Disclaimer: If they were mine, I wouldn't be writing about them... I'd be watching and cheering them on.

Archive: Sure, just let me know where.

Pairing: Clark/Lex

Category: first time, drama

Rating: NC-17

Spoilers: really vague ones.

Summary: Sequel to Promise. About six months have passed and the boys trade Smallville weirdness for Metropolis weirdness.

Feedback: Oh, please... please... pleeeease. Okay that was a little embarrassing.

Author's notes: For everyone who sent me such wonderful praise and feedback for Promise, I want to say thank you. It was a bit startling and absolutely amazing. I just loved it, couldn't get enough. And well, I want more. A great big `Thank you' to Lady Angel, Earthseed, and a special one to Gary. (More author's notes: Tommy's is a restaurant in Los Angeles, California and a tribute to my childhood. Please forgive the indulgence.)

Walking into the penthouse, Lex found Clark exactly where he expected him to be, exactly where he'd been every Sunday morning for the past two months. After picking up the paper and checking for messages in his office he would come back to find Clark sitting in the living room with a cup of coffee. Normally the scene would have made Lex grin. But this wasn't normally and he wasn't grinning.

"What the fuck is this?" He demanded as he threw the newspaper down on the couch next to Clark.

"Umm, the Sunday paper," Clark hedged, looking warily between the paper and Lex. He didn't know what had gotten Lex this mad and he really didn't think that he wanted to find out. Standing up in the hope of escaping, Clark was startled when Lex pushed him back down with a hand on his chest.

"You're not going anywhere until you tell me why you failed to mention that you saved an entire family from carbon monoxide poisoning last night."

Oh shit. He had hoped that Lex wouldn't find out about that. It wasn't really a big deal and it's not like he planned it or anything. He'd been minding his own business and leaving the party Brian, his roommate, had insisted he go to when he noticed that something just wasn't right.

The air smelled weird or maybe it felt weird, he wasn't sure. So walking down the street with the noise of the party fading behind him and the Ferrari somewhere in front of him, Clark started scanning the houses as he passed. He'd been dividing his attention between not running into a tree and x-raying the bedroom of a house when he stopped dead. He had to squeeze his eyes shut and force himself to keep walking when he saw a man yelling and raising a hand to hit his wife.

"Can't save the world," Clark mumbled to himself over and over as he continued down the street. His parents and Lex had told him that more than once and he knew it was true but that didn't stop him from wanting to try. It also didn't stop him from wanting to storm into that room and show the man what it felt like to get hit by someone bigger and stronger than he was.

Scrubbing a hand over his face, Clark concentrated on his current task and was rewarded three houses later. He noticed a couple slumped on the couch at an odd angle and when he breathed in he recognized the smell and signs of a gas leak.

He vaulted over the fence and super-speeded into the house. The locked door gave easily under his hand but it did set off the alarm. Clark ignored it. He planned to be long gone before the cops arrived and it would save him the trouble of having to call 911.

Racing in and out of the house, Clark deposited the husband, wife, twin little girls, two dogs, and a parakeet on the front lawn. They were unconscious but breathing as he made one last trip to turn off the gas. It really wouldn't do much good getting them out of the house if the whole neighborhood blew up.

Hearing the sirens, Clark ran, jumped in the Ferrari, and waited. He didn't pull away from the curb until the police had surrounded the family and called an ambulance. With all the commotion he didn't think anyone had seen him but apparently it didn't matter because Lex was standing over him looking particularly menacing and wanting an explanation.

Clark figured it would be better to just be honest since Lex would get the truth out of him eventually. "I didn't tell you because I didn't think you'd find out. And I thought that maybe we could skip the whole `you need to be careful, not to mention more selective of who you save' lecture."

It was an old argument. Lex knew Clark wanted and would try to save everybody he came across but it just wasn't practical. "Listen," Lex said as he sat down on the coffee table in front of Clark, "I..."

Clark cut him off. "If it makes you feel any better, I was. Selective, I mean," he clarified sounding only a little bitter.

"The paper said everyone was fine, even their parakeet. Are you saying there was someone else in the house?" Lex asked.

"No, not in the house but there was someone else." Clark leaned back, feeling very tired and very much like he failed. "When I was looking for the house with the gas leak, I saw some guy beating up on his wife. I... I shut my eyes. I didn't do anything. I just walked away and didn't do anything to help."

Jesus, the poor kid blamed himself for every villain and victim on the planet. "You did the right thing Clark. There's probably nothing you could have done for her anyway."

"He hit her, Lex. I could have done something. I could have stopped him or made him leave."

Lex was shaking his head. "Maybe she didn't want him to stop or leave."

Clark was looking at him like he'd lost his mind and Lex really didn't want to explain the dynamics of abusive relationships but he didn't see a way out of it. "Clark, what would happen if I hit you?"

"You'd probably break your hand," Clark told him ruefully.

"Work with me here, I'm trying to make a point," Lex said irritated. "What if I'd had a horrible day, long meetings, broken contracts, and an unexpected visit from my father? I walk in here and find that you've trashed my DVDs again. And instead of just being a little annoyed, I go off on you. I yell and when you tell me to calm down, in exactly the same tone that my Dad did, I snap and hit you."

Clark was looking at him doubtfully, obviously having a hard time imagining Lex yelling at him, let alone actually hitting him. He knew that Clark wouldn't understand the willful violence on his part but it didn't matter. It was the next part that was important, the forgiving part.

"As soon as I realize what I've done, I'm horrified," Lex continued. "I'm completely convinced that I've lost your trust and ruined our friendship. I apologize over and over and promise to do whatever I have to in order to make it up to you. What do you do?"

"Do?" Clark asked, not sure of the question.

"I hit you. I didn't mean to but I did. Do you hit me back? Do you throw the apology in my face and leave? Do you tell me you don't ever want to see or talk to me again?"

"Of course not!" Clark denied instantly.

"Then what do you do?" Lex asked again.

"I'd try to find out what made you so upset. I'd try to help. You're my best friend, I wouldn't leave just because you had a bad day."

Lex was nodding like that was exactly what he'd expected. "What if I had a lot of bad days, Clark? What would it take before you'd want to leave? Two bad days? A week's worth? A year's worth? Ten years? And what would you do to somebody who tried to make you leave before you were ready?"

Clark was starting to understand, Lex could see it in his eyes. There was confusion there and hurt but also understanding. "You can only save those who want to be saved, Clark. And as much as it may tear you up inside, you have to realize not everyone wants to be rescued."

He knew Lex was right but it didn't make it any easier. Clark opened his mouth but no sound came out, just a hitching breath that had Lex scooping up the newspaper and sitting next to him. Lex didn't say anything. If Clark wanted to talk, he would. Until then, he'd just continue with the morning as if the whole conversation hadn't taken place.

Unfolding the paper, Lex kept the business section and handed the rest to Clark. Doing what he always did Clark used his speed and photographic memory and was done reading in less than a minute. Leaning forward he grabbed the remote, turned on the Cartoon Network, and turned down the sound.

When Clark sat back he would always find himself unjustifiably close to Lex but he wouldn't apologize or move over. Meanwhile, Lex would just drape his arm across the back of the couch pretending not to notice when Clark sunk down and burrowed in closer. This had pretty much become habit whenever they sat together now. So was ignoring the fact that Lex had long since abandoned his newspaper. Now he was sitting quietly, gently fingering the curls in Clark's hair, and watching the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote silently try to kill each other.

Lex could remember the very day that this little routine had started. Clark had come over to complain about a loud party and never being able to get a decent night's sleep in the dorms. Lex only laughed and told him, "Welcome to college." Then they had sat quietly, drinking coffee, and sharing the Sunday paper until Clark got bored and turned on the TV.

Putting it on mute, Clark flipped channels until finally settling on cartoons but when he leaned back he accidentally slid into his best friend. To save his arm from getting crushed, Lex had put it on the back of the couch. The movement caused Clark to slide further and they both froze when he fit naturally into the space it provided.

Lex was pretty sure neither of them even breathed for at least a minute, not until he deliberately relaxed and made a show of going back to reading like nothing monumental was happening in their friendship. As usual, Clark took his cues from Lex and figured it would be okay for him to lay his head against the curve of shoulder under him as he watched TV.

Neither one of them had said anything about that morning but the next Sunday found them in the exact same positions, reading the paper, and watching cartoons. It was the same the following Sunday, and the one after that, and just about everyday in between. Lex had no desire to talk about what was going on between them. It felt good, and more importantly, it felt inevitable. Whatever happened between them would happen whether they talked about it or not.

But Lex knew Clark and Clark liked to talk things through so he was expecting a conversation eventually. Just like he expected it when Clark suddenly broke the silence and asked, "Did you want to be saved?"

"Which time? You've saved me quite a few times, you'll have to be more specific."

"The first time, by the river. Did you want to be saved then?"

The hand in his hair tightened and relaxed so quickly that Clark wasn't sure he felt it at all. "If you'd asked me before the crash, I would have probably said `no.' But afterward, I was pretty damn glad to be alive, so I'm grateful that I didn't have a choice in the matter."

Clark nodded. "Then how do I know it's not like that with the woman and her husband? What if she's like you? What if she wants to be saved but she just doesn't know it yet?"

God, Lex really hated simple logic. "I guess you don't," he admitted, "but that's one of the reasons I always want you to tell me when something happens. I might not be able to help you with the more dramatic rescues but things like this I can take care of."

"How?" Clark asked, tilting his head up at Lex.

"By having an abuse counselor go out to the house on some anonymous tip. It would give the woman an opportunity to get out of the relationship or press charges if she wanted."

"Can we do that now or at least before we leave for Christmas?" He wanted to know, turning around to face Lex.

Lex sighed, knowing that as soon as he answered Clark would be ushering him out of the penthouse to make the call even though it was almost a week before they went to Smallville for winter break. He'd really rather stay here and watch TV, and for a second, Lex wondered just how wrong it was to put a few more minutes of quiet Clark-time ahead of a woman's life. Pretty wrong, he guessed.

"Yeah, we can do it now," he answered and decided that the completely happy look that Clark gave him was even better than the Road Runner.

"Thanks, Lex."

"Anytime," he said getting up to turn off the TV. "Just one of the many services offered here at LexCorp."

Following Lex to his office, Clark couldn't keep the silly grin off his face. He had felt so helpless when he walked away from that woman. It was like he'd failed, failed her, failed himself, failed everyone. He'd stayed up half the night thinking about it and the other half trying not to think about it.

By the time morning rolled around Clark was a wreck and wanted nothing more than to be at the penthouse. Bypassing the elevators, he jogged up the stairs, pausing at floor 95 to see Lex walking into his office. Clark was tempted to follow him but he knew that Lex wouldn't stay there longer than it took to get the paper and check his messages so he climbed the rest of stairs to wait.

When Lex had stormed in demanding to know what happened, Clark was beginning to rethink his idea of coming here for solace. He shouldn't have doubted. It only took a few minutes for Lex to make him feel better and fix what Clark had been agonizing about all night.

"Back already?" Laura asked when they stepped off the elevator.

"No, I'm not," Lex corrected his assistant instantly. "I just need to make a few calls and I'm gone. Not that I was ever here," he added with a grin.

"Of course not, sir," she agreed before greeting Clark. "Good morning dear. I'm glad you're here. I wanted to ask you a question."

"Umm, sure," he said waving Lex away to his office. "What's up?"

"I wanted to know if you had any important plans or functions in the first few months of the new year, say through March?" she asked, picking up a pad and pen, ready to write down whatever Clark said.

"I don't think so. Well, my Mom's birthday is the last weekend of February. I'll probably go to Smallville to celebrate but other than that..." Clark shrugged.

Laura was nodding absentmindedly and scribbling on the paper. "Good, good. Could you let me know if something else comes up?"

"Sure, but... why?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I should have explained," she answered. "I'm writing up Lex's itinerary for the beginning of the year, parties he's been invited to, out-of-state meetings, things like that and I don't want there to be any scheduling conflicts."

"Then shouldn't you be asking Lex if he has any plans?" Clark asked, furrowing his brow in a way that Laura couldn't help but think was adorable.

"Dear," she said patting his arm like a simpleminded but favorite pet, "your plans are his plans."

When Clark colored slightly she took pity on him. "Go on now. I've got work to do."

Wandering away, Clark grabbed a bottle of water from the staff lounge before finding his way into Lex's office and sitting down. There was water in here but he wanted the extra minute to think about what Laura had said. It pretty much confirmed what he'd thought back in Smallville. Lex would cancel meetings and appointments for him when he probably shouldn't. Clark wasn't sure if he was upset or happy that Lex so readily put him first in both his business and personal life.

But listening to Lex on the phone, Clark had to admit that he was leaning toward happy. `Real happy,' he thought as he heard Lex say that unless there was a rule in the abuser's handbook that stated, "Thou shalt beat the crap out of your wife on Sunday," then he fully expected somebody to go discreetly check on the address he'd given.

"Okay," Lex said to Clark as he hung up the phone. "Somebody will go talk to her when the husband's gone. I told them I wanted to be kept informed so we'll know what, if anything, she decides to do."

Clark nodded and looked up from his examination of the water bottle. "Did you know that Laura coordinates our schedules?"

"Yes," Lex said slowly, looking like he could have sworn that Clark had been smarter than this. Clark was getting that look a lot lately. "She finds it easier than having to reschedule my appointments all the time. Why?"

"No reason. What are you up to today?" he asked quickly.

Lex let the change in subject slide. "I thought I'd go play in the labs. Want to come?"

"Yeah," he said already on his feet. There was an A.I. experiment that he wanted to check on. Besides, watching Lex go all geeky scientist was one of his favorite past times.

"Let's go then," Lex said pushing Clark out the door. He wanted to get out of the office before anybody saw him and insisted that there was some crisis that they just had to tell him about. Sometimes Lex wondered why the hell he paid these people so much when they couldn't make a single decision by themselves.

Clark didn't say anything as he was hurried out of the office and down to the labs. He knew Lex didn't want anybody to interrupt one of the rare times he managed to spend all day knee-deep in strange experiments and complicated theorems. It was one of the few things that Lex really enjoyed and Clark figured that he needed to enjoy himself more often.

"I hate these," Clark complained, zipping up the mandatory jumpsuit. Everything down here had to be kept sterile so that meant everyone had to go through decontamination and got to wear what Clark called "lovely white pajamas."

Lex hid a smirk as he zipped up his own suit. "I told you I'd have one made in flannel if you wanted."

"You know Lex, this might be hard for you to believe, but you're not even remotely funny."

"Yes I am," he disagreed. "You just don't have a sense of humor."

Clark just snorted and stepped into the white washed walls of the LexCorp underground laboratories.

"Where are you going to be?" Lex asked him.

"Computer development. You?"

"Downstairs. Dr. Caleb sent up four messages about a breakthrough in the nanotechnology."

"Okay. Meet for lunch?" Clark asked, knowing that if they didn't Lex wouldn't bother to eat at all.

"Sure," Lex agreed, already backing into another elevator. "And be careful," he added as the doors closed.

"Be careful," Clark mumbled to himself as he walked down the hall. "I'm not the one who can get hurt." He hadn't taken a few steps before, quite literally, running into Dr. Samuel Gunther head researcher of EVNN, the Evolving Virtual Neural Network project. It was the latest, and most successful, attempt that LexCorp had made at creating the highly anticipated Artificial Intelligence.

While experimenting with software capable of creating clusters of computer-generated neurons, Dr. Gunther and his colleagues discovered that these clusters had the ability, not just to spontaneously reproduce and branch out like real neurons, but to evolve. They were interactive, self-reconfiguring, had pattern recognition, memory, and the most amazing thing was that they could make simple autonomous decisions.

The scientists at LexCorp had produced what was essentially, a virtual reality brain. It was an intelligence that existed completely within a computer but was, at least rudimentarily, aware of itself and the physical world beyond it. What the scientists couldn't figure out was how it happened. The creation of EVNN was extraordinary. It was also a total accident.

"Dr. Gunther," Clark greeted as he reached out to steady the man, "how are you?"

"Clark!" he nearly shouted, startling someone walking by. "I'm so glad you came down. You simply must see what EVNN did today. It was quite unexpected really," he said as he started walking, continuing his explanation without checking to see if Clark was following.

Clark grinned as he dutifully trailed behind the doctor, listening to him explain the latest development in EVNN.

"You remember how we connected him up to audio and video feeds to improve his interaction abilities? Well it seems that yesterday, without being prompted, he recognized and addressed one of the lab techs. She walked in the room to collect some files and he said, `Hello Sarah,' just like that. Can you believe it?"

The man was gesturing wildly like he was conducting an invisible orchestra, or one that simply failed to show up, and Clark couldn't help but think that Dr. Gunther was a cross between Einstein and Beethoven but with shorter hair... and from Colorado. He was also one Clark's favorite people at LexCorp.

When Lex had introduced them, Dr. Gunther had completely disregarded Clark's age and lack of schooling. The only thing that seemed to matter was that Clark was interested in computer development and artificial intelligence. And when he found out Clark's knack for doing complicated mathematical equations in his head, he declared Clark an official member of the EVNN project without so much as glancing at Lex for permission.

Lex arched an eyebrow at Clark's recruitment into the wonderful world of AI research but remained silent. He had actually approved of the idea. God knows that Clark would learn more from Dr. Gunther and the other scientists at LexCorp then he would at MetU. Although, that night he did remind Clark that if his grades dropped his parents would no doubt blame it on Lex.

Clark just shrugged and told Lex not to worry, he was pretty sure college would be easy. It turned out it was beyond easy, and into the realm of boring. His classes seemed to drag by. To pass the time Clark found himself mentally picking apart the professors and their apparent inability to teach anything at all of use or interest. Which was the exact opposite of Dr. Guther, who was willingly and actively teaching Clark about simple and recursive mathematical algorithms, computerized neural networks, and just about anything else he could think of.

The man was so enthusiastic about his research that it was hard not to get caught up in it. Which was exactly what happened to Clark. The last couple months he'd spent more and more time working with Dr. Guther and EVNN. It wasn't until Brian had talked him into going to the party that Clark realized that, if he wasn't in school or with Lex, he was in the lab or working on something from the lab.

Brian had asked in his usually subtle way, what the hell Clark thought he was doing? Then he proceeded to explain that this was his first year of college and the very last thing he should be doing was studying. He should be having fun and enjoying his freedom. Clark just agreed to spend a few hours at the party and didn't bother to explain that he'd never been happier.

For the first time Clark could remember it felt like he was doing what he was supposed to be doing, what he was made to do. He was using his abilities to actually help people and not having to deal with weird meteorite infected mutants. He was learning more than he dreamed possible. And through it all, he had Lex. He spent more time at the penthouse than he did the dorms and because they were in Metropolis and not Smallville, he didn't have to worry about what his parents or neighbors would have to say about it. All in all, Clark was having a blast.

So it wasn't hard to share in Dr. Gunther's good mood as they walked into the lab that housed EVNN.

"Hey Clark," Tom, one of the other researchers greeted, "perfect timing. We were just about to start a few intercommunication tests. Could you talk to EVNN while we monitor?"

"Sure," Clark agreed sitting down in front of the computer screen. One of the best things about EVNN was his ability to respond when prompted with questions. The only problem was he tended to be stubborn. Early on in his development the researchers noticed that he interacted better with certain people. Some he refused to communicate with all together but a select few he actually seemed to like. It came as no surprise to anybody that Clark was one of his favorites.

"What type of data are you studying?" Clark asked so he knew what he should try to get EVNN to talk about.

"We're trying to find out if the spontaneous recognition of Sarah was a fluke or a new cognitive skill, but he refuses to discuss it. We can't even get him to say his own name, let alone one of ours."

Clark nodded, thinking of something. "When you turn him on, don't say anything to him and definitely don't say anything to me."

"What are you thinking?" Dr. Gunther wanted to know.

Clark shrugged. "I want to see if I can irritate him."

Tom looked skeptical but Gunther looked intrigued. "You know there's been no evidence to support any emotional or empathic characteristics outside of a biological entity? And certainly not within a virtual neural network like EVNN."

"But EVNN isn't exactly like other neural nets," Clark pointed out, leaning back in his chair.

"No, I suppose not," Dr. Gunther conceded, than turned to Tom. "Okay, we'll do as Clark suggests. Boot him up and remain silent."

Tom nodded and started the process of turning on the computers, cameras, microphones, and voice synthesizer. When everything was activated a single green voiceline appeared on the screen. It always reminded Clark of the flat-line on a heart monitor. Normally he would have said hello or typed it into the keyboard but instead he just reached forward, snagged a paper clip off the desk, and started bending it into unrecognizable shapes.

After about two minutes there was a tiny sound and a hiccup in the voice-line. Two more minutes and the synthesizer choked out, in a very computerized voice the words, "Neural Network initiated."

Clark ignored it. Instead he tossed the paper clip, picked up a pad and pen, and started doodling. He didn't even glance up a minute later when the voice was much more fluid and stated, "Project EVNN is active and running within acceptable parameters."

He was in the middle of drawing a cow, when four minutes later, EVNN broke the silence again sounding remarkably like a human male. "I have results of the previous color recognition tests. Do you wish to hear the data?"

Clark didn't answer but he did finish drawing the cow and title the picture Daisy. When he started sketching a barn the line jumped rhythmically and the synthesized voice sounded quite cultured and vaguely disapproving. "Clark, you should not activate me if you do not wish to communicate."

Tom let out a startled sound that Dr. Gunther silenced with a hard elbow to the gut but Clark just hid a triumphant grin and looked up at the camera mounted on top of the monitor. "I'm sorry EVNN, did you say something?"

"I have said many things. You did not respond. Did you not hear me?"

"No, I heard you. I just didn't know you were talking to me. If you want someone to respond, you need to be specific to whom you're addressing," Clark admonished.

The voice-line beat out a steady pulse for a minute. It was EVNN's way of tapping his fingers on the table as he was thinking or solving a problem. "If I addressed you by name when you first appeared, would you have responded sooner?"

"Yes," Clark answered, smiling at the way EVNN seemed to think it was everybody else that disappeared when he was turned off.

"Then I will do so from now on," EVNN declared.

"What about others, like Dr. Gunther or Tom?" Clark asked, gesturing toward the two men. "Will you identify and greet others by name as well?"

"No." The answer was immediate and exactly what Clark was expecting.

EVNN could rival Lex when it came to being an uncooperative pain in the ass. Neither one played well with others so it was a good thing that, for some reason, they both considered Clark an exception. It might take a bit of prodding, a lot of patience, and a shit-load of persistence but he could almost always get them to make nice and at least attempt to work with others.

Well the truth usually worked when he wanted Lex to do something, maybe it would be the same with EVNN. "Here's the thing," Clark told him, "we don't know if your sudden ability to recognize and name people is a accident or part of your natural development. In order to find out, the researchers want to do a study by having you identify all of the people you interact with. Do you understand?"

It only took 30 seconds worth of a hopping voice-line before he answered. "I understand your reasoning but not the necessity of the study." EVNN really was getting fast. His response time had been nearly cut in half just within the last two weeks. "But the information and data could be attained more efficiently by simply asking me instead of observing my actions."

"It could," Clark agreed, "but we will need the video, audio, and observations of the researchers as evidence to authenticate the data you provide."

"Do you believe the data will be inaccurate?"

Which Clark translated into, "Do you think I'm going to lie?" `Man, who knew you were going to have to read between the lines when talking to an AI?'

Clark shook his head. "No, but this is a scientific study and scientists, as a rule, want evidence to accompany all data."

"I've noticed," EVNN said in what Clark could swear was sarcasm.

"Then will you cooperate in the identification study?" Clark asked, wanting to be sure. He learned a while ago that you couldn't assume anything when it came to EVNN. He tended to take advantage of things like that.

It took more than a minute for EVNN to answer and Clark began to worry about what he was thinking up. "I will cooperate within the confines of the study but I can not guarantee the consistency of the results."

Clark was impressed. That had to be the most cleverly worded, and sneaky, statement EVNN had ever made. He basically just announced that he was still only going to identify who he wanted but in a way that nobody could call him on it.

"It's a deal," Clark agreed easily. He figured EVNN deserved to get his way since he thought it out so intelligently and thoroughly. "What do you say we start now? I think Tom had some questions he wanted you to answer."

Clark got up and waved Tom into his seat.

"Hello EVNN. Are you ready?" Tom asked, still looking a bit shocked as he sat down and flipped through his notes.

"Yes... Tom," EVNN replied obediently, emphasizing the name. "I am ready to proceed."

Clark grinned and Dr. Gunther patted him on the back in congratulations but not surprise. From their first meeting, he knew that Clark was something special. And years of experience told Gunther that it wasn't just the boy's amazing intellect and innate ability to connect with others. No, there was something secretive about him, something he was hiding and Gunther couldn't help but be a little curious.

He was often tempted to find out what it was, but his own sense of self-preservation always stopped him. Everybody knew about the protective nature of the relationship between Clark and Lex Luthor, although little else of the association was known. Rumors had them as anything from lovers, to friends, to guardian and ward. But the one thing that was certain, to threaten one meant to incur the wrath of the other.

So, no... he wouldn't pry into the history and psyche of one Clark Kent, if only because he didn't want the consequences that would be visited on him by an angry Luthor. That was something else that experience has taught him: you don't cross a Luthor and survive, at least not without a plan.

"Dr. Gunther?" Clark said, breaking into his thoughts. "Was there anything you wanted me to do or am I on my own?"

"Actually, I was hoping to get you to go over EVNN's latest memory algorithms. There's a chunk missing from the main cluster and we have yet to find out how it broke off or where it went."

"Is EVNN showing any recall problems?" Clark asked as he settled down in front of yet another computer.

"That's what's odd. Not only does he not show any problems, but he isn't even aware that a large part of his memory is missing."

"That doesn't sound right," Clark said absentmindedly as he started typing.

Dr. Guther just smiled and left Clark to his work. Whatever the boy was or wasn't, he knew math and memory, which was basically all EVNN consisted of. Oh sure, there were others on the project that could figure out the problem and fix it, but Clark could do it faster. It seemed that speed was another one of his talents. Dr. Gunther wondered if there were others.

Clark was just wondering how the hell you could lose nearly 20% of your memory capacity, not know it, and not show any ill effects. Four hours later, he was still wondering. Stretching and leaning back in his chair, Clark looked around to see Dr. Gunther hunched over another computer and Tom rephrasing the same question four different ways to try to get EVNN to answer.

Clark grinned as he glanced at his watch and got up to announce that he was going to grab some lunch. He was just reaching for the door when EVNN spoke in a distinctly accented voice.

"Clark? Will you be returning?" he asked, sounding remarkably like James Bond.

"Yeah," he assured. "I'll be back in about an hour."

A large smiley face appeared on the monitor and Clark grinned back. "See you in a bit," he told EVNN as he left.

Tom looked at the happy face in irritation. He spent all morning trying to get EVNN to talk to him and got little more than one-word replies in a computerized voice that just grated on the nerves. But without even the least bit of effort, Clark got impromptu questions, a human voice, and a visual indication of approval. Man, that was just really annoying.

Clark didn't notice Tom's irritation. He was too busy watching Lex walk down the hall towards him and thinking that Lex had been doing that mind reading thing a lot lately. Sure they had agreed to meet for lunch but they hadn't agreed on when. And for them, lunch could mean anywhere from 11:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon.

"Lex, are you psychic with everybody or is it just me?" Clark asked as soon as he got close enough.

Lex didn't even blink. "Just you. But I don't think it's psychic so much as familiarity and awareness."

That made sense but Clark was still going to make a point of paying more attention, maybe even find a way to test it. But he didn't say that out loud. Instead, he just nodded and followed Lex through decontamination, glad to be able to get out of the jumpsuit for a little while.

"Penthouse for lunch?" Clark asked as they stepped into the elevator.

Lex hit the button for the garage and held up keys to the Hummer. "Nope, Tommy's."

Clark shook his head indulgently. Tommy's was a tiny restaurant that served, according to Lex, the best chili-dogs in the world along with enough French fries to feed a small army. It was also somewhere that Lex didn't get to go nearly as much a he wanted so Clark was more than happy to go there today. Besides, watching people's reactions to seeing billion dollar Lex Luthor at a cheap fast food restaurant was just too much fun.

"Shit!" Lex gasped as the elevator doors slid open.

Clark slammed his hand against the wall keeping Lex in and anything else out. "What?" he demanded, looking around wildly.

"It's fucking cold that's what," Lex said wrapping his arms around himself and pressing closer to Clark's back to block out the frigid air that had burst into the elevator.

"Cold?" Clark said a bit blankly, glancing over his shoulder at Lex.

"Not all of us are invulnerable," he reminded Clark patiently. "Some of us are affected by little things like winter and freezing temperatures."

Ducking his head, Clark mumbled a sheepish, "Sorry, forgot."

"Yeah whatever," Lex grumbled trying to sound irritated, but the effect was ruined when he shivered violently and buried his face in between Clark's shoulder blades. Damn, Lex didn't ever remember it being this cold in Metropolis before. It had to be some sort record.

Clark felt Lex against his back and took a calming breath. `Don't react,' Clark told himself. He knew if he said or did anything to draw attention to the fact the Lex was practically wrapped around him, he would move. And the last thing that Clark wanted was for Lex to move.

"We're going to need to go back upstairs to get you a coat." As much as Clark would prefer to just stay like this, he couldn't very well let Lex freeze to death.

Lex lifted his head out from the safety of Clark's MetU sweatshirt. "I have a coat it the Hummer. We just need to get there."

"Okay then," Clark said, taking a tiny step forward and stripping off his sweatshirt. "Wear this."

For once Lex didn't argue. He just put it on over the thin sweater he'd been wearing and smiled at how big it was. Clark smiled back. "That's a good look on you."

"Thanks," Lex said sarcastically. "It's a good thing I'm wearing jeans or I would really look stupid. But you know, someone might wonder why you're walking around in just a T-shirt in December."

"I think I've got a jacket stashed in the Ferrari. I'll go grab it," he told Lex jogging off.

Giving himself a quick pep talk about not getting hypothermia, Lex made a dash for the Hummer. Immediately starting it so he could turn on the heater, he snagged his coat from the back seat and shrugged it on. Already feeling warmer, Lex breathed in a sigh of relief... and wished he hadn't.

All he could smell was Clark. It was everywhere, completely surrounding him in the form of an oversized college sweatshirt. It was a strong, yet subtle, scent that Lex had first noticed just underneath the pungent smell of river water. After that it had been at weekly deliveries and frequent visits. Now he practically lived with it 24 hours a day. It curled up with him over morning cartoons and evening movies. It was in every room of the penthouse, and in every one of his cars. It was in every part of his life except one, one that Lex had been trying really hard not to think about.

Clark was his friend, his best friend. Although Lex would be the first one to admit that friends didn't usually cuddle while watching TV but he just wasn't sure about taking the next step that they both seemed to want, at least not yet. The idea of risking their friendship for a relationship had Lex quietly freaking out. Clark had been openly hinting at wanting more between them for months now, but every time he tried to mention it, Lex would change the subject or suddenly remember some pressing business matter that had to be taken care of.

Avoiding the issue wasn't the answer and Lex was pretty sure it was on the verge of immature but it didn't stop him from doing it. He just couldn't see how having a long drawn out conversation about the pros and cons of having sex with your best friend would do anything but make everyone really uncomfortable. And that was something that Lex never wanted to happen. Clark was the one person that he always felt comfortable with. He didn't want to risk that on the off chance that it would work out between the two of them, because really, the chances weren't good.

Lex figured that they were on borrowed time as it was. He saw the way Clark thrived here in Metropolis. People weren't blind to him the way they were in Smallville, just the opposite. They flocked to him, admired him... wanted him. Lex saw it every time he went to the university. He saw all the girls, and quite a few guys, practically doing cartwheels to get Clark's attention. And Lex was pretty sure that the only reason Clark hung out with him as much as he did was, because when it came to the way others saw him, Clark was still as oblivious as ever.

He didn't seem to see the reaction he caused in people, except when it came to Lex. It'd taken a little while but Lex was now convinced that Clark knew exactly what he was doing and did things purposely just to see how Lex would react. Which was what had Lex silently groaning as he watched Clark's approach.

He was wearing a jacket all right, unfortunately it was the leather one. The very one that Lex had bought for him, then instantly regretted it when he saw just how good it made Clark look. And now wearing jeans, a white T-shirt, and black leather jacket, there was simply no way that Clark wasn't aware of how he looked and how much Lex liked it. That settled it, he was doing this on purpose. Lex was sure of it.

"Ready?" Clark asked, hopping into the passenger seat.

"Yeah," Lex said as he pulled out of the garage and very carefully didn't check Clark out. But seeing him grin, Lex guessed that his efforts were in vain, but at least it seemed that he wasn't the only one having a hard time keeping their eyes to themselves.

Clark was fidgeting and shooting glances at Lex whenever he thought he could get away with it. Sure, Lex looked good no matter what he was wearing but there was just something about seeing him in that sweatshirt that Clark really liked. It felt like proof, physical evidence of how close they'd become these last six months, even if Lex was doing his best to ignore it.

Ever since the Tower opening, when Clark had finally told Lex his secrets, things had changed between them. The one thing that kept them at arms length was gone. Clark didn't have to lie and feel guilty and Lex didn't have to let him and feel betrayed. He hadn't realized what a strain the lies and omissions had put on their friendship until they were gone. But now that they were Clark wasn't going to let them be replaced by different ones.

He wasn't sure why Lex refused to acknowledge what was happening between them, while simultaneously letting it happen, but Clark wasn't going to let him get away with it for much longer. Because if Lex didn't fess up real soon, Clark was either going to go crazy or pin him to the wall and kiss him silly.

"What are you thinking about over there?" Lex asked suddenly.

Clark flushed. "What? Nothing," he denied instantly and a bit too loudly.

"Ooo`kay," Lex said, drawing out the word and looking amused, "just asking."

"Sorry, just got a lot on my mind." Which technically was true. "EVNN's missing memory and I can't find it. It's got me a little distracted." Which was also true.

"Who's Evan?" Lex asked, confused.

"Not Evan. EVNN," Clark corrected, pronouncing it exactly the same way.

Lex sighed dramatically. "Well, that clears things up. Thank you, Clark."

Clark laughed. "EVNN: Evolving Virtual Neural Network. It's the AI project that LexCorp has spent several million dollars and the last four months funding. Aren't you supposed to know about these things?"

"It's a big company," Lex said defensively. "I can't be expected to know the details of every project."

"Yeah," Clark agreed, "but you just approved another two million dollars for it a couple of days ago. There was even a report that told you everything about EVNN."

Lex looked a little concerned. "There was a report?"

"I gave it to you myself, along with the request for more funding."

"Was that on Tuesday?"

"Yeah, I brought it by your office before class. You said you'd read it and decide."

That's exactly what he said, but not exactly what he did. If Lex remembered correctly, he grinned at the way Clark rushed in, slapped a folder down on his desk, mentioned something about computers, and more money than rushed out. Lex had barely glanced at the contents before giving it to Laura, telling her it was Clark's, and to give him whatever he wanted. He hadn't realized that Clark wanted two million dollars, not that it mattered. In fact, it was kinda funny.

"I remember now," Lex said with a slight smile as he pulled into Tommy's. "But do me a favor and tell me about it again."

Clark hopped out of the Hummer and gave Lex an accusing look. "You didn't read it, did you?"

Lex shrugged and started for the restaurant. It was too cold, if they were going to argue, they could do it inside over lunch. With that in mind, he didn't answer until they were seated and waiting for their food. "Other than just being curious about what's got you holed up in the labs, I didn't think there was a reason for me to read it."

"No reason?" Clark repeated incredulously. "I asked for a hell of a lot of money. How did you know if it was even worth it if you didn't read the report?"

Another shrug. "You wanted it, that's good enough for me."

"But..." Clark shook his head not sure how to get his point across. "You can't give me everything I want just because I ask."

"Yes, I can," Lex disagreed. "And if for some reason I don't already have it, then I can get it for you."

"I know you're capable of giving me just about anything. What I'm saying is that you shouldn't be willing to."

"Why not?" he asked, genuinely confused. "If you want something and I can give it to you, then why shouldn't I?" Lex really didn't see what the big deal was. After all, Clark did it all the time. He just gave away different things. Things like trust and acceptance. Things that Lex never thought he'd have, and definitely never thought he'd be given.

"You can't give away two million dollars just because somebody asks for it," Clark tried telling him again.

Lex couldn't agree more. "But I didn't give it to somebody. I gave it to you."

He said it so easily that Clark found himself grinning a bit stupidly. Lex really had a way of making him feel like he was the only person in the universe that mattered. It was kind of addictive. "I'm not going to win this one, am I?"

Lex shook his head `no.'

"So I should just say thank you and explain how I've been spending your money," Clark suggested as their food was brought over.

"Go for it," Lex told him, then proceeded to make the waitress blush with the smile he gave her. Clark knew how she felt. That smile had pretty much the same effect on him. But he wasn't going to think about that now. No, now he was going to eat his chili-dog and tell Lex about EVNN.

"That's quite impressive," Lex finally said when Clark was done talking. "So you're telling me that LexCorp has, by accident mind you, created the world's first artificial intelligence and I'm just now finding out about it?"

"It's not my fault you don't read the reports people give you," Clark defended.

He had a point but there was no way that Lex was going to admit it. "Come on," he said as he stood up and tossed a few bills on the table. "Let's get back. I think it's time I met this EVNN of yours."

"Yeah all right," Clark agreed, and then spent the entire ride back explaining that EVNN could be sensitive so Lex had to promise that he'd be nice.

"So let get me this straight," Lex said when they stopped just outside of EVNN's lab. "I have to be nice to the computer other-wise it will..."

"He," Clark corrected, "not it."

Lex raised an eyebrow but didn't comment on the gender of the computer. "Otherwise he will get upset and not talk to me. Anything else I should know?"

"No, but he does take things kind of literal so be careful of what you say," Clark explained, pushing open the door and ushering Lex inside.

"Hey," Clark greeted, "I'm back."

"Thank God. EVNN is being a pain in the ass," Tom complained as he turned around nearly falling out of his chair at seeing Lex. "Mr. Luthor, I ah..."

"Tom." Clark stepped forward to make the introductions. "I don't think you've met Lex. Lex this is Tom Blacker, one of the head researchers on Project EVNN. And you know Dr. Gunther."

"Nice to meet you Tom. And it's always good to see you again Dr. Gunther," Lex greeted the man just walking over. "I didn't mean to startle anyone by coming to visit unannounced, but I wanted to meet EVNN."

"Of course," Gunther agreed enthusiastically. "We'll do our best but I hope Clark explained that sometimes he can be uncooperative, especially with people he is unfamiliar with."

"Clark said he was amazing but temperamental, so don't worry, I won't hold it against you if he refuses to talk."

Dr. Gunther looked relieved. "Good. Good. Let's let Clark introduce you though. He tends to be EVNN's favorite," he informed Lex with a grin.

"I'm not surprised," Lex agreed, throwing a look in his friend's direction.

Clark ignored them both as sat down in the chair Tom had vacated and used his foot to pull another one up to the monitor. "Take a seat, Lex."

Lex sat. "How do you turn him on?"

"He is on." Clark pointed to the flat line on the screen. "EVNN, I want you to meet..."

"Lex Luthor," EVNN interrupted in a British accent. "Son of Lionel and Lillian Luthor, friend of Clark Kent, and president of LexCorp."

"That's very good," Clark told him. "Did you search your database while Lex was being introduced to the others?"

"There was no need. I had the information previously."

"Why does he sound like Sean Connery?" Lex wanted to know.

When Tom answered, Clark ducked his head. "That's Clark's doing."

"You made him sound like Sean Connery?" Lex wasn't sure if he found that funny or disturbing.

"Not exactly," Gunther said before Clark or Tom could. "When EVNN first began using the voice synthesizer he discovered that he could mimic different speech patterns. When he asked which one he should use, Clark told him to choose for himself. He has yet to decide and until he does, he uses different voices to indicate approval or disapproval."

"How?"

"Well, if he disapproves he'll speak in a computerized voice. The more he approves or wants to cooperate with something or someone, the more human he sounds. As for the accents, that's just him following Clark's advice in trying to decide which one he prefers."

Lex nodded and turned back to EVNN. "So you approve of me being here?"

The voice line beat steadily, so Lex kept quiet and waited. "Clark approves of you and I approve of Clark," EVNN finally answered.

Lex was liking this computer more and more by the second. "Do you approve of everything that Clark does?"

"Lex," Clark warned. He didn't bring Lex down here to talk about him. It was embarrassing.

"Clark, do you mind? I'm talking to EVNN," Lex said, clearly enjoying himself. "So EVNN, do you approve of everything that Clark does?"

"Usually," EVNN answered not missing a beat. "Do you?"

Lex shrugged. "Usually," he admitted easily. "I find things tend to work out better when I agree with him."

"I have found that also," EVNN replied solemnly.

"Okay," Clark broke in. "Let's talk about something else. EVNN, why don't you tell Lex about some of the things you can do, both programmed and learned."

"Yes Clark," EVNN said obediently, then began to list his knowledge of everything from physics to botany and capabilities from playing chess to remote piloting an airplane.

Two hours later Lex didn't know what to say but, "Fuck EVNN, you're one amazing computer. No wonder Clark spends all his free time down here."

"You are interesting as well," EVNN said sounding a bit like Marlon Brando. "I would not object to interacting with you on a more regular basis."

Lex laughed. "Are you going to make me an offer I can't refuse?"

EVNN didn't catch the joke. "You are intelligent and explain yourself skillfully. I believe my progression would increase significantly if I were exposed to you more often... perhaps in a different environment."

"Sure, anytime," Lex answered absently when he noticed Clark waving him over to the phone.

"It's Laura," Clark said handing Lex the phone.

Clark watched as Lex's expression turned dark. He didn't know what Laura had said, but it couldn't be good. "What's the matter?" he asked as soon as Lex hung up.

"I've have to go upstairs," Lex said rubbing his forehead in a way that Clark recognized as the onset of a bad headache.

Clark grabbed his elbow when Lex started for the door without an explanation. "What's the matter?" he repeated, not letting go.

"Apparently Dad's decided to pay me a visit. He's waiting in my office and terrorizing my staff as we speak. So needless to say, I have to go upstairs."

"Okay, just a second," Clark told him, grabbing a lap top then saying something to Dr. Gunther and EVNN before coming back and holding open the door. "Let's go."

"Clark, you don't have to come."

"I know," Clark said with an honesty that made having to deal with his father a little more bearable.

Lex nodded. "Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you. Good bye EVNN," he raised his voice in the computer's direction.

"Good bye," said the synthesized voice of James Earl Jones. "I look forward to interacting with you again."

"Anytime," Lex agreed.

Neither one saw the happy face that appeared on the screen nor the hourglass with very little sand left in it.

Laura met them at the elevator as soon as it arrived at the 95th floor.

"Did he say what he wanted?" Lex asked, looking wearily at his closed office doors.

"No," she answered with a hint of disgust in her voice. "And to be honest, I didn't want to talk to him in order to find out."

Lex could relate. "I don't blame you," he said making his way to his office with Clark in tow.

"Hello Dad," Lex said in a bored tone as he opened the double doors. "Nice of you to stop by. So sorry you can't stay long."

Lionel let a tiny grin slip as he looked out at the Metropolis skyline. He'd been standing at this window for almost ten minutes waiting for his son, standing and looking across the city at his own office at LuthorCorp. He supposed that if he had better eyes he could make out his exact window, since Lex had made sure they were facing each other. Lionel had to give him points on that one, just like he silently congratulated Lex on the building itself.

From this distance, the towers that housed father and son looked to be the same height, equals separated by only a few miles and a few million people. Lionel knew better. The truth was LexCorp stood five stories taller and was far enough away that it was doubtful that the distance could ever be breached. One truth planned, the other, Lionel mused, merely unavoidable.

"Son," Lionel greeted, turning around and promptly lost his train of thought.

Lex was casually leaning against the arm of the couch, wearing jeans and a Metropolis University sweatshirt that was very obviously... not his. A glance at a nearby chair revealed its owner and Lionel barely stopped himself from rolling his eyes. It was hardly unexpected, but really, Lex might as well be wearing the boy's letterman jacket.

"An interesting choice in... accessories," Lionel told him, looking over both the sweatshirt and Clark. "Is this a recent decision or have I just not been paying attention?"

Lionel watched in fascination at the emotions that flitted across Lex's face. He couldn't catch them all but he was sure he saw longing and hope in there somewhere. Once again looking at both boys, Lionel thought that perhaps their relationship wasn't quite as simple as it seemed, or all that Lex wanted. Interesting.

"Lex?" Lionel prompted when he didn't get an answer.

"What do you want, Dad?" he asked as his expression settled into irritation. "There's no impending takeover or pressing business that can't wait until Monday so what are you doing here?"

"I can't just stop by to see my son?"

"You never have before," Lex pointed out.

"I suppose not," Lionel allowed. "Never-the-less, I came with a request of both a personal and business nature. I wanted to invite you to the LuthorCorp New Year's party."

At the suspicious look on Lex's face he held up a hand. "You may have noticed that I'm not hosting the annual Christmas Ball. And since LexCorp is, it was a concession that I'd hoped you'd understand, if not appreciate."

Lionel crossed over to the bar but didn't pour a drink. "Lex, you know that normally when the city sees us fighting they turn it into some achingly tragic familial battle and delight in choosing sides. But if they see us fighting over the holidays, they'll just think of it as petty squabbling between the rich and ungrateful."

Lex didn't look overly concerned. "And you want to prevent this."

"I do," he agreed. "And all we have to do is take a break from trying to publicly destroy each other for a couple of weeks. I accept your invitation to the LexCorp Christmas party and you attend the LuthorCorp New Year's party. Even you have to agree that two unpleasant nights are worth the good publicity that we'll receive. You can even bring a da... friend," Lionel corrected with a slight smirk.

Lex was about to tell him where he could shove his good publicity when Clark surprised the hell out of him by saying, "We'd love to come."

"We would?" Lex demanded incredulously, spinning to face Clark.

"Sure, it'll be fun."

"No, it won't."

"Yeah, it will."

"No, from experience I can tell you that it won't be."

Clark stood up and took a couple of steps towards Lex, completely ignoring the fact that Lionel was watching their little play by play intently. "It's a good idea, so I think you should go. And since you're not going anywhere without security that means I go with you."

"It's settled then," Lionel announced, pushing away from the bar. He was going to pat Lex on the shoulder as he passed, but thought better of it when he saw that his son's expression had turned from annoyed to angry. Even Lionel knew it wasn't a good idea to try and touch Lex when he was pissed off.

"And young Mr. Kent," Lionel said reaching out to shake hands with Clark. "I'm beginning to see why my son keeps you around."

"Really," Clark said a bit wryly as he focused on Lionel.

"Lex has never liked simple and always resented it when things were made easy for him. From what I've seen, you have filled his life with nothing but complications and difficulties since your first meeting. You, my boy, are perfect for him." With that Lionel swept out leaving behind two very irritated young men.

Clark stared through the closed doors until he saw Lionel disappear into the elevator. "Man, I really don't like him," he said finally turning back to Lex.

"Then what the hell were you thinking volunteering us to spend time with him?"

He knew that Lex was mad and he also knew that he had every right to be but that didn't make Clark one bit sorry for what he did. It was a good idea to take a break from the Luthor war during the holidays but that's not why Clark said that they'd go.

He'd seen the way that Lionel had looked at the sweatshirt and obviously thought that they were sleeping together. Clark had gotten a perverse little thrill out of it, even if it wasn't true. But then he saw Lionel rightfully doubting his conclusions, and for some reason, that really bothered him.

It was like Lionel sensed a weak spot and it immediately sent Clark into protective overdrive. He wanted Lionel to think that they were together, to show a united front. To make sure that he knew his son wasn't alone, that he would never be alone. And going to a party that everybody and God would be attending would be the perfect place to do it. Now, he just had to get Lex to go along with it.

Clark walked the rest of the way over to Lex and softly fingered the sleeve of the sweatshirt. "He thinks that we're sleeping together."

"Which hardly answers my question," Lex pointed out, swatting his hand away. "You've never been the partying type, so why did you say we'd go?"

Clark wondered how much he could tell Lex before he shut down and refused to talk anymore. One way to find out. "Because he thinks that we might not be sleeping together."

"You lost me, Clark." He really had. Normally, Lex could follow Clark-logic but this was defeating him.

"Well, if we go to the party together then Lionel won't know if it's just as friends or if it's more. And there are enough rumors and articles floating around that he'll probably be leaning towards more."

And other than making Lex's stomach do a flip at the thought of his Dad and half of Metropolis thinking that they were together, that explained absolutely nothing. "From the way you're saying it, I'm guessing that's the outcome you want but it doesn't tell me why."

"Because I don't want you hurt."

Okay, that was really sweet. It was very Clark in a way that made you want to hug him because he looks upset and smack him because he's still not telling you a fucking thing.

"Clark," Lex said, rubbing ineffectually at his headache, "I appreciate your concern, even if I have no idea what you're concerned about, but I'm not going to Dad's New Year's party unless you give me a reason. Hell, I only invited him to the LexCorp Christmas Ball because I never thought he'd accept."

So, Clark thought, time to change tactics and he was not going to feel guilty about it. He just wasn't. It was for Lex's own good. He just didn't understand that yet, so Clark would explain it, eventually. But for now... "Can it be my Christmas present?"

"What?" Lex asked dropping his hand in confusion then holding it out to ward Clark off when he understood. "Oh no, no, absolutely not."

He'd been trying for months to get Clark to pick out a Christmas present to no avail. Anytime Lex would ask him what he wanted Clark would just smile and say that he had everything he wanted but if anything came up, he'd be sure to say something. Well, he was saying something now, but there was no way Lex going to agree to it. And goddamn Clark for trying to trap him like this.

"No, Clark," he said again sharply. "You're not going to force me to go to a party and make my Dad think we're fucking without a giving me a reason."

Clark flinched at the harsh words but Lex ignored him. He had to make Clark understand that there'd be repercussions for both of them if they did this. It wouldn't be like the town gossip from back in Smallville or the office rumors that were always floating around. Clark always said that he didn't care when there was a story in the media about them but that was only because it was buried in the back of an obscure paper that Lex didn't pay off in time. And no matter what he said, Lex was pretty sure that he'd care a whole fucking lot when the front page of the Inquisitor declared him a Luthor whore.

"Jesus," Lex cursed, moving away from Clark and beginning to pace. "I'm not sure you can give me a reason good enough to do what you're suggesting. The fallout would be horrendous. Forget about my Dad, the media would have a field day. And I have no idea how my business contacts will react to me being labeled a fag. I mean Lord knows I've never been discreet, or discriminating, when it came to who I slept with. But that was a long time ago and people will excuse a lot if they consider it youthful indiscretion. But this..." He shook his head.

God, Lex couldn't believe how angry this was making him. And the terrible thing was that he knew it wasn't because of the trouble it would cause, since really it wouldn't be that much. He didn't give a shit what his business associates thought of him and even if they disapproved, he doubted that they'd do anything. They only cared about making money and as long as an alliance with LexCorp could make them richer, they wouldn't care who he bedded.

As for the public? They probably wouldn't even blink. Metropolis was used to sex scandals so something like Lex Luthor having an eighteen-year old boy toy wouldn't even be a blip on the radar. Now that he thought about it, other than maybe a few people giving Clark a hard time at school and Jonathan and Martha coming to kill him, it really wasn't a problem.

Well, except for the one little thing that had Lex pacing, and angry, and feeling like his insides were being ripped to shreds. The fact that it wasn't true. They weren't together and Lex couldn't pretend that they were. It would kill him to have the world think that Clark was his when he wasn't.

"Lex," Clark said hesitantly, swallowing a few times before he could say anything else. "I'm sorry. I... I didn't know."

And he didn't. He had no idea all the problems that he could cause Lex. All the problems that he was probably already causing Lex just from hanging around so much. Then there were the rumors that he got tired of denying so he had just ignored, or even worse, wished that they were true. All the times that he stayed the night at the penthouse instead of going back to the dorms, or showed up at the office just assuming that he was welcomed.

What had he been thinking? What had he been doing? Pushing Lex for more when he didn't want it. Hurting his business and possibly their friendship because Clark didn't see that just because people didn't really care if he was with Lex, they definitely cared if Lex was with him. And the whole time Lex not saying anything, being a good friend when he probably wanted to just tell Clark to back off for a while.

Well, Clark wouldn't make him ask. He'd stay away, stop trying to fit himself into a life he had no business being in. And it wouldn't be like back in Smallville, when his vow to give Lex some space lasted barely three days. There Clark had stayed close to keep him safe but here that closeness was hurting, not helping. He hadn't meant for it to be like this, but at least it was something that he could fix.

"I'm sorry," Clark repeated. "Forget about the party. Your Dad got to me and I wasn't thinking. I just... I have to go."

`Shit', Lex cursed himself when Clark started to leave. He didn't want Clark taking off when he was upset, which he obviously was. And Lex knew he was to blame. He shouldn't have said all that stuff. Clark was just trying to help and now he thinks he's done something wrong.

"Clark, wait a second." He didn't wait and Lex barely got to the door before the younger man could escape. "I shouldn't have said those things. Dad pissed me off too and I was venting. You know better then to listen to me when I get like that."

"Don't worry about it," Clark said, not looking up from his shoes. "But I really have to go Lex, I told Brian I'd hang out with him tonight." He didn't but his roommate had asked so Clark figured it wasn't exactly a lie.

"Yeah all right," Lex agreed, still not moving. "But can we finish talking before you leave?"

Clark didn't answer. He really needed to get away, get some distance between them before he did something stupid, like not leave... ever. "I've got to go," he said quietly, stepping around Lex and out the door.

He was almost to the elevator when a soft voice stopped him.

"Clark, is everything okay?" Laura asked.

She had seen him walk out of Lex's office and wondered what Lionel had done to make him look so upset. The man was truly awful, so the possibilities were endless.

"Laura, hey. Everything's fine. It's just been a long day," Clark lied, praying she wouldn't want more of an explanation than that.

The look he was giving her practically begged her not to ask anything else, so she just nodded and told him to stay warm. He agreed with a weak smile and forced himself to wait for the elevator instead of taking the stairs like he wanted. Laura didn't even wait for the doors to shut before she was on her feet and heading to ask Lex what had happened.

"Sir?" she asked, knocking and then just walking in when Lex didn't answer.

"Go away," he ordered, not bothering to be polite.

He was standing by the bar downing what Laura guessed was not his first drink and looked almost as bad as Clark did. She frowned. Lex was usually mad and a bit illtempered after a visit with his father but not upset. And she had gotten to know his moods good enough to see that he was upset and not angry. She also knew there was only one thing that got him in this state.

"If it's any consolation," she told him blandly, "Clark looks worse off then you, so I'm guessing you won."

"Won?"

"Yes, won. Whatever fight you just had with Clark," she clarified with a wave in the direction that the boy had gone.

Lex was really tired all of a sudden. "Not that it's any of your business, but what makes you think that I had a fight with Clark? My father was being an ass, couldn't my mood be attributed to him?"

Laura shook her head. "No, your father gets you mad but not upset. Besides, Clark just left here looking like he'd lost his best friend and you're not looking too good yourself."

Great, Lex knew he shouldn't have let Clark leave. "Are you sure he was upset and not just in a hurry?" he asked hopefully.

All he got for an answer was a doubtful and very accusing glare. Putting the glass down Lex rubbed at what was rapidly becoming a migraine. He didn't have a clue what was going on with Clark but he was fairly certain it was his fault, which meant it was his job to fix it.

Lex held up his hands in defeat. "Okay, okay. Call down to the garage and tell security to stall him until I get there."

"Very good," she approved, turning away only to be almost knocked off her feet when the building shook.

Lex grabbed on to the bar and shouted over what sounded like a bomb. "What the hell was that?"

Which was exactly what Clark was thinking as he pushed away the twisted and bent remains of the elevator. He'd been in such a hurry to leave that he hadn't notice how fast the elevator was dropping until it was too late. The numbers were flashing by in a blur and Clark only had time to thank god that Lex wasn't with him before it hit the ground.

The force was incredible. The runaway elevator hit the two-foot thick titanium floor that protected the labs and crumpled. The metal molded itself around Clark instead of crushing him, and for a moment he had an absurd urge to giggle. Because, wow... that's what it felt like to fall 95 floors.

Shaking off the slight hysteria, Clark knew he had to get out before somebody saw him and started asking questions. Questions like, `Why aren't you hurt?' or even better, `Why aren't you dead?' Pushing himself free, Clark zipped into the stairwell just as guards rushed over to see what had happened.

Brushing himself off he was surprised when the only damage to his clothes was a small tear in his leather jacket. Shrugging and passing it off as good luck Clark nearly giggled again when he jogged back into the garage and saw the destroyed elevator. If this was good luck he'd hate to see bad.

"What happened?" Clark yelled to the first person he saw.

A guard Clark had only met once before answered. "I have no idea," he admitted.

Nodding he reached into his pocket and didn't have to pull out his cell phone to know it was broken. Damn, he had to talk to Lex. Clark waved the guard over. "I need your phone."

The man handed it over without question and Clark mumbled a thanks as he dialed and backed away from the growing crowd.

"Luthor," Lex snapped into the phone. He'd just walked into the main security office on 94 to find Bennett when his cell rang.

Oh no, Clark thought. Lex must be really pissed off or really upset if he was answering with `Luthor.' "Lex, it's me."

"Clark! Thank god. Where are you?" he asked holding up a hand when Laura started asking if Clark was okay and Bennett came around the corner asking if Clark knew what happened.

"I'm down in the garage. Something happened to the elevator. It sorta, well... it fell. I don't know why," he said using his x-ray vision to see into the shaft. "It didn't break through the floor so the labs are okay and nobody else was with me so..."

"You were in..." Lex choked off his words as he braced himself against the wall. He couldn't say that Clark had been in the elevator with Bennett and Laura listening but Jesus, he felt sick. It must have shown because they both stepped forward looking ready to catch him if he fell.

Lex waved them off and retreated to the corner. "Clark are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Why?" he asked sounding puzzled.

"Why?" Lex repeated disbelieving. "You just fell nearly 1200 feet. That's why."

"But I can't get hurt," Clark reminded him so reasonably that Lex wanted very much to kill him.

"We don't know that, not for sure. We don't know how much your body can take before it breaks. What if your limit for falling was only 1000 feet? You could have died!" Lex snapped his mouth shut when his voice broke on the last word.

He couldn't have this conversation now, maybe not ever. He couldn't admit that one of his constant fears was that Clark would reach and pass a limit nobody was sure he had. And he definitely wasn't going to tell Clark about the nightmares that he had, horrible dreams of Clark going to save somebody and losing his abilities just as a bullet ripped into him or a car ran him down. No, Lex wouldn't tell him that. Just like he wouldn't admit out loud that if Clark died, he honestly didn't know if he'd survive it.

"Lex," came the soothing voice over the phone. "I'm fine. Not even a scratch, I swear."

"Yeah," Lex coughed, trying to get his mind to work and figure out what had to be done now. "Clark did anybody see you?"

"No. I got out before anybody showed up and pretended to be in the stairwell. But what about the security cameras?"

"I'll take care of it. Just stay where you are."

"But Lex," he protested. He didn't want to stay. He wanted to make sure nothing happened anywhere else in the building. He wanted to make sure nobody was hurt. He really wanted to be closer to Lex.

"Clark I need to find what the hell happened and if it's happened in any of the other buildings," Lex said, echoing his thoughts.

"I can help. Besides we don't know if this was on purpose and aimed at you. Let me come up there."

"No. Bennett's with me so just let us check on things and we'll be down. Until then keep everything under control where you're at."

Clark shut his eyes and took a calming breath. "Lex, Bennett can't protect you like I can. Please, just let..."

"I said no," Lex cut him off. "I'll be down in a few minutes. Until then, so help me Clark, you better do what I tell you."

Lex ended the call quickly before Clark could say anything else and turned to Laura and Bennett.

"It appears that, for reasons unknown, the elevator malfunctioned and dropped to the ground level. Clark's fine," he added. "He decided to take the stairs but he's down in the garage now. He doesn't know what happened or if it's happened anywhere else so we need to find out." Thinking up the explanation was easy enough, he just hoped that nobody questioned how Clark had gotten down to the garage so quickly. The last thing that he wanted was the focus to be on Clark.

"Do you want to evacuate?" Bennett asked.

"Not if we don't have to. Check to see if there's any fires or structural damage. If there isn't, tell everybody to stay put until we find out what's going on."

"Yes sir," Bennett agreed, grateful that the Towers were managed and monitored completely by computers. It would take a lot longer if he had to check everything manually.

"Laura, don't let anybody panic," Lex ordered over his shoulder as he headed to another computer.

Punching in his password, Lex found the camera controls and archives quickly. He didn't have time to go through them now so he just locked down access to everything that was recorded within the last half-hour. He'd have to review everything and do some careful editing before letting the investigative team have them, but for now, this would do.

"Bennett," Lex barked impatiently. "Find me a safe elevator to get to the garage."

Fifteen minutes later Lex was entering the garage, after confirming that the runaway elevator was an isolated incident that caused surprisingly little damage. Striding forward with Bennett at his shoulder, Lex immediately looked around for Clark. It wasn't hard to find him.

Standing in the middle of a gathering of LexCorp guards and Metropolis police, Lex watched as Clark simultaneously answered questions, gave orders, and offered reassurance. Aside from the utter relief at seeing with his own eyes that Clark was okay, Lex was also very impressed. For as much as Clark liked to fade into the background, he really knew how to handle a crisis, although he didn't look like he was enjoying it much.

Face set into a solid line of irritation, Clark ignored the police for a minute when he saw the Tower maintenance crew. He called them, knowing they'd have to at least make the pretense of searching to see if there was anybody inside the elevator when it went down.

Taking them over to the twisted mess, Clark listened as they told him that with the portable acetylene torches it would still be about a half-hour before they could cut through all the metal.

"Work as fast as you can," Clark told them. "We don't think there was anybody inside but we need to make sure."

After they nodded their understanding, Clark turned away, looking over the small crowd that had followed him and locked eyes with Lex. Still standing on the outskirts of the garage, Lex could easily read the expressions that were warring on the boy's face. The two most prominent being relief that Lex was okay and anger at being hung up on.

Walking over Clark stopped right in front of him and spoke as if incredibly bored. "The police are here," he said, waving a hand at a passing cop. "They're fine with letting you handle the situation as long as they're kept informed. Maintenance guys say it'll be a least a half-hour before they can confirm the elevator was empty. Security's doing a good job at keeping everyone at bay." He directed the last comment at Bennett then turned back to Lex. "Oh yeah, the media's already showing up."

Lex resisted the urge to demand that Bennett throw every single reporter off LexCorp property and charge them with trespassing. The media was a pain in the ass, but they were also pretty useful, so Lex decided to just suck it up and make nice. Even if he really didn't want to. Still, maybe he could put it off for a little while longer.

"Bennett," Lex ordered, "keep all media and gawkers away from the building and tell them I'll be making a statement shortly."

"Yes sir. But..."

"But what," Lex asked impatiently.

"Even though everything points to this being an accident, until we're sure, I think it wise for you to remain guarded."

"I got it," Clark told Bennett, then nodded to the people milling around. "You take care of them, I'll take care of Lex."

"Okay, just let me know immediately of anything suspicious," he said, already backing away.

Clark was a little surprised at the grateful look and easy agreement that Bennett gave him. He usually wasn't so quick to hand off protection duties. Which could only mean that Lex was being especially difficult and Bennett wanted as little direct contact with the man as possible. And from experience, he knew that Bennett wouldn't be the only one using him as a buffer in between them and an angry Luthor. Clark sighed. The next few days were not going to be fun.

"I didn't think you'd be volunteering to play bodyguard," Lex admitted as soon as Bennett left.

"Why not?" Clark asked, keeping his voice neutral.

Lex shrugged. "I know you're pissed because I made you stay down here."

Clark blinked, not seeing what that had to do with anything. So he was mad, that didn't mean he cared or worried any less. In fact, that's why he was mad, because he cared and worried. Sometimes, Clark wondered what happened to Lex to make him think that just because you made someone angry it meant that they would automatically abandoned you.

"Just because I'm mad," Clark said, letting his tone soften, "doesn't mean I won't always be around to keep you safe."

Lex knew that an ear to ear grin would be completely inappropriate, so he schooled his features and settled for nudging Clark with his shoulder. "That's nice to know, just try to keep yourself safe too," he said, gesturing in the direction on the elevator.

Clark didn't seem to think that there was anything at all inappropriate about offering up a huge smile, and at the way that it loosened the anxiety that he felt about pissing Clark off one time to many times, Lex could only agree.

"Come on," Lex said, walking into the crowd, "time for damage control."

Which really wasn't that difficult, just tedious. Lex could only reassure people so much before he started getting annoyed, so when the maintenance crew finally announced that the elevator was empty, Lex practically jumped at the chance to make a statement to the media.

"Lex." Clark stopped him just before he went outside.

Thinking he was going to get the patented dangers-of-addressing-the-masses speech, Lex gave a patient, "Yes, Clark?"

"Button up your coat."

"What?" Lex asked confused. Clark was always protective but never paternal. It wasn't like him to fuss with clothing.

Clark grinned. "That's not exactly professional," he said eyeing the sweatshirt that Lex had forgotten he was wearing.

Looking down at the MetU logo emblazoned on his chest Lex was horrified to feel himself flush slightly. It was one thing to wear it to a fast food restaurant or his office, and it was bad enough that his Dad had commented on it but to have been wearing it the entire time he was talking to what seemed like half the Metropolis police department? That was just beyond embarrassing.

Lex tried to sound reproachful. "You couldn't have pointed out my fashion faux pas earlier?"

Clark shrugged and lied. "I didn't notice until now."

There was no way that he was going to admit that he'd, not just noticed, but immensely enjoyed the fact that everybody else noticed as well. He saw the way people looked at the shirt, then at Lex, then finally at him. He knew the impression that they would get and frankly he was glad. Clark knew that he shouldn't be, especially after that awful scene with Lionel, but he couldn't seem to help it.

"Uh huh," Lex said, far from convinced.

Clark knew that Lex didn't believe him but he also knew that he wouldn't call him on it. If he did, it would pave the way for them to actually talk about what was developing between them and that was something that Lex avoided at all costs. Whether that was because he wanted more or didn't want more then friendship, Clark had no idea. And until Lex decided to let him know, he'd do what he always did. He'd take his cues from the man that had buttoned up his coat and was now confidently telling the reporters that nothing had happened but an unfortunate, non-injury accident involving one of the elevators.

Frowning, Clark thought that this was one time he really didn't want to abide by Lex's clues. But the last thing that Lex had mentioned about them being close was how much trouble that came with it, so he didn't have much choice. Clark would do as he originally planned: he'd grow up a little and stop hanging onto Lex like a security blanket. Even if just the thought of staying away made Clark cold in a way that had nothing to do with the freezing temperatures.

Finished with his statement and questions from the press, Lex turned to see Clark looking a little off. He didn't seem concerned about any danger but Lex couldn't help but think that he looked distressed and... resolved. He looked guiltily determined, like he caused a problem and planned to fix it, even if that meant putting himself on the line. Sighing, Lex vowed to find out what was going on in Clark's head before the boy did something stupidly self-sacrificing and equally unnecessary.

Striding passed and into the garage, Clark fell in step behind Lex without a word. Hovering just off to the right, he stayed so uncharacteristically silent as Lex issued a few last orders, that even Bennett noticed. He raised a questioning eyebrow but didn't actually ask if anything was wrong so Lex pretended not to see the man's curiosity. Instead, he just told Bennett that he had a couple of things to take care of and headed for a safe elevator.

"What about a more complete investigation?" Bennett asked before Lex could make his escape.

"I'll see to it in the morning," Lex assured. "Until then, secure the area so nothing is inadvertently disturbed."

"Yes sir," was all Bennett said.

After the security breech and failed assassination attempt last summer, it had taken a while to regain the respect of both men. Bennett had done it and kept his job but that didn't give him the right to question orders. He knew better then to ask why Lex wanted to wait until morning to investigate more fully, or for that matter, why a large chunk of the video surveillance from the main Tower was suddenly inaccessible.

No, Bennett was pretty sure that if he asked why Lex would take over the investigation of certain incidents, he would quickly be out of a job. He was even more certain that if he asked why Clark was usually involved in those incidents, that he would just as quickly disappear off the face of the earth. Bennett wanted to keep his job, more importantly he wanted to keep his life, so no, he wouldn't ask questions.

Lex gave a dismissive nod and didn't say anything until he and Clark were alone and safely on the way up to the penthouse. "You're awfully quiet," he commented casually, hoping Clark would tell him why he was being so quiet.

"Just thinking," Clark said with a heavy lift and fall of his shoulders.

"About what?"

Another shrug. "Nothing."

`Nothing' added to the hunched, in-drawn body language, and Clark's inability to look him in the eyes had Lex translating nothing into a very big something. He resisted the urge to yell at Clark, to just tell him what the fuck was the matter. It wouldn't do any good, in fact, it would probably make things worse. If he started in on an interrogation, Clark would shut down completely and his vocabulary would shrink to `I'm fine' and `nothing's the matter.'

The trick to get Clark to spill his guts was simply not to ask. Lex had discovered that all he had to do was stay close, really close, invading Clark's personal space at every opportunity, light touches to an arm or shoulder, or sitting with him on the couch, and the boy's carefully built walls would crumble. So with that in mind, Lex kept his mouth shut and his hand on the small of Clark's back as they made their way into the penthouse.

Clark shot him a slightly suspicious look but didn't say anything and Lex smiled to himself when the boy shifted closer despite his wariness. The last couple of hours had been nerve racking to say the least and Lex couldn't blame him for wanting a bit of physical confirmation that they were both okay. Hell, if Lex were honest with himself, his plan to go excessively tactile was just as much for his own comfort as it was to probe Clark's psyche.

As soon as the door shut behind them, Lex let Clark escape to check over the penthouse. It was something he did whenever the danger had gotten too close to home, too close to Lex. He would examine every room with his x-ray vision, look out every window to make sure nobody was watching them, and often stayed awake all night to stand guard.

Clark knew his actions were a little obsessive, but he couldn't help it, especially when Lex would thrash around at night, trapped in some nightmare where Clark couldn't protect him. He had no idea how many times he'd woken up to the sound of Lex tossing and turning in his sleep. It wasn't so loud that a normal person would hear, but Clark's sensitive hearing and his constant, unconscious awareness of his best friend had him awake and standing at Lex's bedroom door with no memory of getting up.

The first couple of times it happened, Clark just stood with his hand on the knob and his forehead against the door, not sure if he had the right to invade Lex's privacy by going in. One night, it just became too much for him and he finally snapped. He'd been outside the door, listening to his friend tangle himself in the sheets, when Lex let out a barely audible cry and Clark suddenly found himself on the other side of the door.

Eyes easily adjusting to the darkness, Clark focused on the bed and caught his breath at what he saw. Lex was covered in a fine sheen of sweat, chest bare, with the sheets pooled around his hips. He was moving fitfully, obviously having a nightmare and Clark knew he should wake him up, but he didn't. He watched Lex shift with restless, almost painful movements, and felt himself flush with heat and guilt when the first thing he thought was how beautiful Lex looked.

There was something about seeing Lex so open and vulnerable, there was no mask to hide the fear and hurt that the nightmare caused and Clark couldn't look away. There was such raw, unreserved emotion pouring off of him that Clark was frozen in place, torn between stopping his friend's pain and drinking in the rare show of feeling.

It wasn't until Lex mumbled his name that Clark stepped forward. Frowning, he edged closer and silently folded himself to sit on the floor, only a few feet away from the bed. He thought he was the cause of Lex's distress at first, that deep down Lex was afraid of him and it was coming out in the nightmare. But that wasn't right. In all the time they'd known each other, Lex had never seemed afraid of him and besides, he hadn't called Clark's name in fear. It sounded more of sadness, the type of bone deep sorrow that takes a hold of you and refuses to let go.

Sitting and keeping guard over him, Clark watched as he began to relax and fall into a more restful sleep. It was like his presence alone made the nightmare retreat and to make sure they didn't come back, he waited another ten minutes after the man's breathing evened out before he left. Settling in bed, Clark stayed awake and listened, just in case Lex needed him again. And without meaning to it quickly became a habit, to stay awake and listen, just in case. It was a habit that Clark knew he'd continue tonight.

Clark vowed to put a little distance between Lex and himself, and he would, but not tonight. The elevator accident was just that, an accident, but he was still too nervous to leave Lex alone. He would hang out tonight, drop a few hints about school and being busy, maybe even suggest that he go to Smallville for Christmas by himself. Anything as an excuse to give Lex the space he needed.

Feeling better now that he had some sort of plan, Clark wandered into the living room to see Lex hunched over the coffee table and typing insistently at his laptop.

"What are you doing?"

Lex didn't answer. He didn't even glance up, just kept typing and looking increasingly more worried.

"Lex," Clark tried again. "What are you doing?"

"Tell me exactly what happened with the elevator," he ordered, finally meeting Clark's eyes, but not answering his question. "Start from when you left my office."

"Umm, I walked out, talked to Laura for a second, then got on the elevator. I pushed the button for the garage but by the time I realized that it was going down too fast, it was too late. I hit the ground hard, really hard, and the elevator sort of folded around me."

Clark shuddered a bit, remembering how surreal it felt to have all that metal wrapped around him like a cocoon. "I pushed out of it pretty quick," he continued. "Then I heard people coming, so I ran into the stairwell, brushed myself off, and went back out like I didn't know what was going on."

"And then you called me," Lex added, shaking his head like he was trying to clear it. "Are you sure that's what happened, Clark?"

"Well, yeah," Clark answered slowly. "Why?"

Lex gestured to his laptop and waiting until Clark sat down before starting the surveillance video of the accident. "This is from several different camera angles," he explained as a very different version of the incident played out.

It showed Clark leaving Lex's office, talk briefly to Laura, and then get on the elevator. But in reality, where Clark had stayed on the elevator, the video showed him getting off some floors later and taking the stairs. The elevator continued down quite empty, increasing in speed until it crashed into the ground. The next couple scenes had Clark running the rest of the way down, bursting into the garage and asking what happened.

The video was an exact match to their official story but Clark knew that there was no way that Lex could have doctored the tape so quickly. He had to ask anyway. The alternative was just not something that Clark wanted to think about.

"You fixed it already?" he asked hopefully.

Lex gave him an impatient look that said, `don't be stupid.' "I didn't do anything to it, Clark. I just turned it on to start with the creative editing and found this. And it leads me to ask again, are you sure you were in the elevator?"

"Of course, I'm sure," Clark snapped. "It's really not something you forget."

Lex nodded in a completely patronizing way. "No," he agreed calmly, "but do you think there's a possibility that you're not remembering correctly? It wouldn't exactly be the first time something weird happened to affect our memories."

"Yeah, but this is Metropolis, not Smallville. I was on that elevator and there wasn't a meteor or meteor freak in sight."

"Maybe," Lex said, not sounding very convinced.

"Not maybe... definitely and I can prove it," he exclaimed, digging into his pocket and pulling out his useless cell phone. "It broke in the accident. I had to borrow one from a guard to call you."

Lex looked warily at the destroyed phone like it was the cause of this whole mess before punching a few keys on his laptop. The screen came to life again with Clark running into the garage, asking what happened, and sure enough... borrowing a phone from a passing guard.

Lex was perfectly still for a long moment before exploding out of his seat. He didn't look at Clark as he strode over to the bar, downing an alarming amount of whiskey then throwing the glass into the far wall. "Fuck!"

Clark flinched at the sound of both Lex and the shattering glass. "Lex?" he asked hesitantly, needing to know exactly what the man was thinking.

"Gimme a second, Clark." He tried to sound calm, even though he felt anything but. Jesus, could this get any worse? Somebody knew about Clark, knew about him and rigged the elevator as a test and a way to gather evidence. Oddly enough that wasn't what bothered Lex the most.

The most troubling thought was the fact that this person was likely to be an employee of LexCorp. They needed the opportunity to see Clark and have access to the Tower's elevators and security system to pull this off. Not to mention, that the only time Lex had said that Clark got off the elevator in favor of the stairs was in the security office.

Somebody had gotten that information and used it to edit the tape, and in order to have done that, they would have had to either been listening in or actually been in the office at the time. And, considering that the two people who were there, were also among the few people from LexCorp that had the knowledge, access, and ability to accomplish something like this, Lex figured he had the right to be a little agitated.

Damn it, he liked Laura and Bennett. He really didn't want to think that they would betray, not just him, but Clark as well. He also didn't want to think about what he'd have to do if it proved that they did have something to do with this... whatever the hell this was. It was no secret just how far he'd go to protect Clark, how far he had gone. If it was a choice between keeping Clark safe or somebody else winding up conveniently dead, well, there really wasn't a decision to make. He once promised Clark that he'd make sure everything would be okay and that was a promise he intended to keep, consequences and morals be damned.

Chancing a look over at Clark, Lex knew that he was thinking along the same lines but with far less acceptance. Clark always tried to take on all the responsibility in a situation. He hated getting other people involved because they might get hurt and that was one thing that Clark couldn't handle. He couldn't stand the thought of other people getting hurt because of him.

Lex could see him fidgeting. It looked like he was getting ready to stand up and bolt. Lex guessed he better step in before the boy did something characteristically noble... like leave.

"Clark," he said, sitting back down, studiously ignoring the shattered glass and his own loss of temper. "We'll figure this out. Everything's going to be okay."

Clark looked miserable. "Lex, I know you want to help but maybe..."

"No."

"No?" Clark echoed.

"You're not alone it this, Clark. I said we'll figure this out and I meant it.

"But..."

Lex waved a hand to stop the well meaning but unhelpful protest. He had to make Clark understand that he wasn't choosing to get involved, he was already involved, completely and totally involved. Their lives had become so intertwined that a threat against one was a threat against them both, and Lex wouldn't have it any other way.

He wanted, needed Clark in his life, and not just when it was convenient and uncomplicated. Sure, he needed Clark to be strong and supportive, but he also needed him when he was insecure, bratty, and attracting self-serving lunatics with an efficiency that rivaled Lex. Clark was everything to him, and despite how much of a pain in the ass it was sometimes, Lex didn't ever want it to change. Now, he just needed to convince Clark of that. The question was how.

He couldn't just come right out and say it. Well, he could, but the thought of getting emotional and pouring his heart out really didn't have all that great of an appeal. Besides, Clark tended to discount what he said in favor of what he did anyway, so there was a good chance that a long, articulate, soul-baring speech would be a waste of time. Looking around the room to avoid Clark's questioning eyes, Lex's gaze landed on the TV and he immediately knew how to get his point across. He knew how to make Clark understand what he was thinking, what he was feeling, without actually having to say it out loud.

Reaching forward, Lex closed his laptop and grabbed the remote. Still not meeting Clark's eyes he turned the TV to the Cartoon Network and very deliberately sat with his arm draped along the back of the couch. For Lex, it was the equivalent of shouting his feelings from the rooftops and declaring for all the world that he was not going to be the one to walk away from this odd relationship of theirs.

He could feel Clark staring at him, measuring his actions and trying to decide if they meant what he thought they did.

"You sure?" Clark asked, sounding as though he didn't particularly want to give Lex an out but unable to stop himself.

Lex still wouldn't look at him but he did answer, "I'm sure."

Clark could really be destructive to his own cause sometimes because he couldn't seem to shut up. "Because I think that your Dad's right. I've made things harder for you, caused so many problems. I can't help but think that you'd be better off without me."

"You saved me," Lex reminded him. "I'd be dead without you."

Clark wasn't sure how to argue that or why he would even want to. It was true of course, Lex would be dead several times over if it hadn't been for Clark, but he didn't want their friendship to be based on some twisted form of gratefulness. He didn't want to think that Lex was offering himself as a reward, just like he'd done years ago with that truck.

"That's not it."

Lex's soft-spoken words startled Clark. He didn't think he'd said that out loud and a look to see the concentration on the other man's face confirmed that he hadn't. And hell, if Lex wanted to take up permanent residence inside his head, that was fine too. If anything it would save time and cut down on the confusion between the two of them.

"Our friendship might have started with gratitude," Lex continued, "but it didn't take long for it to turn into something else. What? I honestly don't know. What I do know is that it's not something that can be categorized, labeled, and shoved into a neat little box. I'll admit it's a rather unusual relationship but that's probably because it involves two of the least normal men on the planet."

That made Clark quirk a tiny smile. "You trying to tell me I'm strange, Lex?"

"Yeah," Lex confirmed with a half grin of his own, "but you're in good company."

Clark couldn't agree more and Lex's open expression and still open arms was an invitation he couldn't resist. Settling himself comfortably against the other man, Clark felt Lex relax the second their bodies made contact. And the realization of just how tense he'd been made a flash of guilt wash over Clark.

"I'm sorry."

Lex sighed. "Its not your fault, Clark, not any of it."

Clark didn't agree but instead of arguing he asked, "Shouldn't we be, I don't know... doing something. Trying to figure out who's behind this?"

"We will," Lex assured, then added, "in a little while. A few minutes in front of the TV isn't going to make a difference one way or the other."

As if to emphasize his words, Lex sunk further down into the couch barely hesitating before pulling Clark to rest against his chest. Keeping his arms loosely wrapped around the boy who didn't seem to have any qualms about treating him like a particularly favorite pillow. Lex had to give himself a mental shake at the absurdity of it all.

He was Lex Luthor for God's sake. His life should be filled with nothing but business, money, and debutantes, the only things that twenty something genius billionaires should be interested in. But here he was, thinking about blackmail plots, the best way to make someone disappear, and just how fucking good it felt to have Clark so close. Clark, who was about as far away from a debutante as you could get. Clark, who was once again trusting Lex to make everything okay.

He closed his eyes as the weight of that responsibility settled over him. It should have been oppressive. It should have been terrifyingly claustrophobic. It should have had Lex running for the hills in a spectacular show of Luthor narcissism. It should not have given him the complete and utter sense of relief he was feeling now.

He shouldn't be using this situation and Clark's vulnerability to secure his own place in the boy's life. It was a perverse and twisted thing to be happy that Clark was in serious enough danger that he actually needed Lex for protection. He knew it was wrong and he didn't really want there to be any threat against the younger man, but it didn't stop him from greedily hoarding the total faith that Clark gave him.

Lex hated it that he needed confirmation of Clark's trust, but six months of truth didn't erase four years of lies. It still stung to think about it and it royally pissed him off that Clark had told Pete long before he'd told him.

Rationally, Lex knew why he'd done it. Clark had known Pete most of his life, grew up with him, knew everything about him. It was only reasonable that Pete would be the first one that Clark opened up to. But reasonable or not, Lex still hated it, hated that Clark would give away such an intimate part of himself to someone else. And that's what it boiled down to, not that Clark told his secret to Pete, but that he told somebody other than Lex.

Reflexively holding Clark a little tighter, Lex could admit to himself that his reaction would be the same no matter who Clark told. This secret created a bond when shared and Lex didn't want Clark to be that close to anybody but him. It was pure jealousy, he knew that. Just like he knew it wasn't exactly an act of altruism when he'd helped Pete land that scholarship to Kansas State. And he hadn't even known Clark was an alien at the time, definitely hadn't known that Pete knew Clark was an alien.

At the time, just the way Pete was so comfortable around Clark and so welcomed by his parents, was enough for Lex to want a little distance between the two. And as petty as it was, when Pete accepted the scholarship which took him away from Clark, Lex was silently cheering and chanting "one down and two to go."

As it turned out, Lex didn't even have to do anything to get rid of the women in Clark's life. They did it for him. Chloe was off to New York to study journalism so fast and so excited that she barely had time for a few token tears and a wave good bye. Lana Lang it seemed, really was born to small town life, because she decided to forgo college in favor of staying in Smallville.

Clark hadn't seemed terribly upset by his friends' decisions. Which wasn't surprising since, in the past couple years, he spent more time with Lex than the three of them combined. Still, Lex was relieved when he found out it would just be him and Clark in Metropolis. It wasn't really appropriate to be glad that Clark would be virtually cut off from his family and friends, but then Lex had never been good at sharing.

After all, Clark was his friend. Clark was his only friend. Clark was... well, Clark was his. More so now then ever and he'd be damned if he gave the boy up without a fight. He didn't know who was behind this elevator mess but when he found out they were going to be very, very sorry. He'd been too nice and too lenient with those around him. It was time he reminded the world that it didn't pay to fuck with a Luthor, and it was suicide to fuck with Lex.

"You okay?"

Startled by the quiet voice, Lex barely kept from flinching. "Yeah, just thinking."

"I thought you said that could wait a few minutes," Clark replied, half-serious.

Lex took the reprimand with a totally inappropriate grin. "You're right," he apologized, closing his eyes to enjoy his few minutes of not thinking.

Satisfied with that answer, Clark shifted more comfortably, closed his own eyes, and didn't realize that he'd fallen asleep until he was waking up.

Taking stock of the situation before moving, Clark noted that they were no longer leaning but completely laying down. Legs tangled together, with his face buried in the crook of a neck, Clark could feel Lex's steady heartbeat under his hand. It wasn't a hand splayed relaxed and possessive, but fisted tightly, in a now ruined shirt, like he was afraid Lex would slip away from him if he let go for even a moment.

Slowly unclenching his fist, Clark smoothed out the stretched material to little avail.

"Don't worry about it," Lex mumbled sleepily.

The right thing to do, Clark thought, would be to move so Lex could get up if he wanted to. It really wasn't nice to keep your best friend trapped on the coach by laying on him. Except that Clark didn't want to move, didn't want to give up this feeling of Lex pressed against him, warm, and real, and right where he should be.

Clark didn't even want to say anything, afraid that if he did, it would shatter this moment and force them back into reality. A reality where someone let loose runaway elevators to prove a point and was probably going to use him to blackmail Lex into handing over ridiculous amounts of money. If that was their plan, then they obviously didn't know Lex very well, because he would more likely hire a hit then write a check. It wasn't something that Clark was comfortable with, or would even allow, but the fact that Lex could easily do it was something that he'd accepted long ago.

Lex moved an arm that was probably asleep, reminding Clark that he wasn't exactly a lightweight and really should move. But apparently Clark's mind and body weren't on speaking terms, because even as he willed himself to get up, all he did was murmur into the man's neck.

"I don't want to move."

"Unfortunately you have to. We've got a lot of work to do."

Clark only made a negative sound and didn't budge.

"Clark, hiding won't make any of this go away."

"Not hiding," he denied, even though that's exactly what he was doing. That and cataloging the feel of every place he and Lex were touching. Sure, they had a lot to do but it was hard to see the importance of it when all he could think was how this would be so much better if they were naked.

The thought made him instantly, embarrassingly hard and he wondered if he could blush when all the blood in his body was headed away from his face. Lex shifted, obviously feeling him and Clark had his answer when his cheeks flamed. Now would be a good time to hide he decided, turning and burying his face in the couch.

"Sorry," he apologized, absolutely mortified and ready for Lex to either ignore him or launch into a clinical explanation about the body's automatic responses. Anything other than acknowledging that Clark wanted him.

To his surprise, Lex only leaned over close enough for Clark to feel warm puffs of air on his scalp when he finally spoke. "Don't be. But now is really not a good time for us to get distracted."

Clark only nodded, since that was far more then he'd expected from Lex in the first place.

"Come on," Lex nudged him as he got up. "Time to find out what the hell is going on."

Which turned out to be more frustrating then anything else. He knew Lex thought that either Laura or Bennett was the new bad guy in their life, but after four days of spying on them and not finding a shred of incriminating evidence, Clark didn't see how they could be. Lex had eventually agreed and although they were both relieved, it didn't really help their situation.

They didn't have any other suspects and until somebody contacted them with demands, there was really nothing they could do. They just had to go about their day-today business and wait for something to happen. They didn't have to wait long. It started Thursday morning with a call from Dr. Gunther and just got stranger from there.

"What was that about?" Lex asked as soon as Clark hung up.

"Dr. Gunther wants me to go down to the lab. There's something wrong with EVNN. His program is degrading and they can't stop it."

"Can you?"

"I don't know," Clark admitted, "but it's worth a try."

Lex wasn't surprised that Clark was going to go help. EVNN had been his pet project for quite some time. It was only reasonable that he was concerned about him, but other then loosing a multi-million dollar investment he hadn't even know about a week ago, Lex was concerned about something else.

"Clark, if you keep skipping school, your parents are going to kill me."

Clark flashed him a brilliant smile and opened the door to leave. "Don't worry, Lex. I'll protect you. Besides, what about your unilateral, heavy-handed, don't-even-thinkabout -disobeying-me declaration that I wasn't to step foot out of the building unless you were with me?"

"Yeah well," Lex said a bit uncomfortably. "I just don't think you should be running around the city alone until we find out what this person wants."

"I'm not arguing." Only because he'd completed the last of his finals already and it was easier to keep an eye on Lex this way, but Clark was smart enough not to say that out loud. "I'm just saying that unless you feel like reliving your college days, then I start Christmas break a little early."

They'd planned on leaving for Smallville on Friday anyway so Lex guessed a couple of missed classes wouldn't matter. "Fine, but call if you're going to be down there long," Lex told him.

With a nod and a wave, Clark was gone and Lex was left with a message from Laura about days' worth of neglected business. Heaving a monumental sigh that went completely unappreciated in the empty room, Lex headed down to his office, unable to avoid his assistant any longer.

Taking the stairs down one floor instead of seeking out a working elevator, Lex went to punch in his security code only to have the door pop open before he had the chance. He moved to the side to let whoever was on the other side come through, but the door remained just slightly ajar and very unmanned. Frowning, Lex pulled on the knob and warily slipped inside. Looking around and not seeing anybody even remotely close, he immediately got a sinking feeling and reached for his cell phone.

"You okay?" Was Clark's worried greeting.

One of the first things he'd done was get Clark a new cell phone, a better cell phone. One that displayed the name of the caller and scrambled the signal so nobody could listen in. He got one for himself while he was at it and vaguely wondered when he'd gotten so paranoid. Oh yeah, when somebody decided to drop his alien down 95 fucking floors. Speaking of the alien.

"I'm fine, Clark. Are you?"

"Yeah. Why?" Instantly alert and moving swiftly into full-blown protective mode.

"Have you noticed anything strange, maybe with the security panels, doors... elevators?" he asked wryly.

"Well," Clark hesitated, making sure nobody was around to overhear him. "The elevator sort of opened for me."

"What do you mean?" Lex had a feeling that he already knew but asked anyway.

"It opened as I was walking up to it, closed behind me, and went all the way to the lab without me pushing a button."

Lex took a breath and counted to ten, then twenty. He got to thirty before being able to talk without tearing Clark a new one. "And you didn't think to call and tell me about this? Didn't think that maybe it was something I should know?"

The other end of the line was suspiciously, guiltily silent but Lex did nothing to break it. Clark screwed up and he knew it. Now he just had to wait for the boy to admit it and apologize. It only took a second.

"I'm sorry. I was in a hurry and it seemed weird but not dangerous and... sorry," he offered again.

Lex nodded into the phone. He knew Clark was sorry but the situation was too unpredictable and too volatile. They needed to keep each other informed.

"Clark, if anything else happens you need to let me know."

"I will," he agreed immediately. "But why'd you call in the first place?"

"Let's just say that you're not the only one with over-accommodating doors. I'm fine," Lex reminded him quickly to forestall the impending question. "But I do need to go, so just keep an eye out and call if anything else happens."

"Okay. And Lex?"

"Yeah?"

"Be careful."

It came out quiet and heart-felt and it made Lex smile despite the circumstances.

"I will," he promised, listening to Clark hang up before flipping the phone shut and heading to his office.

Laura was waiting for him when he got there, looking hard and particularly disapproving. He couldn't blame her. He'd been avoiding her and Bennett until they could be ruled out as suspects and now he had to pay the price for that avoidance. At least he would only have to deal with his irritated assistant for another day.

By Friday evening he and Clark would be in Smallville. They had talked about canceling the trip, not wanting to inadvertently put Clark's parents in danger, but decided against it. If someone wanted the Kents as a target, they would be one regardless of if they came to visit or not. Hopefully, they'd catch whoever was doing this by then, but if not, then they'd be able to explain it in person.

Clark had called them about the runaway elevator since it was already on the news but he didn't say if it was an accident or not. He just told them to be extra watchful and that he'd see them soon.

Oddly enough, Lex was looking forward to the trip. And not just because at the moment even Jonathan's company was preferable to Laura's thinly veiled hostility, but because it was going to make Clark happy. And Lex had long since given up trying to figure out why his moods were seemingly interlocked and dependent on Clark's. That's just the way things were and Lex had learned to adapt by making it his first priority to keep Clark as happy as possible.

It was really a rather enjoyable task and Lex sighed inwardly as he dragged his thoughts away from his first priority to his second, mainly LexCorp. And wouldn't his Dad go absolutely ballistic at the prospect of Lex putting anything ahead of business? Come to think of it, that's exactly what Lionel had done when confronted with the fact that Clark was more important to him then money, or power, or this ridiculous father-son war they had going on.

It had been the night of Clark's graduation and he'd arrived back at the mansion to find Lionel there. He was waiting in the library as furious as Lex could ever remember and it was with a masochistic sense of curiosity that had him asking, "So Dad, what brings you out to Smallville? Miss me already?"

"Lex, what in the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Is that a rhetorical question?" he asked in an innocently sincere voice.

Lionel was not amused. "You walked out of a meeting that had the potential to give you numerous business and political allies, not to mention make millions, and maybe gain a company or two."

Lex was already aware of all this, so he just nodded and motioned for Lionel to get to the point.

"Why?" Lionel asked incredulously, as if there wasn't a reason on earth that could justify such behavior.

For Lionel there probably wasn't but for Lex, there most certainly was. "I had a promise to keep," was all Lex said.

Lionel exploded. "A promise, Lex! You gave up the tactical advantage because of a promise! To who? The Kent boy?"

Lex didn't deny it and Lionel's voice suddenly took on the slick, oily tone of a predator. "Clark," he said rolling the name around a bit. "You've been rather attached to him for a very long time. I've tolerated this association in the past but it's become detrimental to you future, Lex... to my future. I think it might be time for me to intervene. Maybe get rid of the distraction and refocus your attention on what's important."

Straightening from where he'd been leaning on the desk, Lex took several steps forward before he even registered the movement. He couldn't believe the fury that those few words had evoked and apparently neither could Lionel because he actually looked worried.

"Dad, you need to listen very carefully," he said sounding like a stranger to his own ears. "We can fight and battle until the end of time if that's what you want, but the second you take any action against Clark, this war is over. I will bury you, in every sense of the word, even if I have to destroy LuthorCorp and LexCorp in the process."

It was not a threat, Lionel had realized. It was a simple statement of fact and Lex meant every word of it. So unless he wanted this little game of theirs to end prematurely, Clark it seemed, was off limits. Lionel accepted the new development with a nod and summarily dismissed the subject with a wave of his hand.

Lex had been immediately suspicious about his Dad's easy acceptance. Especially since Lionel felt the need to confront him about Clark again a few days later at the Tower opening. And just to be on the safe side, Lex figured it was only prudent to spend a ridiculous amount of time and money spying on the man to see what he was up to.

After six months and not even a whisper about Clark, Lex had begun to think that Lionel was going to hold to their silent agreement. But now with a potential blackmailer on the loose, and the only suspects ruled out, Lex was beginning to have his doubts.

He knew that Lionel was capable of being behind this. Which was why he had increased surveillance and ordered a detailed report of his father's movements for the last couple of weeks. The report was supposed to be delivered to his office this morning and he had every intention of reading it over immediately. And that, Lex thought, was really going to piss Laura off.

She was currently telling him about all the people he needed to call and papers he needed to look at before he left for Smallville but all his attention was focused on the manila envelope she had tucked under her arm. When she was finally done talking, he pointed to the envelope. "Is that for me?"

"Yes," she said reluctantly, knowing if she handed it over, he wouldn't be doing any of the things she needed him to do.

"May I have it?" Lex asked politely, not wanting to irritate the woman any more then he was about to.

With a sigh she gave it to him and resigned herself to the fact that her day was going to be filled with paperwork and unpleasant phone calls. "Would you like these too?" she questioned, holding up the messages from various people.

Lex looked at the messages distastefully. He'd spent months arranging it so that there wouldn't be any pressing business going on to disrupt his trip with Clark. He'd even been doubling his main staff's Christmas bonuses to insure that they took care of all the little details in his absence. Lex thought it was only reasonable that they actually earned their paychecks.

"If it doesn't absolutely need my attention, let somebody else handle it," Lex told her.

"Yes, sir," she said, un-surprised at his order. "But you might want to take care of this yourself."

She handed over a slip of paper with a message from the Domestic Abuse Crisis Center and left Lex to his own devises. He read the note twice before the words made any sense and when they finally did, he felt his stomach drop. `This can't be happening,' was all Lex could think. `This can't possibly be happening.'

Retreating to his office, Lex sat down heavily and stared up at the ceiling. A big part of him wanted to rip up the message and pretend he'd never read it but he knew he couldn't. He had read it, it did happen, and now he was going to have to tell Clark.

"Stupid, stupid, stupid," Lex muttered at the ceiling.

He really didn't know whom he was talking about. It could have been the man that was sitting in the downtown jail. It could have been the woman laying beaten and broken at Metropolis General Hospital. There was a good chance that he was talking about Clark's belief that he could protect the world, but there was a better chance that he was talking about his own belief that he could protect Clark.

If this week had shown him anything, it was that not even Lex Luthor had enough power to keep Clark safe from the world. He had put up wall, after protective wall around Clark, yet things still slipped through. They were dangerous, hurtful things that were systematically stripping away every last bit of innocence that Clark had. Every needless act of violence and every victim seemed to harden him a little more.

He would push his feelings away so they wouldn't hurt and Lex was terrified that Clark would get so good at distancing himself that one day, he wouldn't be able to find his way back. That he would look at the remains of a failed rescue without a trace of emotion. Lex couldn't let that happen. And sure, a lot of times Lex hated it that Clark felt so deeply, that he had such a rigid sense of justice and morality, but mostly he was thankful for it. Because if one of them didn't care, didn't know right from wrong, then they were both lost.

Taking his cell phone out, Lex held it for a full minute before putting it down and picking up the manila envelope instead. He knew he was only delaying the inevitable but he didn't care. Besides, there might be some important information in the surveillance report and if he read it first, he'd be able to tell Clark everything at once.

So with his justifications firmly in place, Lex opened the report to the first page and began to read. When he got to the last, he sighed in frustration. It seemed that his father was being excruciatingly law abiding. There wasn't a hint that suggested that Lionel was taking any more interest