Part 18
Lex found his lover huddled up by the mill, arms wrapped round his knees, face buried in both. "Clark," he breathed, thankful that the younger man looked okay. Clark didn't move, so Lex crouched down beside him and reached out to touch him. "Clark?" he said softly. "Can't look up," Clark murmured, "Can't hurt you." "Clark, don't be ridiculous, you wouldn't hurt me," Lex whispered. "Might," Clark said with a sniff. "How?" Lex asked quietly, enfolding his lover in his arms. Clark curled into him but still refused to look up. "The heat came out of my eyes, Lex, it set the barn on fire," Clark whispered, trembling. "But why do you think that you might hurt me, Clark?" Lex asked, "Has it happened again?" Clark shook his head. "Well then," Lex said soothingly. "No, Lex, you don't understand," Clark sighed, "I was thinking about you when it happened." Lex blinked, thinking about him had caused heat to come from Clark's eyes? "What do you mean?" Clark shifted, then sighed and turned away from him. Lex frowned and pulled his lover back round, frustrated that Clark resolutely kept his eyes screwed closed. "Clark?" he snapped. "I... I was jacking off," Clark finally admitted in a tiny voice. "Oh, is that all?" Lex was confused, then he raised an eyebrow, "Baby, it is okay for you to jack off, you know?" Clark shrugged. "Yeah, it's just weird when you're not around," he said quietly. "Tell me what happened, love," Lex said, hugging his lover close. Clark snuggled up to him, this time burying his face in Lex's neck for a moment. "I was thinking about how much I miss you," Clark started, "I hate that you're gone, I hate myself for being so selfish, wanting you here all the time..." "Clark," Lex whispered sorrowfully, heart clenching at his lover's tone of self-loathing. He tightened his embrace and Clark sighed. "It's okay, school's important to you, I love you too much to stand in the way of that," Clark said softly. "Tonight, I didn't want to think about it, I just wanted to think about us. I got horny and I felt a bit weird, but I was thinking about the weekend so I started, you know," he made a gesture at his crotch with one hand. Lex nodded, half-smiling that after everything they'd done together, Clark could still get embarrassed. "And this pressure built up behind my eyes, hot and real fast and it just... I don't know, exlpoded out and the barn caught on fire." "Clark, open your eyes," Lex said softly. Clark shook his head. "Love, if you're worried, look down or something, but it'll be fine." Swallowing audibly, Clark sighed, then nodded. "Okay," he murmured, looking away from Lex and down. "Oh thank God," he breathed when nothing happened. "See, you're fine," Lex whispered, tugging Clark close again. "Now look at me," he said softly. "I can't," Clark breathed in distress. "Look at me," Lex repeated. While he knew Clark could easily resist him, Lex still cupped his lover's chin and urged him to look round. Finally, Clark looked up at him and opened his eyes. They were red-rimmed, but still the beautiful green he knew and loved. "See, it's okay, baby." Clark's brows scrunched, doubt still filling his gaze. Lex leaned forward and kissed him gently. "It's okay," he whispered. Clark inhaled sharply and looked away again. Lex tensed, but nothing happened. "Clark?" "Sorry," Clark sighed, "I felt... I thought it was going to happen again." "Because I kissed you?" Lex asked quietly. "I... I think so," Clark nodded. "Do you think it could be sexual then?" Lex murmured, almost to himself. There was a distinct possibility that Clark's development was what was initiating these new powers, even though they'd been having sex for a while, perhaps the added factor of them being apart had caused this newest power to appear. Clark flushed, still not quite able to meet his eyes. "Don't know," he whispered. Lex sighed. He shifted so that he was sitting against the mill and pulled Clark into his arms so that the younger boy leaned his back to his chest. "Well, let's try then," he said quietly. Clark tensed in his arms. "Are you insane?" Clark gasped, "You want me to try and start a fire?" "Clark, you need to learn to control this, don't you?" Lex asked. He waited till Clark nodded his agreement. "We're in the middle of nowhere, no one's going to see, you won't hurt anyone or damage anything." Slowly, Lex slid his arms lower and then cupped Clark's crotch. Clark squeaked. "Lex," Clark exclaimed, "What are you doing?" Lex stroked until he felt Clark start to harden in his jeans. "Helping you out," he drawled, licking the rim of Clark's ear. "Oh fuck!" Clark shouted, bucking into Lex's hand as twin points of fire exploded into flame several feet away. Lex couldn't quite help jumping, but when he felt Clark trying to move away, Lex held on tighter. "No, Clark, stay," he whispered. "I can't, I can't!" Clark sobbed, tears pouring down his face through eyelids screwed shut, "I'll hurt you, oh God, I'll hurt you." "Clark," Lex whispered, holding on tight, stroking Clark's face gently, wiping away the tears. "Hush now, it's okay," he murmured soothingly, "You'd never deliberately hurt me, I know that, and we're going to help you control this so you'll never accidentally hurt me, okay baby?" "What if I don't hurt you?" Clark demanded fiercely, somewhat disconcertingly when his eyes were still closed. "What if I kill you?" Dropping his head onto Clark's shoulder, Lex sighed heavily. It was a possibility and he couldn't deny it as much as he wanted to, even to reassure Clark. "Clark, if you weren't invulnerable, there would be times when I would have probably hurt you, and let's face it, how many times over would you be dead because of me if you weren't?" "Don't say that!" Clark gasped, horrified enough to turn and stare at Lex. "Why not, it's true," Lex said softly, "And it would have killed me, but you are what you are and we're going to get through any and all new abilities that might develop together, okay? I know you can control this, just like you can control your strength, speed and X-ray, you just need to practice." Clark blinked at him, then ducked his head. "I'll try," he whispered. "Okay, good," Lex said with a nod, "Turn round." Clark lay back in his arms again and Lex started over. @>*~ They'd sat in the field for hours practising, until Clark had spotted that Lex was trembling with the cold and had scooped him up and run him back to his house. Clark lay him on the couch and lit a fire, grinning proudly when Lex chuckled at him. So far he'd managed to cause the heat rays at will, more difficult was preventing them when he got horny, but they were both tired and as soon as Clark pulled him into a hug, Lex fell asleep. @>*~ Lex woke slowly, wondering vaguely why he was slowly suffocating until Clark snuffled in his ear and Lex remembered where he was. "Love," he murmured, pushing weakly at Clark. "Mmm," Clark shifted moving his head as Lex turned his. "Ow," Lex groaned, his cheek connecting with the invulnerable solidness of Clark's skull painfully. Clark was up and off him in a split second and Lex blinked up in surprise." "Shit, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Clark whispered. "Clark, I'm fine, it's just a bump," Lex couldn't quite help a laugh even though Clark's eyes filled with embarrassed confusion and hurt, "Aren't you going to kiss it better?" Lex asked softly, smiling in invitation. Clark stared at him, his expression uncertain and Lex held out his hand, "Come on, baby, you're overreacting because last night scared you, I'm fine, I promise." Finally, Clark stumbled back over to the couch and Lex hugged him close with a sigh of relief. "Really?" Clark whispered, kissing his cheek softly. "Really," Lex said with a nod. "I've had much worse happen in bed with partners who were sleeping." Clark's eyes darkened and his grip tightened round Lex's shoulders. "I don't want to hear about other people you've fucked," Clark gritted out, "Let alone that some of them have hurt you." "Clark, calm down," Lex breathed, a minute trickle of fear escaping his control when he saw Clark's eyes glow for a second. Clark made a sound like a strangled, frustrated howl and looked at the fireplace which exploded into flame a split second later. When Lex recovered from his shock, Clark was gone. "Fuck," Lex muttered. He got up and hurried out of the house. "Clark!" he shouted, "Clark, please, I'm sorry!" "Well, that was smart," Lex muttered to himself. He'd only meant to reassure Clark not make him jealous and protective, but the fact that he'd let Clark see his fear was unforgivable. What if it compounded Clark's own fears, what if his lover thought Lex didn't trust him? "Shit," Lex sighed. He picked up the jacket he'd discarded the night before and made the short journey over to the Kent farm, where he'd hopefully find his lover. He knocked on the door and Martha answered, her expression a mix of worry and surprise. "Oh God," she said, shaking her head, "Has something happened?" "Is Clark here?" Lex asked quietly. "No," she replied, "I was hoping you might know where he was. Do you know what happened in the barn?" Lex moved past her into the kitchen and he sat down. "He's developed a new power," he said quietly, "And it scared him, he called me last night so of course I came round," he sighed, "We were getting it under control and then... well, I messed up and I don't know where he is." "What's the power?" Martha asked, "It looks like he set fire to the place." Lex grimaced. "Heat rays from his eyes," he said quietly. "Goodness," Martha gasped, "Is he okay?" "He was," Lex sighed, "We... I let him down." Lex dropped his head into his hands, he was so worried and scared, his lover was still so young, in many ways still a child and if he felt that Lex didn't trust him, was scared of him, he might do something drastic. "I doubt it," Martha said quietly, "You know Clark overreacts sometimes and when new powers develop it takes him a while to sort it out in his head. Just give him time, he'll come and find you." "I have to go back to Metropolis," Lex sighed, "But I don't want to go without seeing Clark first." "Go, Lex, don't worry," she said, touching his shoulder gently, "I'll talk to him when he comes home." "Will you let him come and see me?" Lex asked hopefully. Martha smiled gently, "Of course." "Thank you," Lex said sincerely. He stood up and took a deep breath, "Tell him I love him." She nodded and Lex walked slowly back to where he'd left his car and drove back to Metropolis. It didn't feel right, leaving without talking to his lover first, but who knew when Clark would show up. Hopefully, once Clark had spoken to his mother, he'd come and find Lex. He wanted to apologise for the fear Clark had seen, which really had been more to do with worrying about Clark's reaction if he really did end up hurting him. Things were always so complicated, just once, Lex wished they were normal and could just be together. @>*~ Lex barely made it back to Metropolis in time for his afternoon lectures and spent the entire time distracted by worrying about Clark first of all, and wondering why Dave was staring at him every time he looked up. Eventually he caught the blond's eye and raised an eyebrow enquiringly. Dave flushed and shrugged before looking away. After the lectures were finally over, Lex got up with a sigh of relief, hoping to make a quick escape back to his room so he could call Martha. He wasn't that lucky, Dave fell into step with him as he headed back to his dorm. "Hey," Dave said. "Hi," Lex said distractedly. "What happened to you this morning, sleep in?" Dave asked. Lex snorted, sleep? What sleep? "Not exactly," he answered non-commitedly. "Uh huh," Dave murmured. Stopping in his tracks, Lex actually focused on the other man instead of trying to get back to his dorm as quickly as possible. "What? What is it?" "No, I was just wondering, because you know, you don't seem the type to miss class," Dave said quietly. "No offence, Dave, but you don't know me," Lex replied, trying not to be too harsh despite the fact that he was starting feel anxious about calling the Kents. "I guess," Dave sighed, "I'd like to though." Lex blinked, was he being friendly or was it something more. "I, uh, sure, I could always use more friends," he managed. "That's not exactly what I meant," Dave said awkwardly, looking down. "Look, Dave, you know I'm with someone," Lex said quietly, "It's exclusive." He wasn't quite able to say that he loved Clark and they were commited to each other to someone who was almost a stranger. "For you maybe," Dave muttered. "Pardon me?" Lex gaped at the blond in shock. Dave flushed, "Look maybe I'm way out of line here, but I don't think he's right for you. I bet that's where you were last night, wasn't it?" "As it happens yes, I was," Lex replied, starting to get angry, he didn't need this right now. "Not that it's any of your business, what's your point?" "Uh huh, and you come back late for class, looking exhausted and with a bruise on your face," Dave said quietly, looking directly at Lex. "I don't believe this," Lex sighed. This was insane, his day could not possibly get any worse. "Like I said, Dave, it's none of your business and I don't have to explain myself, or my relationship, to you. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a very important phone call to make." He shoved past the blond and strode quickly back to his dorm, making sure he was out of sight before breaking into a run, not stopping till he was in his room, the door locked behind him. Lex pulled out his cell, checking first to see if he'd missed any calls or got any voicemails. There was nothing. An ominous feeling crept up his spine, making him shiver and Lex quickly dialled the Kent farm. "Lex?" "Martha, any news?" Lex asked quickly. There was a long pause and Lex's chest tightened, his day was officially about to get worse. "I was hoping," she stopped again, her breath hitching audibly, "I was hoping maybe he'd gone to see you." "He hasn't been home?" Lex whispered. "No," she replied, "Lex, what should we do?" "Call Ethan, we need to start looking for him in case," Lex paused, not really wanting to think about it, "In case he ran into some meteor rock. I'll be there in two hours." "Three, Lex," Martha said immediately, "Don't speed, please." Lex smiled softly. "I'll try." He switched off his phone and grabbed some clothes shoving them into a bag along with some toiletries before he left his room. Lois was standing outside. "Hey, off again already?" she asked. "I don't have time," Lex snapped, "I don't know when I'll be back so maybe you could take a break from stalking me all the time." "Stalking you?" she laughed, "Good one, bye Lex." Lex glowered at the would-be reporter and hurried away. He chucked his bag onto the passenger seat and accelerated out of the car park, narrowly missing two students in his hurry. @>*~ Lex made it back to Smallville in two and a half hours and screeched to a halt outside the Kent farm. He leapt out, heading straight to the kitchen. "Martha, Jon?" he called. "Come on in, Lex," Jonathan called back. Lex pushed the door open and walked through the kitchen to the sitting room where Jonathan and Martha were sitting on the couch holding each other close. Ethan was sitting opposite them, looking as serious as ever. "Any news?" Lex asked, trying not to show just how worried he was. He sat on the arm of the couch next to Martha, who gently patted his knee. The Sheriff frowned in bemusement at them. "Not yet," Jonathan sighed, "We just got through telling the Sheriff what we know." "Which was?" Lex asked cautiously. "That Clark left the barn sometime last night and hasn't been back since," Martha said quietly, leaning closer to her husband who wrapped a comforting arm around her. Lex watched enviously, he could have used Clark's presence right about then, ironically since it was Clark who was causing him this pain. "Well, Martha, Jon, while I appreciate it has almost been twenty-four hours, it's not exactly out of character for Clark to take off," Ethan said somewhat apologetically. Lex stiffened worriedly, the longer they waited, the chance of Clark potentially getting into trouble grew exponentially. He couldn't just sit around, it wasn't in his nature. "Excuse me," he murmured and got up. He dug his cell phone out of his pocket as he walked toward the river where he and Clark had first met. "Mason, yeah it's Lex. I need a search party, Smallville, now, and a helicopter, thermal imaging, the works. Clark Kent, his picture's on file." Lex snapped his phone shut and put it away, refusing to acknowledge his guilt over still having a file on his lover despite what he now knew and despite how he felt about Clark. Lex walked along the riverbank to the bridge where he'd hit Clark and knocked them both into the river, where they both would have died if Clark hadn't been an alien. He was disappointed to not see Clark, he'd almost expected to find his lover waiting for him there. "Clark?" he yelled. Shoulders sagging, Lex sat down on the grass, staring at the fading light glancing off the water. He didn't know which was worse, the possibility that Clark was in trouble somewhere, or the possibility that Clark was fine, but was staying away. It was nearly dark when Lex heard the chopper overhead. He nodded to himself, at least he wasn't helpless, he still had the money and influence to get a proper search of the area. Hopefully they would find Clark... hopefully Clark hadn't used his speed and had stayed in the area. Getting up from the riverbank, Lex made his way back to the farm. He found Martha and Jon in the kitchen. "Lex," Martha said, "I was starting to worry about you too." "Sorry," Lex sighed, "I needed some time to think, but I've organised a search, I should from them soon." "Thanks Lex," Jonathan said quietly. Lex smiled tightly, they were all worried but it was his fault Clark had run off the way he had. "Stop blaming yourself," Martha said softly, apparently reading his mind, "Sit down and have some hot chocolate." She stood up and poured him a mug from the pot on the stove. "Thanks," Lex mumbled, wrapping his hands round the cup to warm his hands. "Do you want to stay over tonight?" she asked, "You can sleep in Clark's room in case he sneaks home." "Really?" Lex asked in surprise. "Yes," Martha smiled and Jonathan nodded his agreement. "Thank you," Lex sighed and sipped his chocolate, feeling a little better. He didn't think he'd actually be able to sleep, but spending the night in Clark's room would be some sort of comfort. Part 19After a restless night, Lex was dismayed when he woke up to find himself alone. Still alone. Mason had called during the night, the search team had found nothing except for one small fire near a long abandoned farm building. Lex was convinced that Clark had probably been nearby, but maybe he'd hidden from the helicopter. He was certainly fast enough to avoid detection by anyone on the ground, but that wasn't going to stop Lex from going out to the farmhouse to make his own search.
Sneaking down the stairs, Lex nearly made it out of the house before the Kents caught him. "You're not going anywhere without coffee and breakfast," Martha said firmly, pushing him back towards the kitchen. Lex opened his mouth to protest but was quickly quelled by her glare. "They didn't find anything," Lex said quietly. Jonathan and Martha stared at him sadly. "I'm sorry," he added. "I know you did what you could, son," Jonathan sighed, "Don't worry so much, Clark won't stay away long, his conscience won't let him." "Conscience?" Lex asked with a frown, he was the one whose conscience was wreaking havoc in his mind. "He'll feel guilty about making us worry," Martha said, patting his hand. "Oh," Lex said. He sipped his coffee to hide his feelings from the older couple. Clark would feel terrible for making them worry, which just made Lex feel worse because it was still his fault that Clark had run off in the first place. "I, uh, I'm going to go for a walk," he said and got up. This time neither Kent made a move to stop him, Martha just smiled. "Don't be too long," she said. Lex nodded quickly and hurried out, heading straight for the area where Mason had reported the fire. It was an ancient farmhouse, but falling apart. The roof had collapsed on one side, there was no glass at all left in the windows, most of the frames had rotted away. All over one side was evidence of scorching and burning... Clark had definitely been there. Lex looked around almost hopefully, walking the circumference of the house, peering in the windows, but if Clark was still there, he was hiding. Stopping in front of the house, Lex dropped his head, shoulders slumping in despair. "Clark," he said, "Clark, I'm sorry. I'm not frightened of you or of what you can do, okay? I worry about you, that's all." Sighing, Lex forced his legs to move, to carry him away and back to the Kent farm. @>*~ "You can't miss another day, Lex," Martha said, quietly insistent. "But I..." Lex started to protest. "You what? You're going to stay here and worry about him till he comes back?" Jonathan asked gently, "He can take care of himself, Lex, better than most." "I know that," Lex sighed, "I just, I want to find him and make him see." He trailed off uncertainly, still uncomfortable with admitting his feelings for Clark in the Kents' presence. "He knows you love him, Lex," Martha said, patting his arm gently, "And deep down I'm sure he knows that you're not scared of his abilities. But you can't just sit here and wait and worry, okay? You need to go back to school and work or he'll just feel guilty if you get behind." Lex almost laughed. "He really would, wouldn't he?" he sighed, "Okay, I'll go back to Metropolis. When you see him, tell him I'm waiting for him, please." "Of course we will," Martha said with a nod, "But I suspect you'll see him first." She smiled and leaned over to kiss his cheek and Lex almost gasped. Swallowing hard, he smiled at his lover's parents. "Thank you," he said and quickly got in his car before he got too emotional. "I'll be down next weekend hopefully." "We look forward to it," Jonathan said sincerely. Smiling tightly, Lex waved and pulled away. @>*~ Even though he got back in time for some of his lectures, Lex couldn't quite bring himself to go. He knew he needed to distract himself from worrying about Clark, but he wasn't sure class was going to cut it. Especially if he had to worry about Dave staring at him again. Lex made his way up to his dorm room greeting a few people with fake cheer on his way. It was almost a relief to close the door behind him, but he felt his heart clench with disappointment to see that it was empty. What was Clark doing? Why was he staying away like this, worrying his parents, worrying him. Lex felt like his guilt was growing with every second that Clark didn't show up. He double checked his cell phone just to be sure the Kents hadn't contacted him. A knock at the door made Lex's heart leap with hope and he leapt across the room, yanking the door open. "Clark..." he stared at the slightly surprised girl in front of him. "Oh, it's you. What do you want?" Lois snorted. "Well, I'd be insulted if I didn't know your boyfriend was missing." Frowning, Lex stared at her. How the hell did she know Clark was missing? With a growl of anger, Lex grabbed her and yanked her into his room. "What do you know?" he demanded, "Who the fuck are you working for, are you spying on me?" "Hey, get off me," she yelped, shoving at him, "I am not spying on you!" Backing off slowly, Lex glared at the brunette. "If you're not spying on me, then why are you always hanging around, and how do you know about Clark?" "Man, are you paranoid," Lois shook her head, "But I guess with your father you'd have to be. Okay, I admit I'm interested in you okay? I mean how many other guys do you know would give up a billion dollar enterprise to go back to college? And you're openly gay, I mean come on, I am studying journalism!" "I'll give you that much," Lex conceded, he'd had to dodge a great many reporters in his life. "But what about Clark, how did you know Clark is missing?" "I have my sources," Lois said. Lex glared at her. "Fine, I heard about your search party from a friend and guessed the rest from your hasty departure the other day." She touched his arm and he flinched away. "Sorry," she said, "I hope he's okay, and I promise I'm not working for your father, okay?" "You promise?" Lex asked, raising an eyebrow archly and snorting. "Lex, I may be determined and ambitious, but I'm not going to sell out, not now, not ever," she said fiercely, almost reminding him of Chloe. Lex nodded. "Okay, I believe you, God only knows why." "Because you've had me investigated and found nothing?" she asked knowingly. Lex smiled slowly, "Fine, okay, I admit it, I had you checked out." She smiled back at him. "Just stop acting so creepy okay? It's freaking Clark out, and he's a little protective." "Yeah, no shit," she laughed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be weird." She held out her hand. "Friends?" Lex looked at her for a moment and, gauging sincerity in her eyes, he nodded and shook her hand. "Friends," he replied. "Can I go now?" she asked, smirking at him. "Oh yeah," Lex opened the door for her with a rueful smile, "Sorry." "It's okay, I guess Clark's not the only one who's a little protective," she laughed. "I guess not," Lex agreed with a sigh. "I'll see you later." He shut the door behind her and went to sit on his bed. Maybe he was a little over protective of Clark, but then he was over everyone he cared about, even the Kents. Maybe he should have told them that he'd bought their mortgage, but it just never seemed to be the right time without seeming condescending. And now Clark had disappeared, it just seemed like a pity gesture. It would help if he knew who his father had watching him, he wasn't naive enough to believe that he wasn't being watched by someone. His father would either want him back under his eagle eye in LuthorCorp or to be sure that he was no threat to LuthorCorp in the long run. Lex smiled maliciously; Lionel had no idea that he didn't give a damn about LuthorCorp, it would be beyond his comprehension, but Lex was quite happy to let him stew over it, after all he did know where some of the bodies were buried, in some cases, quite literally. @>*~ Several hours later, Lex felt like he was going stir crazy. Every single sound of movement in the hallway had him jumping up in expectation, he was checking his cell phone every couple of minutes, if not more and still nothing. In a strange way he felt like Clark was nearby and Lex hoped he was right, hoped that his lover was close even if he was out of reach, but he still had to get out of there, if only for a little while. He walked down to the car park and jumped when Dave suddenly appeared out of nowhere. "Jesus Christ!" he exclaimed, "I just got rid of one stalker, Dave, don't tell me you're taking over." Dave grimaced. "I'm not stalking you, I'm just worried about you," he sighed, "I figured you might take off again, so I thought I'd wait for you." Lex frowned. "I keep telling you Dave, you don't even know me and none of this is your business, just leave it." "Look, maybe everyone else is scared of you or does what you say because you're rich, but I think you're in real trouble here," Dave said earnestly, "I just want to help, because obviously no one else cares enough to." "You know nothing about me," Lex hissed angrily, "Now just leave me alone." He wrenched the car door open and got inside, starting the engine and pulling away quickly. He drove out of campus and headed for downtown and the areas he used to hang out when he was young and stupid and used to try and get his father's attention. Not that he wanted to get blitzed in any capacity, not when Clark would just worry about him, but there was an element of nostalgia that appealed to his dark mood. He parked down a side street and got out, stalking down the road till he reached a club. He wasn't dressed for it, but it didn't matter, he used to be Lex Luthor and he was still rich. The bouncer let him in with an almost startled look and Lex went to the bar to get a beer. Moving over to one corner, Lex nursed his bottle and watched the patrons of the club. It still surprised him a little that none of this appealed to him any more. Not even the sight of a pair of very pretty twins dancing seductively near him was enough to tempt him. Just as he'd once told his lover, Clark was all he wanted now, all he needed, and standing in this place felt wrong. He should never have gone there in the first place, but he just felt so lost not knowing where Clark was or when, or even if, he'd be coming back! Not that he'd admit that to anyone but the worry and guilt was really starting to wear at him. Lex put down the bottle with a sigh and walked out of the club, heading back to his car. As he walked up the road, Lex was suddenly aware of someone nearby, someone following him and he tensed expectantly. Was this more gay bashing, his father's minions or maybe even Dave again. That guy was starting to annoy him. Lex sped up slightly, nearly at his car, when someone grabbed him. "Told you he'd be here," a voice Lex vaguely recognised said as he struggled against a strong grip. "Yeah." The one holding him replied. "Hello Lex." Lex shivered and stopped struggling, going limp in the man's arms. He definitely knew that voice. Would recognise it anywhere. "What's going on Johnny?" he asked quietly. "Aw look, he remembers," the first voice laughed. "Of course he does," Johnny chuckled, "I beat his ass enough times for him to remember me." Lex bit back a frightened gasp and started to struggle again. "Now, Lex, did you really think your father was going to just let you go?" "Get off me," Lex gritted out. He managed to get an arm free and elbowed Johnny hard in the head. Johnny dropped him with a curse and Lex scrambled to his feet, trying to run for the car. The other guy leapt on him, bringing him down, and punched him hard. "You little fuck," Johnny growled, leaning over him. He pushed the other guy aside and lifted Lex up by the collar. "I'm going to enjoy beating the shit out of you again, Lex, it's been too long." Lex swallowed and stared at his father's biggest and longest serving bodyguard, the man who had always been charged with finding him at nightclubs, brothels and crackhouses and 'knocking some sense into him', which had always consisted of beating him up. "I'm not his or your problem anymore, Johnny," he said quietly, "I don't really think it's a good idea that you hurt me." "Why?" Johnny asked with a laugh, "Will you tell on me?" he pulled a face and laughed again, "Like your father wouldn't make it go away." Lex shook his head, hoping against hope that maybe Clark was nearby, that his lover was keeping an eye on him, regardless of their latest difficulty. "I was actually thinking about you," he said with a malicious smile, "Dad might have you, but I can go one better." He hoped that his bravado might put the men off and he wouldn't have to test his connection with his lover. "Your pussy boyfriend you mean?" Johnny laughed, "Oh please, what's a farm boy going to do, you know I trained for years to do this shit." Lex shrugged, "Fine, play it that way." He dropped his head back and silently prayed, shouting Clark's name as the first blow caught his face. Lex flew back and felt his head connect with the wall, a sickening crack resonated in his ears as his sight started to constrict and his hearing blurred. It was strange, but he could have sworn he heard screams and smelt burning flesh before the darkness consumed him. @>*~ "Clark, stop pacing, you're making me dizzy."Lois? Lex wondered groggily what Lois was doing talking to Clark. And where were they anyway?
"I can't," Clark snapped, "Not till I know he's okay."
"He'll be fine, the Doctor said he'll be fine."
"I wasn't quick enough." Clark sounded devastated. "I couldn't stop him getting hurt."
Lex licked his lips and forced his eyes open. "Johnny would have done a lot worse if you hadn't found me."
"Lex!"
Lex groaned as Clark practically leapt on him. Clark murmured an apology but didn't move, kissing him gently.
"How did you find him?" Lois asked curiously.
Clark sat up a bit, stroking Lex's face, eyes locked with his. "I was following him."
"You two are freaks you know that?"
Lex looked up at Lois and smirked. "Of course."
She chuckled. "Well boys, I have to go, I have a story to write."
Lex watched her leave and shut the door, finally realising they were in his dorm room. "Story?"
Clark blushed. "Um, well you see the two guys attacking you apparently accidently caught fire," he cleared his throat, "I happened to find them and put them out, saving you in the process."
"Clark," Lex breathed in wonder, "You did that?"
Clark shifted, looking away. "I couldn't help it Lex, they were hurting you." He stopped with a noise of frustration. "All that time away from you, trying to practice, get it under control and then I see you... it was all I could do not to let them keep burning, Lex, how could I have..."
Lex sat up quickly, pulling his young lover into his arms before he collapsed. "It's okay, baby, it's okay. You didn't kill them... did you?"
"No. But I wanted to."
"I know," Lex sighed, "But you didn't. Clark, I'd want to kill anyone who hurt you, you do know that right?"
"I guess." Clark took a deep breath and pulled back enough to look at him. "I'm sorry, Lex."
"What for?"
"Taking off like that." Clark kissed him softly and Lex felt his heart unclench at last. "I was scared and I just wanted to be sure that I wouldn't hurt you."
Lex put his finger on Clark's lips. "I know, I understand that. But I love you, Clark and you're supposed to love me, that means we do these things together, okay?"
"Okay," Clark said with a nod, "I am sorry and you know I love you, right?"
"I know." Lex smiled and kissed him again. It felt so good to have Clark with him again and to have sorted things out. To a degree. They still needed a longer talk, but his head hurt. "Come on, I think we should get you home, you know your parents are worried sick?"
Clark looked guilty. "Yeah. But I can run home, you shouldn't get up."
"I'm not letting you go anywhere without me," Lex insisted, pushing himself upright. He went a little dizzy and groaned. "You can drive though."
Clark watched him worriedly. "Fine okay. Come here." He lifted Lex into his arms.
"Clark, I can walk," Lex protested.
"Sure you can."
"I mean it, you're not carrying me to the car," Lex said. Clark sighed and eased him to his feet, although he kept one arm wrapped tightly around his shoulder which Lex was glad of because he wasn't entirely sure he could walk. They moved slowly out of the dorm building and towards the car park.
"Hey Lex, what's going on..." Dave stared at them and Lex sighed. "Oh my God, what have you done to him, you son of a bitch!" Dave threw himself at Clark and only a touch of superspeed kept Clark from dropping Lex before catching the blond.
Clark managed to hold Dave in place who was struggling and cursing. "Lex, what the hell?"
Lex got up from the ground. "Dave calm down. Sorry Clark, it's just a misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding?" Dave screamed, "I swear to God Clark, I get free and I'll make you regret ever touching him!"
Clark looked confused. "What?" He glanced at Lex, eyes wide.
"He thinks you're abusing me," Lex said quietly.
"What?" Clark squeaked, letting go of Dave in shock, eyes shining immediately at the implication. "How could... I don't, I couldn't..."
Lex pulled Clark into a tight hug and glared at the blond. "It's okay baby, I know, I know. I trust you." He kissed his lover gently, then looked at Dave again. "It so happens that Clark stopped a couple of guys from beating the shit out of me tonight, not that it's any of your business. But know this, you ever accuse Clark of abusing me again and so help me, you will never find the kind of job you want, do you understand me?"
Dave shivered lightly and nodded, stumbling back.
"Clark?" Lex lifted his lover's chin and smiled, "You okay?"
"I don't know," Clark sniffed, "I, how could he think that?"
"He jumped to conclusions because he knew about a couple of bruises," Lex explained, "That's all."
Clark ducked his head, "Anyone could jump to those conclusions and I do hurt you."
Lex sighed. "Let's just get home baby, please, we can talk properly later and no, you don't hurt me damn it!"
Clark put his arm round his shoulders again and they walked slowly to the car.
tbc.