said he thought he'd talked her out of taking me to Ivy. He's making an effort."

"I could see that. You know I want things to be peaceful with your folks. But I won't stand by and let anyone hurt you, not even them."

He nuzzled against my head. "I know. I love that you are so protective of me."

"No more than you are of me. That's what a relationship is about, right?"

"Right."

We fell silent and I slipped back into sleep, content in his arms. Some time later, I became aware of the world again. Alfred was speaking my name in his quiet cultured voice.

"Master Lex, Mr. Kent is insisting on knowing where Master Clark's room is. I didn't want to tell him that information without permission."

"It's okay, Alfred. It isn't like he doesn't know about us. Show him the way."

As Alfred slipped quietly from the room, I turned to the pleasurable task of waking my lover. I nipped at his nipple and he grinned without opening his eyes.

"There's only one better way to wake in the morning."

"What way is that, Clark?"

"With your cock in me."

"Don't have time. Your Dad is on his way here and the house isn't that big."

"Is something wrong?"

"If it were, Alfred would have told me. I think he just wants to see his son, now that you guys are talking."

"I'd better get dressed."

"Up to you. I'm not ready to get out of bed."

I covered his nipple again and sucked, hard. He moaned and cupped my head. He pulled me up and kissed me. We were still sucking each other's tongues when I heard the discreet sound of Alfred clearing his throat.

I pulled back to see Jonathan frowning at us. I could feel the heat of Clark's blush; we were still that close to each other. I suppose I should feel guilty for flaunting us to Jonathan that way, but as he'd told Clark, I am my father's son. At least in some ways he was very right.

For our life to be what I needed it to be, Jonathan was going to have to face the fact that we had a complete relationship. A sexual relationship, that I wasn't hiding and he might see more than he wanted to see at times.

"Thank you, Alfred. Do you think Clark and I could get some food?"

"Of course, Master Lex." Alfred backed out of the room, I knew he was unperturbed by finding us making out.

I smiled at Jonathan. "Any news from the hospital, Mr. Kent?"

"She's still unconscious, but her vitals are stronger. They found an unknown biological in her blood work. I was going to head over to see her and thought Clark might go with me."

"I think that's a good idea. Have you eaten?" I stood and moved across the room. Opening the dresser to get clean underwear, I watched Jonathan in the mirror as he tried to continue talking to me while not seeing my nudity.

Clark was looking as if he wanted to crawl into a hole and hide.

"Maybe I should wait for Clark downstairs."

"If you wish. I'll ask Bruce to make a car available, or his driver will take you."

Clark finally found his tongue. "Aren't you going with us, Lex?"

"Your father didn't include me in his plans. I have some work to get done. You go and be with your family and I'll see you later this evening."

I smiled at him as I entered the bathroom. I walked straight to the shower and turned on the water. Adjusting the temperature, I stepped into the enclosure. As I reached for the soap, Clark stepped into the space behind me.

"You're an ass, Lex."

"I thought you knew that already."

"Did you have to rub his nose in it?"

"Clark, he needs to accept all aspects of us. Trust me, I won't deliberately let him see us fucking or sucking. But touching and kissing I refuse to hide."

His arms slipped around me and he pulled me back against his chest. His lips sucked a mark on my throat and I knew we were still okay.

 

A Snake Called Cadmus

Y'know, over the years, there have only been a few times when I could have seriously kicked Lex's ass. That morning, with the little show he put on for my father, was one of them. Fortunately, when I got the urge to maim this time, it worked out better than the last.

I kissed him in the shower, but that didn't mean I was ready to forget and forgive. Thoughts flew through my mind. I agreed with Lex where kissing and touching was concerned, but has anyone ever let their parents see their sexuality so blatantly. I know Lex had something to prove. So, did I, but not like that.

Still a little annoyed, I left our room and met my father in the hallway. Lex passed us on the way out, patting my ass as he smirked at my father. I frowned, but tried to not let it show too much. I knew my acting sucked when my dad leaned over and whispered, "He's got you by the short hairs, doesn't he?"

I never got a chance to answer. My father stepped out the door, leaving his words hanging in the air. Gritting my teeth, I followed quietly.

At the hospital, my mother's condition remained unchanged. In the ICU, tubes and wires running to and from her, she looked like a marionette. She looked so helpless, so unable to hurt anyone. Dad touched her face and a tear broke through enough to run down his cheek before he wiped it away. I couldn't bring myself to touch her.

Silently, we left the ICU behind. In the hallway, her doctor took us aside. Sitting in a small room, he explained my mother's condition, "Mrs. Kent is stabilized, but she's still in a coma. We ran a full battery of tests. At first, we thought she was having an allergic reaction to something she came into contact with. Instead, what we found was that the reaction was occurring between chemicals in her body."

"Mr. Wayne gave us samples of some substances. First, a botanical enzyme. The second, a piece of green meteorite. The botanical enzyme matched. Here's the strange thing. What's happening to Mrs. Kent is happening because this other substance is attacking the enzyme. It's acting like it's a part of the immune system. Unfortunately, when we separated out some of this chemical and tested it, we found it actually suppressed the normal immune system."

Quickly, I asked, "What is this other substance? Where did it come from?"

Shaking his head, the doctor replied, "We don't know. We've never seen anything like it and quite frankly, we're at a complete loss. Mr. Wayne asked for a sample and since Wayne Enterprises owns a full lab, I gave him a sample of the substance. Perhaps he can find something."

My Dad and I looked each other. I saw how lost he looked and decided to take the reigns. Looking back at the doctor, I asked, "What about my Mom? Is there anything you can do for her?"

"Yes, we administered the antidote Mr. Wayne gave us for the botanical enzyme. In the tests, the other substance seemed to hibernate when no threat existed. We're hoping that if the botanical enzyme is neutralized, the other substance will hibernate again and Mrs. Kent will come out of the coma."

Nodding, I said, "I understand, Doctor. Thank you."

The doctor fumbled uncomfortably before leaving us alone. Side by side, we sat quietly, rocking slightly back and forth. Finally, he placed a hand on my shoulder. As I turned to look at him, he smiled and said, "There's still hope."

"What?" I asked.

"Hope, Clark. Sometimes, it's all one has to hold onto."

With that, he left the room. A minute later, I followed him. I entered the hallway just in time to watch him reenter the ICU. I couldn't go back there, so I left the hospital entirely.

Outside, I walked the grounds. I pulled out my cell phone and called the manor.

"Wayne residence."

"Alfred, can you connect me to Bruce?"

"Of Course, Master Clark."

A few seconds later, Bruce came on the line. "Clark? Alfred says you want to speak with me."

"Yeah. Have you gotten any leads on the substance they found in my mom?"

"I've found a possible lead, but will need more time to find out everything. I'll meet you back at the manor tonight. I should have more answers by then."

I thanked him and shut off the phone. Tonight seemed so far away. Looking at the hospital, I took a deep breath and headed back inside.

That night, I entered Wayne manor hoping for some happy news. Instead, I found Bruce standing in the middle of the foyer. He held out a folder. As I took it from him, he started to explain, "I traced the chemical. It's a mind control agent, Clark, with some other interesting characteristics. It's produced by a bio-tech company called Cadmus Labs."

Smiling, I practically shouted, "Great. We go find whoever runs the place and get some answers."

"I'm afraid it's not quite that simple."

"Why?"

"Cadmus Labs is owned by a joint partnership between LuthorCorp and Lex Luthor."

With impeccable timing, Lex walked through the doors at that very moment. Silently, we all turned and stared at him. He looked back at each of us before throwing up his hands and asking, "What?"

 

The Serpent in the Garden

They all stared at me as I came in. Clark was holding a folder and looking shocked. Jonathan was scowling, his normal look when he saw me although, this time it contained hate. Bruce was his typical grim self.

"What?"

"This is your fault you son-of-a-bitch." Jonathan launched himself at me and would have made it if Alfred hadn't materialized from his unknown hiding place. Bruce's voice broke through the snarls Jonathan made as he tried to push Alfred out of his way.

"Mr. Kent, you need to give him a chance. Lionel controls that lab far more than Lex does. I doubt that Lex has even been in it in the last several years."

Jonathan’s reaction to me, plus the mention of Lionel's name in the same sentence with lab, made my back go up. I should have known he wasn't through interfering.

"Clark, may I see that folder? Bruce is almost right. I haven't been to the lab in six months. I've never personally checked every experiment going on there. I get reports, but we all know reports can be lacking or embellished."

I read Bruce's concise report, looked at the information he'd hacked from the computers at Cadmus labs. I could feel their eyes on me as I flushed with anger. I fumbled for my cell phone and Bruce's hand reached for my arm.

"Lex, don't give him a warning."

"Bruce, I can deal with his abuse to me, but he's pulling other people into this now. I can't let that happen."

"Lex, if you warn him, the information and the drug will disappear. We need to get this out of his hands. This is far too serious a threat. Imagine this in the hands of men even more villainous than Lionel Luthor."

"You're trying to say you didn't know. I don't believe you." Jonathan yelled at me.

Bruce turned stony eyes to Jonathan and I was never happier that he was on my side.

"Mr. Kent, I have extended you the hospitality of my home, I have used my own personal resources to determine why your wife is ill, I have helped save your son from imprisonment and torture. I will say this only once. Lex is not Lionel. He could never be what Lionel is. I knew that before he met your son and I know it even more now. You will never address him that way in my presence again."

"Dad, think. Why would Lex want to give Mom something that would make her more determined to keep us apart? Even if you were right in believing that he only wants to fuck me, he wouldn't need Mom to help him get me out of his life."

Clark had moved to my side, his arm wrapping around my shoulders. I watched as Jonathan processed the information. Alfred and Bruce waited quietly, both poised to intercept Jonathan again if necessary. Finally, he took a step back and nodded. Clark let out the breath he'd been holding.

My father always seems to be one step ahead of me, but this time I had Bruce in my corner and that would change things, I hoped.

"Bruce, does anyone else know this?"

"No, I did the work myself. That's the only copy and I haven't told the medical personnel anything yet."

"We need to plan."

"I agree. Alfred, we'll need to eat as well. Will you bring us a tray to the library?"

"Of course, Master Bruce."

Alfred faded away and Bruce turned to lead Jonathan to the library. I tugged on Clark, keeping him in the foyer a moment longer.

"Thank you."

"What for, Lex?"

"Not assuming that I was to blame."

"Lex, you aren't lily white and pure. I know that. But I also know you want me, love me. You wouldn't ever give someone a weapon to use to split us up. I see you Lex, 'warts and all' as the expression goes, and I still wouldn't walk away."

"Does this mean you're over being mad at me for shaking my dick in front of your Dad this morning?"

"At least it wasn't completely hard. Don't know if he could take seeing that and imagining what you do to me with it."

"Dirty boy! We'd better get in there. We have an empire to attack."

He kissed me quickly and then pulled me toward the library. We entered the room to find Bruce at the computer with Jonathan reading over his shoulder.

"Lex, I need your password." Bruce spoke without looking up.

"I thought you'd already hacked in?"

"There's a report I didn't see earlier that is marked eyes only. Since your father probably thinks you're too busy with Clark to be interested in the lab, your password might open this."

"Clarkbar."

"Sweet. Lower case?"

"Yes."

Bruce's fingers flew and by the time we were behind him, the report opened. Jonathan's slower reading style was left behind as the three of us read the file. Bruce rocked back in the chair and Clark squeezed my arm as he cursed. I was bemused to hear such words from him, since normally he only said them in the heights of passion.

"Clark, watch your mouth! What did it say?" Jonathan demanded.

"Apparently, Lex is in charge of this project and it was his idea to try it out on Mrs. Kent."

Bruce's voice was hard as steel and I knew if Lionel were within reach that Bruce would probably kill him. I watched Clark's eyes to see if he would change his mind about me in light of this damaging evidence.

Before anything else could be said, Alfred entered the room with a large tray. He placed it on the table and then spoke to me.

"Master Lex, your father is on the house phone for you. I'm afraid I was not entirely truthful with him."

"What did you say?"

"That I didn't believe you had arrived back from your afternoon meeting."

"Thank you, Alfred." I reached for the phone, "Hello, Dad."

 

Hard Choices

I watched as he took in a deep breath before he flipped open the phone. I heard the muted anger in his voice as I listened to his side of the conversation.

"Hello, Dad."

"Caught onto me that quickly, did you?"

"No, Clark is still here. Your plans have failed once again. If I didn't know better, I'd say you're losing your touch."

"Excuse me?"

"This is assuming I believe a cure exists at all."

"What do you want?"

"Understood."

Quickly, he closed the phone. He stood in silence for a moment before saying, "He has a cure and he has a price."

Frustrated, my dad demanded, "Well, what is the price?"

Lex looked straight at me and replied, "First, I have to send Clark away. Then, I have to move to the Metropolis Office for the next several years, during which time, I will be carefully monitored to ensure that Clark is out of my life."

Shaking my head, I yelled, "No!"

Nodding, Lex walked over to me. Wrapping his arms around me, he whispered in my ear, "No way in hell."

Pulling away from me, he winked. Turning to Bruce, he said, "My father's coup is pretty good, but I think I can one-better. This little conversation with my dad confirms for me that there is a cure. We just need to get it out of his greedy little hands."

Slowly, Bruce asked, "What do you have in mind?"

"Let's have a seat and I'll explain everything," said Lex as he slipped an arm around my waist and led me toward the sofa.

 

Cue the Mission Impossible Theme

My father's demands hadn't been much of a surprise. I was furious with him. His attempts to run my life had been annoying in the past, but now he was going over the line and involving other people in ways that were physically threatening.

I waited as Alfred served everyone. It's easier to plot when Clark's stomach isn't growling at me. I sipped my drink as Clark started in on his third sandwich.

"Bruce, how long would it take you to write a virus to shut down the computers at Cadmus?"

"Lex, if I do that all the information in them will be lost."

"Bruce, I've got back ups of the projects that I instituted. If he loses his pet projects, well that's the price he pays for fucking with my lover's mother."

Jonathan was frowning, no doubt irritated by the word lover as much as the profanity.

"How are you planning on taking the drug away from your father?"

"You melt down the computer. Clark and I will go after the drug."

"Don't you think your father is already moving it?"

"No, although we'll need to move quickly. He's used to me giving in to him. He probably thinks that Mr. Kent is threatening my life right now for the cure. Clark, you'll need to make a very public exit. I'm sure he's having us watched."

"Do you want us to go back to the hospital?"

"Yes, then you can do your magic and meet me later. Bruce, will you go with them and work on the virus on your lap top there?"

"I can do that."

Unspoken was the fact that Alfred would get me out of the manor through the cave. As far as the spies were concerned, I would be at the manor. If Bruce and Clark planned it well, whoever was watching at the hospital wouldn't realize that Clark had left.

Jonathan listened as Clark and I decided the best place to meet. Bruce opened a small safe and removed a couple of computer discs, which he added to his lap top case. Jonathan excused himself to go up and shower.

Once he'd left the room, Bruce, Clark and I discussed the things we couldn't say in front of him. It isn't that I didn't trust Jonathan, but rather that I was respecting Bruce's privacy. Clark and Bruce planned out wardrobe switching. Alfred was sent to leave a car for me outside the small side exit from the cave.

Bruce left us alone and I pulled Clark close on the sofa. He put his face against my throat and sighed.

"We're going to get a cure if it exists, Clark."

"I know. I have faith in you, Lex."

"Try to keep that, will you?"

He pulled back to look at me. "Lex, your dad isn't going to destroy us. I may be young but I'm strong and I know what I want."

"He's taken so much from me. I don't think I could survive losing you."

He kissed me, sucking out my soul once more. When he pulled back, I saw his father standing in the doorway.

"Come in, dad."

"I could wait in the entry."

"No, Mr. Kent, Bruce should be down in a minute and I need to get some things together."

I kissed Clark's cheek and went to our room to change. B&E required a change of wardrobe. I changed into comfortable black pants, a black sweater and black running shoes. Opening the small safe in the wall, I removed a Glock, and a lock pick set. I didn't expect to need either since Clark would be with me, but some habits are hard to break.

I waited until they'd had plenty of time to reach the hospital, before heading down to find Alfred.

"Do you wish to go down the elevator or use the pole, Master Lex?"

"I think I'll opt for dignity, Alfred."

"Very good, Sir." He opened the secret panel in the wall and we stepped into the small elevator. He led me to the right when we exited the car and opened another hidden door.

"Here are the keys to the car. Good luck, Master Lex."

"Thank you, Alfred."

I hurried along the tunnel emerging on a hillside. The car was waiting at the bottom of the hill. I got into the car and drove, at the speed limit, to my rendezvous with Clark. He was waiting when I pulled up. Climbing into the car, he leaned across and kissed me.

"You know, Clark, you look pretty nice in Bruce's clothes. I bet he just loves wearing your flannel."

"He's a good friend. Not a single complaint. But then, you don't complain when it's cold and I wrap you in them."

I tried to hide my grin. It's just way too schoolgirl to enjoy wearing your boyfriend's clothes. He squeezed my thigh and reached out to fiddle with the radio. The trip passed with rock thrumming through my body.

I pulled up in sight of the lab, killed the engine and turned to him.

"My codes should get us in, but my father has probably set up a monitoring system so he is alerted to me using them. So, I think we should use your pass codes."

He grinned and nodded. He was still enough of a boy to see this as a game. Not that I thought he was cavalier about the stakes. He'd been dealing with difficult issues his entire life. That is one of the things I love about him – the innocence he still holds on to. Even now, after all the world has thrown at us.

I pulled him in and kissed him. "For luck."

"So, I'm Luke Skywalker today."

"Just don't call me Leia or you'll sleep in one of the guest rooms tonight."

He kissed me once more and then climbed out of the car. I followed him through the dark toward the lab.

 

What Wine Goes With A Felony?

After kissing Lex one last time, I turned to the task at hand. Concentrating on the wall, I activated my X-Ray vision. What most people don't realize is that no matter how sophisticated an electrical alarm system is, the alarm can only be triggered by a break in the electrical current. This means that you can break into anyplace without being detected so long as you don't sever any of the electrical lines.

That night, I searched for the perfect spot. Something not too big or too small. It wasn't easy. Lionel secured this place like it was Fort Knox. Still, even Lionel wouldn't place electrical lines too close to his water lines and at a complicated juncture of copper piping, I found the space I needed.

Breaking through the wall, I ripped the piping out. With my laser vision, I sealed each line as I twisted them apart. After several seconds, a thin doorway formed that opened into a small office. Looking back at Lex, I smiled at his nod of approval.

Lex entered first. He made sure the coast was clear before motioning for me to follow. Quietly, we ventured from the room, sneaking through the hallways. After many turns, we reached the lab Lex said they used for high priority research.

There, Lex rushed for the research stations. He read through the many folders and stacks. Shaking his head, he slowly glanced at a large cabinet. Running over to it, he pulled open the doors. Inside, hundreds of little, liquid-filled vials stuffed the shelves. I watched him scan the many shelves before watching him go crazy.

First, his hand ran down his face. Then, he grabbed one tray of vials and smashed it on the tiles at his feet. One by one, another tray of vials was flung to the floor. Swiftly, he turned around. He reached a research station and picked up a blue folder. Opening it, he reread the contents slowly.

Finally, after a few minutes, Lex closed the folder. Holding it with both hands, Lex focused on the intense blue of the paper as he said, "There never was a cure."

"What?"

As if I startled him, his eyes jerked up to meet mine. He swallowed as he explained, "This is why my father was so smug. If you left, he'd be able to hold your mother's affliction over my head for the rest of my life. If you stayed, you'd surely leave once the fake cure failed to help her. In the end, I'd be forced to come back to him a broken man."

"No cure."

As he nodded, his eyes welled up with tears. "I'm so sorry, Clark."

Numb, I sank down to the floor. She was gone. It was impossible. The woman who clapped and cheered the first time I showed her how fast I could run. She was gone. No. It just couldn't be true. Looking up at Lex, I ignored the resolution in his face as I asked, "There must be some mistake."

"There isn't. I'm so sorry, Clark."

Putting my hands on my face, I cried, "Stop saying that. There must be something you can do. You're Lex Luthor. You have powerful friends. Is there something you need? Is it rare? Is it hard to find? It doesn't matter, I'll bring it to you."

Slowly, he stumbled over to me. Still clutching the folder, he shook it as he said, "It's all right here. The research. It states that the 'chemical' isn't a chemical at all. It's a new form of microbe. It mutates quickly within the body. They tried to create an antidote. In over a hundred trials, it never mutated the same way twice."

I didn't recognize my voice as I said weakly, "There must be some mistake."

Gently, Lex helped me to my feet. Shuffling, we managed to get back to the small office and the hole I busted into the wall. Without looking back, we slowly stumbled from Cadmus Labs.

Hours later, we hooked up with Bruce and my dad at Wayne Manor. Bruce opened with the happy news that my mother had come out of her coma. Then, Lex explained everything we found out.

Afterwards, I expected my dad to launch at him. Instead, he simply collapsed into a nearby chair and cried like a baby. Bruce took the file from Lex and read it. Excusing himself, he left to compare the notes in the folder to the information he'd already gathered from the samples the hospital gave to him.

In a lonely corner, Alfred stood stoic as ever. I looked at him and found he returned my gaze. There seemed to be a struggle going on just behind his eyes as he left the room with the excuse of making dinner.

As for me, I didn't feel hungry. I went to the suite and crawled into bed. A couple of hours later, I heard Lex enter the room. We shared the bed that night, but didn't touch once.

The next morning, Bruce confirmed Lex's findings. Sitting down around the breakfast table, he explained, "I doubt even Lionel knew what he had on his hands. There are entries in this research log from yesterday. He was trying to create a cure, but his scientists were unsuccessful. I don't think a cure is impossible, but it would take many years to compensate for the mutation of this substance."

He paused. Glancing at Lex, he only spoke after he received an approving nod. "There is one possibility. This substance isn't the usual brand of mind control. Instead of imposing ideas on Mrs. Kent, it simply exaggerates the ideas that are already there. In some ways, it blocks inhibitions. Instead of backing away from unsocial behavior, she acts without limitation."

"Lex and I discussed this last night. If we used an actual mind control agent, we could program her to not act out against you, Clark. She would probably need to be reprogrammed regularly, but she-"

"She'd be no better than a vegetable," yelled my father.

Shaking his head, Lex said, "Not necessarily. There might be some side-effects to the drugs, but at least she wouldn't be psychotic."

Standing up, my dad argued, "She's not psychotic. You didn't see her last night. She laughed and smiled. She was Martha again."

Interrupting, Bruce countered, "She may seem fine, but she will change when she sees Clark. The substance is still there, Mr. Kent. It will make her change into the woman capable of imprisoning her son."

Nodding, my father grew quiet and sank back against his chair. I leaned forward and said, "Let's do it."

Later that day, Bruce arrived at Gotham Hospital with a medical team. They marched in and took over. They administered the mind control drugs and started the reprogramming. After rounds of mind-control agents, my mom became lethargic. Within 2 hours, she was in a coma again.

The mind control agents failed. The substance attacked them like they attacked the botanical enzyme she contracted from Poison Ivy. Bruce's team administered the mind control antidote and she seemed to slowly recover.

A few days later, she hit a brick wall. Although she was free of mind control agent, the substance seemed to mutate in response. The result was a coma that, while not fatal, did not show any signs of ending.

During all of this, Lionel made no attempts at contacting Lex. Lex made several attempts at calling him, just in case a secret cure really did exist, but to no avail.

My father held vigil. He only left her room when I promised to stay in his place. For weeks, we labored under this routine. I barely saw Lex and when I did, there was a distance between us that didn't seem to close.

One night, I sat with my mother. I still couldn't bring myself to touch her, but I spoke to her a little. At 1:15AM, the door to her room opened. Alfred entered and closed the door behind him quietly. I was about to ask how he got past security when he said, "Master Clark, you look dreadful. You should go splash some water on your face. You'll feel better."

He was right. I was dead tired so I got up and left. As I returned, I noticed an odd light coming from under the door to her room. It was soft white and seemed to ripple like water. I stared at it and noted that it disappeared the moment I touched the doorknob. When I opened the door, I saw Alfred patting his brow with a handkerchief as he stood beside my mother's bed.

He looked at me and said, "It's a tad warm in here, don't you think?"

I shrugged, as I don't feel heat anymore than I feel cold. He straightened his jacket, tucked away his handkerchief, and then walked toward the door. As he passed me, he placed a hand on my arm and said, "You should go to bed. Everything will look better in the morning."

I appreciated his concern, but I replied, "I can't. I promised my father, I'd stay."

Nodding once, he stated, "Very well, Master Clark."

He bowed quickly and left the room.

The next morning, my mother came out of the coma.

Later that day, the blood tests showed no sign of the substance Lionel gave her.

Later that evening, Lex, Bruce, Alfred and I rejoiced at Wayne Manor. We drank and laughed. We stayed up until the wee hours of morning before staggering up the stairs.

Alone, Lex and I stood facing each other. Speechless, there no longer seemed a reason for the distance between us, but that didn't stop the distance from being there just the same. I wanted to reach out for him, but something stopped me. In his eyes, I saw he was feeling the same thing.

Finally, he opened his mouth and said, "Clark..."

 

A Pandora's Box of Emotions

My heart should have been lightened by the recent events. It had seemed to be during the previous hours. Once I was alone with him, it all came flooding back. I saw the hesitation in his eyes and my heart shattered.

"Clark, your mother should be released from the hospital tomorrow. I'll arrange for the limo to take you all home."

I turned and walked toward the bathroom. His voice stopped me, dead.

"You're going to let him win, aren't you? I never took you for a coward, Lex."

"Cowardice has nothing to do with it, Clark. He always wins. He's always taken the things I cared for from me. This time he's just making sure he destroys all the good left in me."

"How is he doing that?"

"By demolishing your love for me." I felt his movements but kept my eyes closed even when he cupped my chin and forced my head up.

"Lex, look at me."

His voice was low, urgent and ripped at my heart even more. I slowly opened my eyes to look at him. I'm not sure what I was expecting. What I did see took my breath.

"I'm not going to let him win, Lex. I'll kill him first."

"Clark?"

He picked me up and walked toward the bed. His lovemaking was almost violent as he left mark after mark on my body. When he straddled me and sat on my cock he tightened down so hard on me, it had the effect of a cockring.

He rocked, kissed and sucked at me for a long time before he began to move up and down on me. His movements became so fierce that the next morning I found friction burns in all the places we had been in contact.

I know I howled when he finally allowed me to come and then I passed out. I woke the next morning to Alfred's voice. I was alone in the bed, the room looked as if a tornado had gone through it, torn clothing littered the floor.

"Master Lex."

"Alfred, what time is it?"

"It's after nine. I thought you might be hungry."

"Has Clark left for Smallville?"

"Mr. Kent went alone to see his wife home. He and Master Clark had words over breakfast this morning."

"Words? Were they fighting about me?"

"I believe the conversation was confined to the fact that Master Clark has no intention of leaving you. Ever was the word he used."

"Then where is he?"

"He said he had something to discuss with your father. I believe he has gone to Metropolis."

"Shit! How long has he been gone?"

"Two hours."

"Damn! Tell Bruce I need the helicopter."

"Master Lex, you should let this play out."

"Clark threatened to kill Lionel. I can't let that happen, Clark would never recover."

"Master Lex, that boy is your future. You must learn to trust in him. He will only do what he must, and he will never look back on any decision he makes to protect you with anything other than pride that he took care of his mate."

"Alfred, he couldn't live with murder."

"He can and will, should he ever need to do that. He won't need to do that today, someday maybe, but not today. Besides, we both know that if he wants Lionel dead today, the deed has been done by now."

I reached for my phone, but Alfred covered my hand. "You should bathe and eat. He will return to you soon."

I looked into Alfred's eyes and believed. I sometimes wonder if he, too, is from some other world. Or maybe he just has supernatural powers. So, I meekly entered the bathroom to shower.

When I came out the room had been cleaned, torn clothing gone, a tube of soothing cream left on the bedside table for my burns and a thermos of coffee waiting on the table by the balcony doors.

I applied the ointment to my thighs, generously to my dick and then dressed. I sat down at the table with a cup of coffee and booted up my PC. I had just finished my correspondence when I heard his voice.

"Alfred has your breakfast ready. Can you take a break before it gets cold?"

"Did you break anything?"

"On your father? No, but some of his furniture can now be used as toothpicks."

"Clark, you shouldn't have tipped your hand that way."

"There's only one thing that can hurt me. I guess as my partner you'll just have to make sure he doesn't find out what that is."

I looked at him and knew something had shifted in him again. The man looked out at me from his eyes. I knew then that Alfred was right. Someday Clark would probably kill to protect me, but he'd never look back.

I would be the one to carry the guilt.

 

Time to Move On

That morning, I showed up at Wayne Manor. I still had sawdust from expensive furniture in my hair when I went up to our suite. I found Lex and told him what I did to his father and saw a dark emotion cross his face. For a second, I thought it was worry for his father. Then, I realized, it was for me.

Taking his hand, I led him to the bed. We sat down. We stared at each other in silence, slowly tracing our thumbs over each other's flesh. Finally, I said, "Lex, so much has happened. I can't be the person I was anymore."

He didn’t say a word. He just nodded. Clearing my throat I continued, "Months ago, I tried to go back. Go back to Smallville. Go back to high school. Go back. Just go back. It took a while. It took being kidnapped. It took my mother being poisoned. It took destroying every single piece of furniture in your father’s house, but I finally understand that I can’t go back. I need to go forward."

Holding his hand tighter, I said, "You told me once that we have a future and I still believe that. I want today to be the first day of my future. More, I want that future with you, but with nothing of the past. No Smallville. Hell, no Kansas. Let’s just go. Let’s travel the world. Let’s see what we can see and not look back."

He sat across from me in silence. Reaching out his hand, he ran his fingers through my hair before saying, "Clark…"

 

Around the World in 80 Months

I reached out to him using my fingers to dislodge the sawdust from his hair. So old and yet so very young, I felt like I had sixty years on him instead of six. My beautiful boy looked at me with such trust, such hope. I made the most life altering decision of my life then.

"Clark, be sure."

"You don't want to?"

"I didn't say that. If you're sure, I'll arrange for you to have a passport and we'll go."

"I'm sure, Lex."

"Okay, why don't you shower the dust off, we'll go down, have breakfast and decide where to go first."

As Clark ate his second helping of waffles, I made a list of all the places he wanted to go. Using my laptop I charted them out, planned the routes we would take and decided we needed to go shopping.

Bruce wandered in and offered a suggestion or two. And that's how I ended up living abroad with my lover over the next several years. During that time, he learned more than he would have in twenty years of schooling in America.

He called his parents weekly and each time they asked him to come home. Each time he asked if they had accepted us. I could tell they tried to get around that question. He wouldn't let them. Each call ended with his saying he loved them but I was his destiny.

Then he would take me to bed and fuck me all night long.

My conversations with my father had altered as well. He had tried his usual methods, none of which worked. Then he resorted to sending me the security tape of Clark's demolition derby through his house. It was almost as good as being there.

One night, on the way home from the opera in Paris, we were attacked. I was never able to prove it but I feel sure my father had something to do with it. As Alfred predicted, Clark killed the assassin, stuffed the body down the sewer and whisked me back to the hotel. He made a point of ordering room service, to establish our alibi, before he went to wash away the evidence.

Alfred had also been right in that Clark never looked back.

We returned to the states to attend my father's funeral. He'd tried to get me back sooner but I'd refused to believe he was dying. Had Bruce not confirmed to me that Lionel was dead I wouldn't have come back then.

Clark stood at my side, my partner, my legal husband in every country that allowed same sex marriage and my sole heir. He stood on alert as we watched the bastard lowered into the ground. Jonathan and Martha stood on the other side of the grave with Chloe, Pete and Lana.

At the reception, I mingled among all the board members, shook hands, assured them I'd be taking over the helm. It was time to come home. Clark had wandered away to eat and his parents had cornered him. I saw him shake his head and then he looked up to see me watching. I excused myself from the knot of people around me and moved to him.

"Clark, I'm going to ask Bruce to see to our guests. I'm exhausted, I'm going up to our room."

Before I could turn, he took my arm, and looking at his folks, he spoke. "We won't speak of this again. Lex is my husband. I consider our marriage to be as sacred as you do yours. If you wish to be part of our lives, you have to accept that."

He led me across to Bruce where I made my request. I was surprised to find Clark's parents dining with Bruce the next morning when I went downstairs. It would be years before I learned what was said that night after the guests had left. Bruce once more stepped in for me.

Last week I celebrated my one-hundredth birthday. I don't really look much older than I did at thirty. Clark hasn't aged at all. He still looks twenty. We'd enjoyed the company of our children, grand children and great grand children.

Of course, when they left we made love for hours. That hasn't changed much either, except for Clark's topping more often than he did fifty years ago. It's still great, still leaves me breathless with the sheer ecstasy of being loved by him.

So, we've completed these journals at the request of our oldest granddaughter. Who knows, maybe when I reach two hundred we'll write some more. But actually, our lives are pretty boring these days…except for the sex that is.

Edited to add: Clark insists that I say that it took him fifty years to convince me he'd never leave. But you know, I think I believed him after twenty-five.

Fin

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