Now that I know what I'm without,

you can't just leave me.

--- Bring Me to Life, Evanescence

Teen Crisis

By Lois Lane

Yesterday, in what was another tragic strike of unrecognized rage, a local teen by the name of Josh Halsten took out a semi-automatic weapon and shot up his school cafeteria. Fortunately for his classmates, he was an exceptionally bad shot and there were only minor injuries as everyone tried to get away. Just as fortunate, Superman arrived on the scene and disarmed the boy.

Police took Josh Halsten into custody and he is now under psychiatric observation. Inside sources reveal that Halsten is claiming no memory of the event or even the entire day that led up to the shooting incident. Details as to how he got the weapon are still sketchy.

This is the third such episode in a month. Has Metropolis' school system fallen prey to some kind of mania or mass hysteria? Is there a connection between the shootings or are they individual cries for help from troubled teens?

* * * *

"I told you the formula wasn't ready!"

Lionel looked coolly at the slender, nerdy man who was practically shaking with fear. "And I told you that we needed to test it."

Running a hand through almost nonexistent hair, Dr. Ian McCallister exclaimed, "You can't just arbitrarily decide when to test something, Mr. Luthor. It doesn't work that way! I told you there would be problems and there were."

"Yes, I know. The boy missed his target entirely," Lionel mused. "We really should get a better quality of test subject. Someone who can aim would be a good start."

Shaking his head, McCallister said, "That's not the problem. The problem is that I need more time to get this formula perfected."

"You have a week, doctor. Bring in whomever you deem necessary, but the military waits for no corporation. Luthor Corp needs this contract if we are to survive," Lionel stated with finality.

McCallister hovered for another moment then sighed and nodded, leaving while muttering to himself.

Lionel eyed the closed door for a long moment then snorted and turned towards his computer. There were other projects to monitor after all.

* * * *

Lex hid a grin at Clark's protective hovering as the orderly maneuvered the wheelchair closer to the bed. "Clark, breathe. I'm not going to break moving from the bed to the wheelchair."

"I know," Clark answered seriously.

This time, he did grin as the orderly helped him go from the bed to the wheelchair. Lex knew that Clark would rather have just carried him out personally, but there was no way he would suffer that kind of indignity in public. In private, well, that was another story. Wincing as his back twinged, Lex held up a hand to forestall any protest Clark was about to make and pinned the younger man with a pointed look.

A bit sheepish, Clark shrugged and settled down. "Sorry. I'm just a little worried."

"Really," Lex drawled. "I never would have guessed."

"Make fun all you want, but as mom always said, better safe than sorry."

"Far be it from me to contradict the all-knowing Martha Kent."

"Lex…"

Lex snagged Clark's hand and brought it to his lips for a brief kiss. "I'm sorry. But really, Clark, the over-protective vibe is getting a little on my nerves."

A hurt look flittered across Clark's face and he said, "I just want to make sure you're okay."

Groaning to himself at the kicked puppy dog tone, Lex tugged on the hand in his grasp and replied, "I'm fine, Clark. A-ok. Fit and ready to be discharged, remember? You don't have to worry so much about me."

"But I do worry. I can't help it."

Lex realized that the conversation was going nowhere fast and changed the subject with, "So who's coming to my welcome home party?"

"What welcome home party?" Clark asked, moving behind him to take hold of the wheelchair handles.

"Nice try, farm boy."

Clark heaved a long-suffering sigh and commented, "You're impossible, you know that?"

Grinning, Lex looked up. "Are there presents?"

With a laugh, Clark answered, "No, there are not presents. It's a welcome home party, not a birthday party. Just try to act surprised, okay?"

"I can do that," Lex agreed, settling back with a pleased grin. He'd not only successfully diverted Clark from his worry, he'd confirmed that there was a party. He wondered if Clark knew just how easy it was to manipulate him, then pushed the thought aside. It wasn't exactly a subject he wanted to explore in any depth.

The drive to the penthouse was quiet and relaxed as Lex dozed lightly in Clark's arms. His stamina was much better than even a week ago, but he was nowhere near up to par. It seemed an awfully long time before they reached the tower and when the car finally stopped, Lex yawned and looked at his watch to discover it was almost two hours later. Startled, he looked at Clark to find a smug expression on his lover's face.

"You're not the only one who can be devious," Clark announced with a grin. "You needed a nap, but I knew you'd never agree to it with everyone waiting."

"So you just had David drive around for a couple of hours?" Lex demanded.

"Yes, sir," David answered, opening the door on his question.

Snorting, Lex pointed out, "It's bad manners to keep everyone waiting."

"Oh please. There's plenty of food and music to keep them all going," Clark countered, getting out then turning to help Lex.

Once in the garage, Lex batted Clark's hand away. "I want to do this under my own steam."

Clark nodded and said to David, "Come on up later."

David smiled and gave a jaunty salute before aiming for the driver's door.

A bit sourly, Lex observed, "You've subverted my staff."

Chuckling, Clark swiped his key card through the lock and the elevator door opened.

* * * *

Lana was more than a little uncomfortable in the luxurious surroundings. She felt out of place and unsure of herself, something that she'd never liked feeling. What was funny was how at ease everyone else was in the penthouse. Mr. Kent was talking and laughing with Mr. Wayne as if the other man were a regular person and not some millionaire. Mrs. Kent was still puttering in the kitchen doing last minute things. Pete and Dick were with a few other young men Lana didn't know watching a football game on a huge television.

"Hey, Lana, how's it going?"

Looking over at Chloe's question, Lana laughed a little and answered, "A bit much. How do you all feel so at home in all this?"

Surprised, Chloe asked, "In all what?"

Did she really not notice it anymore? "This. The penthouse."

Understanding crossed Chloe's face and she sat on the couch beside Lana and confessed, "I'm not. I just pretend that I am for Clark's sake. I always feel like I'm going to break something that's worth more than I make in a year."

Relieved that it wasn't just her, Lana agreed, "Exactly!"

"I think it's easier for the guys because they're just clueless in general," Chloe said, grinning.

Lana laughed. "That's entirely possible."

"Everything all right, girls?" Mrs. Kent asked.

Smiling up at the older woman, Lana was able to answer honestly, "Just fine, Mrs. Kent, thank you."

"Lana, please. I think you're old enough to call me Martha now."

That was just too weird. "Um, sure."

Mrs. Kent nodded with a smile and continued on to where the guys were, setting a big bowl of chips down.

"She told me that a few months ago," Chloe said. "I still haven't been able to do it."

"Oh my God, I've been invaded."

Everyone looked over at Lex's dry exclamation and laughter echoed through the penthouse. Lana was shocked at how frail he looked, remembering only the arrogant and strong man from when she'd last seen him six months ago. Though standing firm and straight, he'd dropped at least twenty pounds, which his already lean body just couldn't afford, in Lana's opinion at least. And his pale skin seemed nearly translucent, with blue veins standing out in odd places, especially the one at his temple.

Mr. and Mrs. Kent, along with Mr. Wayne, went to greet Lex, but everyone else stayed where they were. The entire room knew how Lex hated to be swamped under any circumstance. Lex would make the rounds when he was good and ready.

"You look like you've seen a ghost."

Startled, Lana glanced away from Lex to the blond woman and said, "It seems like I have."

Dry, Chloe observed, "Well, he's pale enough, I suppose."

"Chloe!" Lana exclaimed, horrified at the casual dismissal of Lex's weakness.

Chloe eyed her for a moment, then said, "I wouldn't take that 'poor Lex' attitude to the man himself. It won't be appreciated. Trust me, Lana, Lex is fine. If he wasn't, Clark wouldn't let him lift even his little finger."

Which was still hard for her to wrap her mind around. Lex and Clark together. A couple. Doubtful, Lana agreed, "I suppose."

"Pete's looking for me. Will you be all right?"

Lana nodded and smiled. "Of course."

Smiling, Chloe got up and headed for the black man who met her in the middle of the living room. Pete said something that seemed fairly important from the way Chloe's face darkened and she hissed a response.

Trouble in paradise, from the looks of it, Lana thought as Pete snapped a reply and headed back to the game. Averting her eyes from the tableau, Lana found her eyes meeting the young man who'd accompanied Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, she remembered. He was cute, with blondish-brown hair, blue eyes and a lithe build. He also radiated a brash confidence that she hadn't seen in a long time.

He grinned from across the room and winked before saying something to apparently excuse himself from the group and walking over to her. He stopped at the sofa and held out a hand. "I don't think we've been properly introduced. Dick Grayson."

Lana smiled and took his hand, only to have it brought to his lips for a kiss. Surprised, and a little flustered, she replied, "Lana Lang. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine, believe me," Dick said, releasing her hand and sitting beside her. "So how do you know Lex and Clark?"

"Oh, I went to school with Clark in Smallville," Lana answered.

"And you ventured out to the big bad city just for this little shindig?"

Lana wondered only for a moment if he was being sarcastic, then decided he wasn't. Smiling, tucking a long lock of hair behind her ear, she answered, "I did. Lex is also a partner in my business."

He grinned and said, "I thought you looked like the capable sort. College wasn't for you, huh?"

"Definitely not," Lana replied with a chuckle.

"Me, either. Bruce kept trying to nag me into it, but I just wasn't interested. Too much else to do with my life than worrying about grades."

"Exactly!"

They smiled at each other for a moment before Lana asked, "So you live with Mr. Wayne?"

Snorting, Dick answered, "No. I live with Bruce. Mr. Wayne only shows up when I do something wrong."

"I can see that," Lana said, sympathetically. It was probably hard for such a bright and lively guy to be cooped up with someone like Mr. Wayne. The older man seemed nice enough, just a little…dark for Lana's tastes.

"Lana? This is a pleasant surprise."

Glancing over at Lex's comment, Lana smiled and got to her feet. Walking around the sofa, she hugged him gently and said, "I couldn't think of anywhere else I'd rather be. How are you?"

Lex smiled briefly. "About to scream if anyone else asks me that. Otherwise, I'm fine, thank you."

"Good. I'm glad to hear that," Lana said honestly.

"And I'm glad you're here. How's the Talon doing?"

"Booming as usual."

"And plans for the second store?"

"Coming along," Lana answered, shaking her head. "I didn't realize just how much was involved starting from scratch."

He grinned and said, "At least you've already got a good handle on how to deal with contractors."

Chuckling lightly, Lana agreed, "Definitely."

"Hey, Lex."

Lex's gaze flickered to Dick and he said, "Dick, hi. Keeping young Ms. Lang company I see?"

"She's the prettiest woman here," Dick confirmed, grinning.

Lana flushed at the unexpected praise and the gleam in his eyes. It had been a while since anyone had looked at her like that. "Thank you."

Dick winked and said, "Just telling the truth."

Lex shook his head and warned, "Watch out for this guy, Lana, he's been known to be a heartbreaker. If you'll excuse me, I should say hello to the rest of the horde before I'm eaten out of house and home."

"Hey Lana! Look who's here!"

Lana turned her eyes from Lex towards the elevator at Clark's exclamation and stopped in shock. Her heart beat faster as she took in the sight of a very shy Byron looking around with wide eyes. Tearing her eyes from Clark, she managed a smile for Dick and asked, "Will you excuse me?"

Without waiting for an answer, she left the young man for her long-time pen pal. Smiling broadly, she exclaimed, "Byron! Oh my God! How are you?"

* * * *

Lex watched Lana leave Dick in the dirt for Byron and hid a grin. It seemed as though Clark did indeed know how to be devious. And had developed a great sense of timing, too, from the looks of it. Matchmaker Kent, who'd have thought it?

With a sour expression, Dick muttered, "I swear he did that on purpose."

Lex chuckled and commented, "Never underestimate ex-boyfriends, Dick. They have an unerring sense of who's after only that one thing when it comes to the ex-girlfriend in question."

Dick was plainly startled. "Clark and Lana? Really? I thought you and him were together since forever."

"Not quite," Lex replied dryly. "Lana and Clark were together their senior year in high school. And Clark had been in love with her for years beforehand."

"So who's this Byron guy?"

"You can't compete, Dick, so don't even try," Lex warned, sympathetic. "He's that irritating mix of old-fashioned romance and complete sincerity. You really don't stand a chance."

Sighing, Dick complained, "Now what am I going to do?"

"I understand that sports is a good alternative to sex," Lex observed. "Not from first hand experience, you understand."

"Asshole."

Lex laughed. "So I've been told. Now, I really should start thanking these people for caring whether I lived or died."

"For what it's worth, I'm glad you lived," Dick informed him, abruptly serious.

Gripping the other man's shoulder, Lex said, "I know. And thank you."

* * * *

Clark looked into the bedroom with his x-ray sight and sighed in relief to find Lex asleep on the bed. He'd disappeared a few minutes ago, after the guests had left.

"Lex all right?"

Looking over at his mom, Clark nodded. "Sound asleep, finally."

Martha smiled and said, "You knew he would insist on remaining up until everyone else left."

"Hence the nap earlier," Clark agreed.

Jonathan joined them at the table and asked, "How are you doing?"

Shrugging, Clark answered, "Worried about Lex. Worried that Lionel's up to something. Worried about these kids going nuts for no apparent reason. Worried that you guys don't have enough protection. Worried that Lois is going to figure out who I am."

Martha gripped his hand and said, "You can't keep taking all that on, Clark, it's not healthy."

"I can't help it."

"Your mother's right, son," Jonathan stated firmly. "You don't need to worry about us at all."

Clark shook his head and demanded, "What if Lionel decides you go after you to get to me?"

Echoing the head shake, Jonathan pointed out, "If he hasn't already, he's not going to."

"He's probably just biding his time," Clark muttered.

Martha slapped him upside the back of the head and exclaimed, "Do you hear yourself?"

"Ow!" Clark exclaimed, shifting out of range.

Irritated, Martha continued, "Lionel Luthor is not God, as much as he aspires to be. He's an evil man who will one day pay for everything he's done. In the meantime, you can't give him so much power over you. Clark, for heaven's sake, when was the last time you spent any time just being with Lex? Or Pete and Chloe? Have you even noticed that they're having problems? You can't live your life worrying about what might happen, because if you do, you'll miss out on what is happening."

Clark winced at the scolding, knowing that it was completely deserved. "I can't help worrying."

"Just…try and take it down a notch so that it doesn't consume you. Please. Your father and I are very worried about you," Martha finished.

Sighing, Clark nodded and agreed, "I'll try."

She smiled. "Good. Now go on to bed while we finish cleaning up."

"Mom, Lex has a maid…"

"Who didn't throw the party," Martha cut him off. "And therefore doesn't need to clean up after it."

Knowing better to argue with that tone, Clark held up his hands in surrender and stood. "All right. I'm going to bed. Good night."

"Night, honey."

"Night, Clark."

Clark headed for the bedroom, mentally chewing over his mother's words. Had he really gotten so wrapped up in second guessing Lionel that he'd missed out on important things? If Chloe and Pete were having problems and he hadn't noticed, then yeah, he had. Stripping, Clark tossed his clothes in the hamper and crawled in beside Lex.

Murmuring sleepily, Lex curled around him and Clark smiled, wrapping his arms around his lover's shoulders. Kissing the bare head, he sighed deeply and felt contentment drift through him. They hadn't been able to sleep together since that first night when Lex had woken from the coma. After that, he'd been reduced to regular visiting hours because Dr. Millson had insisted that it was more tiring for Lex if he was there than if he wasn't, no matter what Lex himself said.

Personally, Clark felt as if Lex's recovery would have gone even faster if he'd been there all the time, but he'd been outvoted. Even given that he'd had to drop out of school for the semester, there was still his work at the planet and patrolling as Superman that needed to be done. There was just too much for him to do in order to keep going all out at the hospital.

Resolving to catch up with Chloe and Pete the following day, Clark drifted into sleep.

* * * *

Lex woke aching and hard with his cock enveloped in something wet and hot that could only be Clark's mouth. Moaning breathlessly, his eyes opened as Clark's tongue licked around him, flicked at the tip of his cock in a maddening fashion. All he could see was Clark's dark hair, the rest of him hidden as Clark sucked and bobbed up and down on Lex's shaft. A shuddering weakness rippled through him and his hand latched onto the thick hair, tugging.

Clark's wordless protest sounded around his cock and Lex almost came from the vibration, holding on and pulling insistently on Clark's hair. Finally, his lover pulled off, plainly disgruntled at having been interrupted. Grinning, Lex gasped, "Not like that."

Frowning, Clark licked his lips clean and asked, "Like what?"

"Fuck me."

Gooseflesh erupted on Clark and he swallowed heavily. "You're not strong enough yet."

"So go gentle," Lex replied. "But please, Clark, I need you so bad."

And he did. It had been so long since he'd felt truly connected to Clark, almost two months since waking from the coma and a couple of weeks before that since they'd last made love. Not since he put on the bracelet at Christmas.

Clark's head thumped gently against his hip as he muttered, "Can't say no to you."

"Then don't."

Looking up at him again, Clark warned, "I'm going to take it slow."

Lex nodded impatiently and said, "Fine. Just do it, Clark."

With a snort, Clark snagged the lube from the night stand drawer and shifted Lex onto his side, coming up behind him so that Lex could relax back, against him. When the first finger pushed inside, slow and easy, Lex sighed and hooked his leg up and back, over Clark's legs for support and opening himself further.

Chuckling warmly, Clark teased, "Impatient much, Lex?"

"Shut up, Kent."

Clark laughed openly at that and slipped in two fingers, taking his time and playing with Lex as he did so. Lex growled, frustrated by the teasing and then gasped when his prostate was struck, his ass clenching around the intruders instinctively.

"Going to be balls deep in you and then go deeper, lover, soon," Clark promised hotly in his ear.

Lex shuddered and hissed, "God yes! Now!"

Instead of acceding to Lex's demand, Clark pushed a third finger inside, twisting and stretching him. Lex's head lolled back against Clark's shoulder and blindly sought Clark's mouth. With a little reach, Clark sealed their mouths together and devoured him. His body was shaking with need, desire pulling him taut and then, unexpectedly, Clark filled him, driving his cock slow and sure into his hole.

Moaning into Clark's mouth, Lex strained against the fullness, seeking more and trying to avoid it simultaneously. Then they were flesh to flesh, without a single space between them and Lex could feel the hair against his ass, scratching at his sensitive skin. Panting, overwhelmed, he broke away from the kiss, turning his face into the pillow.

"Ssh, it's okay, we're good," Clark whispered, soothing him with soft caresses, petting and stroking his flank and chest. "We're together again, always, nothing can stop us, I swear. Nothing's going to pull us apart, Lex, I'm part of you."

The damned thing was, Lex knew that and wanted more. It didn't bother him that he hadn't yet taken Clark like this. It didn't. He just...something felt unbalanced between them and Lex hadn't figured out if that was part of the problem or not. Maybe it had to do with his being so near death, he didn't know. What he did know, was that he loved Clark heart and body and soul. "I know, I know."

Clark started moving then, soft undulations that caressed him from the inside out. He wasn't going to last long, feeling Clark's love like an additional caress, and gasped, "I'm so close, Clark, take me over, come with me, please!"

The thrusts remained gentle, but pushed deeper and faster. The friction built between them until Lex's heart stopped momentarily, his breathing completely caught, and he spilled out. Warm wetness seeped inside his hole, filling him even more and causing an additional tightness and another, longer spurt from his cock.

Utterly exhausted, Lex collapsed within Clark's arms and drifted into darkness.

* * * *

It seemed like forever since Clark had been on campus and he looked around with new eyes. Always, he'd felt older than even the seniors, his duties as Superman showing him there was more to life than parties and grades; now he felt positively ancient. Everything that had happened with Lex and his father…it served to underscore just how frivolous this really was.

Shaking his head, Clark headed across the quad to the dorms, anxious to see Pete and catch up. He'd spent the last two days just being with Lex and had loved every minute of it. The other man had allowed the doting, seemed to love it even, though he made a show of getting grumpy now and again. They'd watched tv, hung out and talked, made love several times, and just reveled in each other's company.

It had been Lex's idea for him to leave the penthouse and 'seek out other life forms,' as his lover had put it. Clark had laughed at the stupid Star Trek impression, but his mother's words had flashed through his mind. So after a leisurely cuddle in bed, Clark had dressed and headed in to school.

Pushing the dorm room door open, Clark found Pete sprawled in bed, oblivious to the world, a chem book on his chest. He grinned and moved silently forward, bent down and shouted right in Pete's ear, "You're late, you're late, you're late!"

Pete jumped up so fast that Clark almost didn't get out of the way in time. Laughing hard, Clark fell back against his own bed.

"Oh very fucking funny, Clark. See how much I'm laughing!" Pete exclaimed, throwing the book at him.

Clark easily knocked the book aside and cleared his throat, trying to assume a serious expression, but just couldn't manage it. The best he could do was an apology mixed with laughter. "Sorry, Pete, I just couldn't resist."

Flipping him the bird, Pete sat on his bed, a reluctant grin spreading over his face. "So what brings you here, man? Slumming?"

"Oh right. Absolutely," Clark agreed, snorting. "No, I came to see you, stupid. Catch up. You know, since we really have just hung out in a few months. Not since, well, Christmas."

Pete looked pleased and said, "Cool! You want to get some breakfast? I'm starved!"

"You're always starved."

"So are you."

"Yeah, but I need the extra calories."

"You keep telling yourself that Clark. Really."

"Wait a minute, are you saying that I'm getting fat?"

* * * *

Clark grinned as Pete shoveled a pancake down and suggested, "You might want to try chewing. It really helps bring out the flavor."

Making a face, Pete answered around a mouthful, "Missed supper last night."

The diner they were at was a campus favorite, a hangout filled with students 24 hours a day. They'd had to wait twenty minutes to get a small booth that barely fit the two of them, but the food was worth it. Cheap and really good, filling in a way that reminded Clark of his mother's cooking. "So how is everything? What's been going on?"

Pete washed down his pancake with some milk and belched contentedly. Grinning at Clark's eye roll, he answered, "Not much. Just more of the same, you know? Study, flunk, study, flunk. Especially now that you're not around to whip my ass into shape before a test."

Wincing, Clark apologized, "I'm sorry, Pete."

"Oh, hey, no. I was just teasing, Clark. I know Lex is the priority right now," Pete assured him.

Clark sighed. "But I shouldn't have just dropped you like that."

Shaking his head, Pete stated firmly, "You didn't drop me. You were taking care of business."

He searched Pete's face and saw only certainty there, nothing forced about it. Relief slipped through him and Clark said, "Thanks, Pete. I appreciate it."

"No problem, man."

"And speaking of taking care of business," Clark said hesitantly. "My mom noticed some tension between you and Chloe. Something wrong?"

All the good-nature left Pete's face as he replied, "Yeah. I'll never know when to keep my big mouth shut."

Frowning, Clark asked, "What happened?"

"I was kind of inspired by Lex at Christmas. I asked Chloe to marry me and she turned me down flat."

Shocked, Clark didn't know what to say at first. "She turned you down? Why?"

Stabbing the pancakes with his knife, Pete answered, "Take your pick. That we were too young. That we still had college to get through. That she wanted to see life more before getting tied down. I mean, thanks a lot, you know? I didn't realize that I was such a drag."

"I'm sure she didn't mean you, Pete," Clark assured him.

"It's kind of hard not to take that kind of thing personally."

"Well, yeah, I can see where it would be. So, what now?"

Pete stared morosely out the window. "What else can there be? She's all I ever wanted, Clark. Of course I'll wait for her. It just really, really sucks. At least she didn't say we should start seeing other people."

Sometimes, Clark really hated the way life worked because just as Pete said those words, Chloe came into the diner with another guy. It was one of the journalists she worked with at the campus paper. He was teasing her about something and his arm was around her waist. "Ah, Pete, don't freak out, okay?"

Frowning, Pete's eyes followed to where Clark was looking and he stiffened in anger. Chloe saw them at just that moment and froze. Pete looked back at Clark and asked, "Will you take care of this, man? I've got to go."

Clark nodded, worried by the pinched expression. "Sure. No problem."

"I'll pay you back."

Pete made a beeline for the opposite exit and Clark could hear how ragged his breathing was, how fast his heart was racing and even the churning of his stomach. He had more control than Clark expected, not throwing up.

Chloe said something to the guy she was with and walked over to Clark, taking Pete's recently vacated seat.

"So I thought you weren't seeing other people," Clark said bluntly, unable to help the disapproval in his voice.

Uncomfortable, Chloe agreed, "We weren't."

Sighing, Clark looked at her for a second, then demanded, "Chloe, what are you doing? Pete's been in love with you forever, and you feel the same!"

"Maybe things change, Clark. Maybe we aren't you and Lex!" she snapped.

Reaching across the table, he took her hand and urged, "I'm your friend, Chloe. Talk to me."

For some reason, tears sparked in her eyes as she answered, "I don't want to turn into my Dad, Clark."

Clark was totally lost. "Huh?"

Impatient now, Chloe said, "Alone. Abandoned. Stuck."

Still not following the logic, Clark pointed out, "Pete asked you to marry him. That's not leaving you alone, Chlo."

"Yeah. Right now. What about five years from now? Or, ten? Or, fifteen? When we've got three or four kids, because you know that's what he wants. What about me giving up my career to stay home? What about moving back to Smallville to be closer to our folks so we can get free babysitting? What about never getting to see the world? Or, or have an adventure that doesn't involve life or death mutants? What about growing old by the time I'm thirty-five?"

Shaking his head, Clark wondered just how hard he should slap her and if he could get away with it in public. Probably not. "Chloe. Think about everything you just said. I mean, really think about it. Then think about Pete and really think about him. About how much he loves and adores the part of you that almost gets him killed on a pretty regular basis. About how much he admires your talent and drive to succeed. About the fact that he almost threw up just now because he saw you with another guy."

Chloe looked down, twisting a napkin between her fingers as she said, "I'm not happy with how things have turned out, Clark, but I can't get trapped. I can't."

Frustrated, Clark exclaimed, "Fuck, Chloe! You're not going to get trapped!"

The swearing shocked her into looking at him. "Clark…"

"No! You listen to me, because I'm not going to let some half-assed fear of yours destroy the best relationship I've seen since my folks!" Clark ordered. When she fell silent, he continued, "Pete loves you exactly the way you are. He always has, even when you were in love with me. He doesn't want to chain you down. He wants you to do what you want to do. Doesn't the fact that he's even here, prove it?"

Chloe frowned and asked, "What do you mean?"

Praying for patience, Clark answered, "He's in Metropolis because of you, Chloe. He was perfectly content to go to community college to keep the financial burden off him and his folks. But he didn't want to lose you to some slick city man, I think was how he put it. Maybe you should talk to him about what he thinks marriage means before you decide for him. Maybe growing up in a big family made him want no kids, or maybe he wants to stay home instead of you! What if he wants to go around the world with you?"

Obviously troubled, Chloe didn't say anything as she continued to tear apart the napkin.

Clark sighed deeply and said, "At least talk to him? Don't give this up for a fear of what might be, Chlo, or you'll give up something really incredible and regret it the rest of your life."

Meeting his eyes, Chloe nodded slowly. "All right. I'll talk to him."

Relieved, Clark squeezed her arm lightly, then let go.

* * * *

Lionel stared intently at the red rock in his hand. His scientists had been studying it for months, along with the green meteorites that had been swept up in Smallville. It was definitely part of the same batch that had come to earth in 1989 and destroyed so much of the surrounding countryside. Other than that, however, there were absolutely no similarities that his people could find.

Something about it seemed to mock him, to tease him with the withheld knowledge that this stone was incredibly important. His thoughts whirled around and over, not really holding to anything as he observed the blood-red rock. It was brainstorming at its most primal to just let go of reality and let inspiration strike where it would.

Of course, the problem with that was when it didn't strike.

Sighing in irritation, Lionel pocketed the rock and headed for the McCallister's lab, leaving the mystery of the red stone for another time.

* * * *

"Clark? That you?" Lex called as the elevator door pinged open. It was dark outside, after six, so he must have had a good long day with Pete, Lex thought with a relieved sigh to himself.

Suddenly behind him, Clark's arms wrapped around Lex's waist as he demanded, "And who else would it be?"

Grinning and leaning into the embrace, Lex answered, "I thought it might be my on-the-side lover, Fabio."

Clark laughed and kissed behind his ear. "Sorry. You'll have to make do with plain old, Clark Kent."

Turning in his arms, loving the bright, clear look in Clark's eyes, Lex replied, "I think I can handle it."

Without warning, Clark was gone and Lex staggered back against the kitchen counter for balance. After a shocked moment from the abrupt departure, he strode to the living room and turned on the television. There was only one thing that would drive Clark from his side so precipitously and he found it on channel 4 news with a frantic and saddened reporter.

Officials still haven't been able to determine how many children are inside, held hostage by a schoolmate driven over the edge. There were gunshots only a few seconds ago, but we have no way of determining if anyone was hurt or killed.

The cameraman picked up Clark's flight into the school, and Lex held his breath, waiting for the resolution. No matter what happened, if anyone had been badly hurt or killed, he knew that Clark would blame himself for not picking up on it faster. Clark wasn't anywhere near omniscient, so unfortunately, unless someone screamed for Superman, there was no way for him to know when something bad was going down, especially if he wasn't already on patrol.

The doors opened suddenly and police checked themselves as teenagers ran out the door, panicked and out of control. Clark was there shouting for an ambulance, his suit clean, but his hands and face bloody. Lex groaned in anticipation of the fallout from Clark's coming depression.

Tonight was going to be a bitch.

* * * *

It was a few hours later that Clark landed on the balcony and stumbled inside. Lex was waiting for him and folded him into his arms, angling them for the bathroom. Clark was silent, which was never a good sign, and obeyed every wordless command Lex gave him, also a bad sign.

Once in the tiled room, Lex turned on the shower and stripped the suit from Clark, throwing it in the corner. It was at times like this that he wanted to burn the damn thing, but it was heat-resistant, so he couldn't. Gently pushing Clark under the warm spray, Lex quickly divested himself of his own clothing and got in as well. He spent a long time washing the blood from the other man's body, careful to get every bit of it out from the nails, crevices, and hair.

Turning off the shower, Lex grabbed a large towel and dried Clark off, then wrapped him in his robe, an old, flannel thing that he'd brought from home. Clark grabbed him suddenly, holding him tight enough to be constrictive, but Lex didn't complain. He knew that the other man needed to reconnect to life after a bad stint as Superman.

From there, it was only a split second before Clark was devouring his mouth and pushing him against the wall. He rubbed frantically against Lex, his hands grabbing a little too hard in his frantic need. Lex opened himself to the touches, pushing back forcibly with his mouth, taking everything that Clark had to give.

He spun them around and crouched down, taking Clark's cock in his mouth hard and fast enough that his lover shouted in surprised lust. Fingers slid uselessly along the tiled wall as Lex sucked firmly, his fingers rubbing beneath Clark's balls and then playing with them lightly. The combination of sensations was enough to send Clark over the edge and Lex swallowed him down.

Lex caught Clark as he collapsed in his arms and carefully lowered him to the floor, pulling him onto his lap and running his fingers soothingly through the still wet hair. When the tears came, they were hard and fast, without mercy as Clark vented his grief.

* * * *

It was at least another hour later before Clark stirred and croaked, "Let's move."

Lex nodded and helped him stand, ignoring his numb ass from sitting too long on a hard tiled floor without moving. Clark unexpectedly swept him into his arms, but he didn't complain, just put his arms around his lover's shoulders and leaned completely on the strength. They were in the bedroom within a few seconds and in bed directly thereafter.

Snuggling close, Lex hooked a bare leg over Clark's hips and ordered softly, "Talk, farm boy."

Clark's hand stroked in long lines down Lex's back as he spoke. "One of the kids panicked when he started shooting and screamed for me. That's what caught my attention. By the time I got there, four of the kids were dead and all of the adults. He turned the gun on himself before I could get to him. All I could do was help with the wounded. I was completely useless."

"Clark, stop," Lex admonished. "You aren't God. You can't save everyone, as much as you want to do so. You know that."

"What's the use in having these powers if I can't stop something like this?" Clark snarled, rolling out from under Lex and off the bed. "What good am I, Lex?"

Before Lex could even form an answer, Clark had used his speed to dress. "Clark, wait!"

But the other man was gone.

Frustrated and feeling pretty useless himself, Lex slammed his fist against the wall and shouted, "Fuck!"

* * * *

"Clark?"

Clark looked over at Lois, his eyes refocusing from the bloodbath inside the school to the woman at his side. "Fine."

"I'm a little surprised to see you here," she commented. "Aren't you still on leave with Lex?"

Clark shook his head and replied shortly, "Not with something like this going down."

Nodding agreement, grim, Lois said, "I know. Come on, let's see if we can get a statement."

* * * *

When Lex woke the following morning, it was in Clark's arms. He didn't remember the other man coming home, but it didn't matter. All that mattered was that he was there. Burrowing closer, he sighed in deep contentment.

"Morning."

Smiling at the sleepy greeting, Lex leaned up on his elbow and replied, "Morning."

Clark brushed his fingers over Lex's forehead. "Sorry about last night. Lost my temper."

"Really," Lex drawled with a chuckle.

Clark snorted and confirmed, "Really. Forgive me?"

His smile grew as Lex answered, "Always."

Sighing deeply, Clark kissed him with care and attention to every detail inside Lex's mouth. It was times like this that Lex felt most cherished and loved. The times when Clark kissed every part of him, slow and reverent, his hands gentle caresses over his body. It was a much more in-depth reacquaintance than the night before, and Lex groaned with the feel over strong hands ghosting over him.

Clark was apparently determined to more than make up for his temper, because it seemed to go on forever. Lex was desperate to be taken, but Clark decided on something else. Turning him over gently, Clark licked between his lover's ass delicately, provoking a moan from Lex. The moan turned guttural when Clark's tongue delved inside, thrusting slick and agile into his hole.

Shaky with need, and feeling a serious twinge in his back from the exertion of the last twenty-four hours, Lex could only lie there and feel what Clark was doing to him. His cock was aching and seeping into the sheets and he thrust weakly into the mattress. Then Clark's finger entered him, twisting around sinuously until it pressed his prostate.

Already close to coming, the steady stimulation did the trick. Lex gasped, his breath stuttering as he came. Clark gently pulled him into his arms and held him tight while his body returned to normal.

* * * *

"Hey. This seat taken?"

Chloe's voice sent a rush of surprise through Pete and for a moment, he didn't move, trying to get a grip on his emotions. Feeling in control again, he glanced up and nodded. "Sure. Free country."

"Depends on who you talk to," she quipped, sitting across from him.

Pete sighed and asked, "What do you want, Chloe?"

Wincing, Chloe replied, "To talk. Which I think we probably should've done a long time ago."

"Why? So you can tell me how I'm too Smallville for you?" Pete snapped.

She grabbed his arm before he could finish getting up from the library table. "Please?"

Waffling, Pete finally sighed and sat back down. Like he could refuse anything she had ever asked of him? Not likely. "What."

"First, I'm sorry. I wasn't really thinking when I said yes to Henry asking me out. It was inexcusable and I'm really sorry if it hurt you."

"If?"

Chloe winced again. "Okay, because it hurt you. I'm sorry. It's the last thing I want to do, Pete."

"So what do you want?" Pete demanded. "To just be friends? To ignore each other if we run across each other? Give me a hint, here, Chloe!"

"I don't know what I want. I just know what I don't want."

Frowning, Pete asked, "What's that?"

"I don't want to wind up losing my dreams and resenting you for it," Chloe answered honestly.

Startled, Pete settled back in his chair and asked, "How can you even think that I'd ask you to give up your dreams for me? It's never going to happen!"

"What about kids? I know you want them."

Pete snorted. "Yeah, in about fifteen years. I want you to myself for a long time, Chloe."

Obviously surprised, Chloe asked, "You do?"

"Hell yeah!" Pete exclaimed. He lowered his voice when a few glares were tossed at them and leaned on the table. "Why do you think I asked you to marry me?"

"Because you wanted to start a family."

"Yeah. You and me. I want what Clark and Lex have, only more of it. I want us to live in the same place. I want to fuss at you for being a slob and I want you to fuss at me when I wake you up too early," Pete teased softly.

Chloe melted, reaching for his hand with, "Really?"

Threading their fingers together, he nodded and stated, "Really. Just you and me, babe, falling even deeper in love every single day. One day, when you've got a bunch of Pulitzers to rub Lois' nose in, and I've got my own company, then we can talk about kids."

With a brilliant smile, Chloe stood and said, "In that case, I accept."

Pete rapidly ran through the conversation but couldn't come up with a question. "Accept what?"

"You're proposal, doofus!"

Without thinking, Pete let out a whoop of excitement and happiness. Almost instantly, he was bombarded with wads of paper and erasers from all directions. Grinning, he grabbed his bag and pulled Chloe towards the exit.

* * * *

Clark and Lex didn't come up for air until the morning was well and truly gone. Grinning broadly as he headed for his cell phone, knowing that Lois was probably spitting nails because he hadn't shown up like he'd promised, Clark hummed as he listened to his messages.

"Clark! Get your sorry butt to Fall's Den by two o'clock for lunch! Chloe finally said yes and we're celebrating! And make sure that Lex knows he isn't even touching the check this time! See you there!"

Stunned, Clark shouted, "Lex! Guess what?"

There was a muffled curse from the office and Clark scanned through the wall to see Lex rubbing his head as he sat up. It looked like he'd dropped something under the desk and then come up too fast. Snickering softly, Clark sped into the other room, stopping at Lex's side just in time for a glare and, "What is so important that you had to bellow across the apartment?"

"Pete proposed to Chloe and she said yes. We have lunch in about forty-five minutes at Fall's Den," Clark answered, still grinning.

Surprised, Lex exclaimed, "That's great! All right, let me get ready."

"Need some help?" Clark offered innocently.

"Not a chance, farm boy. Every time you offer to help me, I wind up without any clothes."

* * * *

Though he was supposed to be working, Clark wasn't really paying all that much attention to the story in front of him. His mind kept wandering back to Lex, big surprise. He glanced at his watch and grinned, thinking, Only another half-hour and then it's time to go!

"Hey Clark, look at this!"

Obliging, Clark leaned across their desks to look at Lois' computer screen. The picture of a tall, thin man stared back at him. "What am I looking at?"

"Well, you know how there's absolutely no connection between all these kids going ballistic, right?"

"Right."

"Well, it occurred to me that that's the connection. That they'd been chosen specifically so that nothing would connect them. I did a search on the state of brainwashing today and the who's who of the scene."

Interested, Clark walked around the desks and looked at her. "And this man is one of them?"

"There's a disturbing number of them, actually," Lois admitted, shaking her head. "Most of them work for the government, which makes me even more nervous, but guess who Dr. McCallister works for?"

It took only a second for Clark to make the connection from the spark of promised mayhem in Lois' eyes and he guessed, "Luthor Corp."

"Got it in one," she confirmed. "He worked for a couple of different government positions, but never stuck around long enough to do anything. At least, not according to his exit interviews."

Leaning against the desk, Clark said, "I'm not even going to ask how you got access to that."

She grinned.

Thoughtful, Clark mused, "Luthor Corp's not doing great financially speaking. What do you want to bet the Lionel's trying to skimp through testing by going right to the live fire stage? Literally?"

"I don't think I'll take that bet."

"So what do you want to do?"

Lois' lips pursed and she answered, "I've got an interview tonight with McCallister. Hopefully he'll let something slip."

"Lane! Get in here!"

They were both startled by Perry's shout. Lois groaned before walking over to his office. Clark restrained himself from eavesdropping, even though he was dying to. White waved his arms wildly and it looked like Lois was talking right back to him. Finally, about five minutes later, she came storming out and informed him tightly, "I can't get to McCallister tonight. Want to go in my place?"

Clark knew better than to try and ask what was going on. "Sure."

"You should call Chloe for backup."

"She and Pete are in a mini-pre-honeymoon thanks to spring break and Lex," Clark answered with a grin.

Frowning, Lois said, "You shouldn't go alone."

"I'll be fine. Don't worry."

She hesitated a moment longer, then nodded and started gathering her things. "Okay, Kent. You're a big boy. Check in with me tomorrow."

Clark nodded, walking back to his own desk. How much could go wrong from interviewing a doctor that couldn't even keep a cushy government job?

* * * *

Clark looked around the small, neat office and then at the uneasy man before him. He smiled, trying to seem reassuring as he said, "Look, Dr. McCallister, we know that you're involved in the boys who shot up their schools. We also know that Lionel Luthor is funding the whole thing in a quest to win over a government contract. If you talk to me now, then I'm sure Ms. Lane and I can work something out for you with the authorities."

"I don't know what you're talking about, Mr. Kent," Dr. McCallister insisted. His fingers played nervously with a pen.

Leaning forward, Clark replied, "I know you do, doctor. And I'm sure this isn't how you saw your research being used. I know that you didn't mean for that boy to kill those innocent kids. I know that you're just looking for a way to stay out of prison, but Lionel Luthor isn't it! Trust me, I know from personal experience that you cannot trust him!"

"Why thank you, Clark. Such a ringing endorsement."

Clark stiffened at Lionel's drawl and got to his feet, facing the other man. He was as impeccably dressed as always and looked less than pleased to find him there. "Lionel. I was just conducting an interview with Dr. McCallister. I don't believe you were invited to participate."

Holding his hands out in a surrendering gesture, Lionel said, "I don't know why you have it in for me, Clark, but I want to personally assure you that everything going on here at Luthor Corp is above-board. Perhaps you'd like a tour of our facility?"

Something was definitely up. Lionel would never offer carte blanche unless he had something planned. There was probably a lab filled with meteorites somewhere in the facility with his name on it. Then again, Lois and Perry both knew where he was, so there was definite security there. And it was a tempting offer. If he could find something linking Lionel and McCallister to the deaths of those kids… "Why not?"

He followed Lionel out of the office, McCallister trailing behind them. The next hour was filled with inane chatter and various projects that all seemed completely legit on the surface. For some reason, Lionel was solicitous and friendly throughout as he explained the experiments in progress. By the end of the tour, Clark was feeling itchy and impatient, almost angrily so.

It was time to get back to business, to the real business at hand.

"Something wrong, Clark?"

Looking at Lionel coolly, Clark replied, "Why don't you get rid of the good doctor here so we can talk?"

Lionel's eyebrows rose at the order but he nodded to the other man, who immediately left them alone. "Talk about what?"

Clark grabbed Lionel's shirt and shoved him back against the wall, pressing almost bodily against the older man. "About why you're yanking my chain."

Startled, Lionel gripped Clark's shoulders and said, "Now, there's no need to get physical, Clark."

Grinning, feeling almost sensuously free for the first time in a long time, Clark slid his free hand over Lionel's chest and stated, "You haven't seen me get physical, Lionel. Not yet."

Lionel's eyes widened in alarm and he started struggling. "Release me!"

"Not just yet," Clark hissed, shutting his eyes to concentrate. He could sense it…felt the pulsing that called to his blood like a drug, and it was close, so close that he could almost taste the heady power.

"Mr. Luthor? Everything all right?"

Clark snarled wordlessly in frustration as he looked at the security guards. Then his hand found a bulge in Lionel's coat pocket and, too fast for Lionel to even realize that he'd done it, Clark took the red rock from him and pocketed it. He shoved Lionel into the guards and sauntered over to them with, "You really should be more careful, Lionel. Wouldn't want you to fall and hurt yourself now, would we?"

Giving him a wary look, Lionel agreed, "No, of course not."

"So I was thinking," Clark began with a grin. "Who do I have to kill around here to get a drink? Care to join me, Lionel?"

Obviously thrown by the change in his behavior, Lionel questioned, "What about your interview? Don't you have to get that done for tomorrow's edition?"

Clark thought about Lois' pissed expression and Perry's anger when he didn't come back with the interview and laughed. It felt great to finally be free of their whimpering morality. "Fuck it. I have better things to do. And I think that you and I have a lot to talk about. Are you coming or not?"

Lips pursed with interest, Lionel answered, "That's the most intriguing offer I've had in a while, Clark. Shall we go?"

* * * *

Reaching for the phone with a grimace of pain, Lex switched it on with, "What?"

"That's not a very friendly way to answer the phone, son."

Lex stiffened and snapped, "What do you want?"

"Me? Nothing. But I thought I should warn you that Clark isn't of that same inclination any more."

Lex's spine positively became steel at the pronouncement. "What did you do?"

"Must you always assume that I am behind every little problem that you run into?"

"Yes."

"I'm hurt."

"Cut the bullshit, Lionel. What did you do?" Lex demanded.

There was a soft chuckle as Lionel replied, "I wish I knew, son, I really do. Because if this isn't permanent, I want to figure out how to make it so. Sweet dreams."

Lex stared at the disconnected phone, then carefully set it back on the receiver as if it might explode. He suddenly had a very, very bad feeling about things.

* * * *

Lex sighed in relief when Clark walked through the door, his father's phone call disturbing him more than he'd wanted to admit. He stood and headed for the elevator, calling, "Clark?"

"Who else?" Clark replied, entering the main area.

Smiling, Lex reached for him, but Clark slipped easily out of range. Frowning, Lex asked, "What's wrong?"

Clark headed for the kitchen and tossed back at him, "Nothing. I just did some thinking is all."

"What kind of thinking?" Lex asked, following him into the other room.

Without warning, Clark grabbed him and shoved him painfully against the wall, pinning him there easily. Gasping with the surprise and pain, Lex demanded, "What are you doing?"

"Setting up some ground rules, which I should have done a long time ago," Clark answered darkly.

Uneasy, Lex repeated, "Ground rules?"

"Yeah. As in, I am so sick of your whining and following me around. Why don't you go do something on your own for a change? You're so damn needy, Lex," Clark stated matter-of-factly.

Flinching, feeling the put-down as though he'd been physically struck, Lex said stiffly, "I didn't realize that's what I was doing."

"Well you are. And another thing. Since you are absolutely no fun to be around anymore, well, except for the fucking, I've decided that you can either leave, or play by a whole new set of rules."

"What kind of rules?"

"One rule. Not too difficult for you to remember I don't think." Clark paused to lick up Lex's throat and nibble at the juncture of jaw and ear. "You belong to me. I can do whatever I want to you, when I want, and you'll take it no matter what."

Cold settled in the pit of Lex's stomach at the deadly serious look in Clark's eyes. They were so familiar and yet so alien, so brittle. There was nothing of love or caring in the gaze being leveled at him. For the first time since finding out what Clark was, Lex was afraid of that alien heritage. "Clark, what…"

Clark's hand covered his mouth. "Shut up, Lex, I'm talking. Like I said, that's really the only rule, but it covers everything. If I tell you to jump off the balcony, then you'll do it and pray that I feel like catching you. If I want you to sell LexCorp, you'll sign on the bottom line without question. And if I want to fuck you in Metropolis Commons, then you'll drop your pants and bend over at high noon."

Fear slithered through Lex, wrapping around his spine and sinking its teeth into his gut. "And if I don't agree with this new rule?"

Clark wedged his knee between Lex's legs, his eyes glittering. "Who said you get a choice?"

After a few minutes of silent battle, eyes locked together unflinching, Clark grinned and stepped back, releasing Lex so fast that he lost his balance and hit the floor. Lex looked up at him and pleaded, "This isn't you, Clark, something happened to you. Tell me and we'll fix it!"

"I don't need to be fixed, Lex," Clark dismissed. "I like the way I am now. I don't have to put up with your incessant clinging and born-again morality. I have to say that the only reason I stayed as long as I did is because you're a pretty good lay."

Lex knew that he should be furious, but couldn't seem to summon enough strength to work past the shock. "Clark…"

Furious, Clark grabbed him by the throat and hauled him up, shoving him against the wall again. As Lex gasped for breath, Clark snarled, "No! No more words, Lex. I'm going out for a couple of hours. If you're still here when I get back, then I'll assume that you've agreed to the new rule and things will…well…I think that things will get very interesting. Otherwise, get lost."

In the blink of an eye, Clark was gone and Lex was again on the floor, his back jarred painfully from the fall.

Lex's heart was ripped to shreds from the callous words, the harsh rejection of everything he'd held as true. He literally felt as though there were a gaping hole where his heart should be. Horror and fear and betrayal in equal parts held him frozen in place. What had happened? Why had Clark suddenly transformed into Mr. Hyde?

Getting slowly to his feet, Lex knew that he had no choice but to leave. There was no way that he could fight Clark at the height of his strength, let alone now. Shivering from the shock of having his world flipped upside down and the one certainty he'd counted on torn from his grasp, Lex numbly headed for the elevator.

Arms wrapped around himself, wondering if he'd ever get warm again, Lex waited for the elevator to arrive, not knowing where on earth he could go.

He was alone in this.