All I ever wanted was to be at your service, but now I'm alone,

'cause you were here and you're gone.

And all I ever wanted was to feel I had a purpose,

but now that's all gone.

-- Bleed for Me, Saliva

"I'm sorry sir, but the storm is causing a delay."

Lex gritted his teeth and restrained himself from firing the pilot. It wasn't his fault that the tower people were idiots. Besides, Clark would be disappointed if he did and one thing he tried not to do, was disappoint Clark. He wasn't sure when the young man's opinion had come to mean so much to him, but it had.

Lex was trying his best to make sure that he didn't lose his friend's good opinion of him, but some days were more of a challenge than others. "Fine. How long is the delay?"

"They're not sure, sir. It might be better for you to spend the night here," the pilot suggested.

It used to be that a night in New York City was something to be enjoyed. Now it was just an irritation that kept him from getting back to Smallville. "No, that's all right. I have everything I need here. If the runway freezes over or something, let me know."

"Yes, sir."

Scowling to himself, though he was careful to keep his impatience hidden, Lex returned to the file that had occupied his attention before the interruption. It was an update on Dr. Walden, who had started to show signs of unusual brain activity. Lex knew that somewhere inside the man's head was the key that he'd been searching for to deciphering the caves. Something had happened to the man there, something that had downloaded knowledge into the doctor's head, Lex was positive.

The only other person who could answer what that might be, wasn't talking. He was currently at home, probably tucked in bed, sleeping the sleep of the just.

Lex's irritation swirled into an emotion that he had as yet to identify as anything other than fascination. Dr. Walden had been the first to call it that, and Lex had to agree. His thoughts about Clark were just that: fascinated, entranced, and intensely curious. There was far more to the young man than his flannel and unassuming manner; that was another thing that Lex knew for certain.

"The tower says that we can go now, Mr. Luthor," the pilot announced over the speaker.

"Finally," Lex muttered. He pressed the intercom and replied, "Thank you."

* * * *

The wind blew howling and loud, rattling the windows and picking up snow and ice into mini-tornadoes. The cornfields were blanketed with snow as far as the eye could see. It created a landscape that blurred and hurt the eyes when stared at for too long. Covered in clouds, the sky echoed the land with a darker tinge, ready to deposit yet another mantle of snow over the ground.

Clark trudged along the driveway towards the house that was lit up like a beacon. In the yard, he saw his dad moving bales of hay from the truck to the barn and put on a burst of speed to help out. Besides which, it warmed him against the bitter Kansas wind.

"Clark!" Jonathan exclaimed in surprise.

Grinning, Clark asked, "Need a hand?"

Jonathan nodded and clapped him on the back. "Love one."

"Why don't you go inside and get warm? I'll finish this in no time," Clark suggested, setting his book bag down.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

Jonathan nodded and headed towards the house. Clark picked up the first bale and brought it to the stack that his father had begun. Using his strength and speed to full advantage, it was only fifteen minutes before the remaining twenty bales were stacked, nice and neat, waiting for use. Clark took a second to survey his work with satisfaction, then grabbed his bag and jogged to the house at regular speed.

"Thanks, son," Jonathan called when he stepped in the door.

Clark grinned and said, "No problem."

"Hi, honey," Martha greeted, kissing his cheek as he went by.

"Hey, mom. Something sure smells good," Clark said, letting his nose lead him to the fresh bread.

Even heavily pregnant, Martha was more than fast enough to slap his hand when he reached for it. "That's for dinner. We're having company."

Frowning, Clark asked, "Who?"

"Your grandfather."

Stunned, Clark just looked at her for a moment. Then he looked at his dad, noticing the tense shoulders for the first time. That explained not waiting until daylight to finish the hay. "Really? When did this happen?"

"He's in the area on business, so he called this morning. I invited him and…he accepted," she explained.

"Huh." Clark moved away from the bread and took a good look around the house. It was even cleaner than usual and he could easily smell freshly applied pine cleanser.

"Why don't you wash and get changed?"

Recognizing it as an order and not a suggestion, he grinned again and kissed her. "He'll love it, Mom. Everything's perfect."

Smiling, she let out a shaky breath and replied, "It's silly, I know. It's not like he's the president or anything."

"Might as well be," Jonathan muttered from the living room.

Ignoring the comment that he knew his mother hadn't heard, Clark picked up his bag on the way up to his room. This was definitely going to be an interesting night. Assuming his grandfather got there before the storm broke, because it sounded like it was going to be a doozy.

* * * *

It was nearly eight before Clark's grandfather showed up and he rushed outside to help him with his bags. The snow had been falling steadily for about a half-hour and started to come down hard in the last ten minutes.

"Clark! You should have a jacket on, young man!" William scolded, handing over a suitcase.

Clark took it and shrugged. "I'm fine, thanks."

They were inside and shaking off the snow in a minute. Clark set down the suitcase and watched as his mom and grandfather hugged. Meeting his father's uncertain eyes, Clark smiled, trying silently to say, 'It's going to be fine.'

Jonathan smiled back and stepped forward in time to hold his hand out to William, who took it after only a split-second hesitation. Clark doubted that anyone but he noticed, so he kept his sigh of disappointment to himself.

William touched his daughter's swollen belly with a proud smile and said, "You're looking very healthy, Martha. Being pregnant agrees with you."

Smiling and placing her hand over her father's, Martha answered, "Thanks, Dad. It feels good."

"No trouble so far?"

"None."

"Can we eat?" Clark interrupted hopefully. His stomach had been rumbling angrily for almost an hour and he knew his mom could go on forever about her pregnancy once started.

The adults looked at him in surprise then laughed and they all moved towards the dining area. Clark and his father brought out the dishes and served the food. Conversation and food were both good, emotional land-mines pointedly being avoided the whole night. When only the remains of desert were left, Clark said, "I'll clean up, why don't you all relax."

Martha smiled and leaned over to squeeze his hand. "Thanks, honey."

They all moved into the living room and Clark heard the television come on. Glancing at the clock, he was surprised to find that it was eleven. Time for the evening news, he thought with a grin. One thing his father never missed was catching up on world events. Though it sounded like they were actually going to talk through the news, his father joining in the conversation.

Shaking his head in amusement, Clark started clearing the table. He was most of the way through when the television caught his attention with Lex's name. Rushing to the living room, he saw Lex's picture on the television and demanded, "Dad! Turn it up!"

Startled, Jonathan grabbed the remote and turned up the volume.

"…went down in the mountains north of Metropolis. Due to the snowstorm currently blanketing the area, authorities are unable to mount a search and rescue attempt for Mr. Luthor."

She went on to the next story, but Clark was too stunned to even figure out what she was saying. Lex's plane had crashed. Lex could be badly hurt or, or…

"Clark, son, I'm sure he's fine," Jonathan said, gripping his shoulder.

Fear gripped him tighter than his father's hand and Clark shook his head, whispering, "He could be dead."

"No!" Martha exclaimed, joining them and putting her arm around Clark's waist. "You can't think like that Clark! Lex is a survivor, he'll get through this."

"I have to go, I have to find him!" Clark exclaimed.

"How?"

They all looked at William, Clark had forgotten that anyone else was even present. He turned helpless eyes to his parents, but they obviously weren't going to tell William anything. Jaw clenching, Clark took a deep breath and said, "You're right, of course. I'll, I'll have to wait for news."

William nodded and said, "I didn't know that you even knew Lex Luthor."

"He's Clark's best friend," Martha stated.

"Really?"

Clark stiffened at the speculative surprise in his grandfather's voice, knowing exactly what had caused it. The same thing that made other people question why a rich, powerful man would be friends with a farm boy. His voice hardened and he replied, "Really."

"Clark."

Ignoring his father's warning, Clark pulled away from them both and stated, "I'm going to bed."

"Clark, honey…"

When his mother's voice trailed off with everything she couldn't say in front of William, Clark relented and kissed her cheek. "I'll be fine, mom. Don't worry."

Though still worried, she nodded.

Clark gave his father a hug with, "Night, Dad."

Still angry with his grandfather, he just gave a half nod to the older man and ran upstairs, taking them two and a time.

* * * *

Pain. Lots, and lots, of pain. For an eternity, it was his only world. Then he noticed the cold and couldn't decide if it was an improvement or not.

Finally managing to open his eyes, Lex discovered that he couldn't see much of anything, which meant it was still night. Or it could even be night again for all he knew. How long did it take for hypothermia to set in?

What he could make out was a rather large gap in the side hull of the plane through which snow had blown in. Most of the rest of the plane seemed intact, though he had no idea when the front of it looked like. That's when he remembered the pilot and made a move towards the cockpit.

Tried to, at least. Agony from a shattered arm and several broken ribs slammed into him, immobilizing him.

Lex didn't even try to resist the blackness swirling him down into nothing ness. Anything was better than feeling so much pain.

* * * *

It hadn't taken Clark long to narrow the search area down by going online. Chloe had shown him a few tricks that were coming in very handy. The FAA thought that the plane had gone down in a particular area of the mountains pilots referred to as 'the alley.' It was an area where the wind was fierce and unpredictable, not to be flown during any storms in anything under a 747.

"Damn it, Lex!" Clark swore, knowing that his friend had probably insisted on getting back regardless of the pilot's advice.

He packed the first aid kit, thermal blankets, and a walkie-talkie in his hiking backpack, knowing that he'd have to raid the stash of chocolate his mom now kept to build up Lex's blood-sugar. The man had an incredibly high metabolism, one of the reasons he was so incredibly lean. Well, and that was assuming Lex was relatively unhurt and conscious to eat anything. Pushing that thought from his mind, he continued his preparations.

Clark was ready to go by midnight. When footsteps sounded outside his room, Clark grabbed the pack and shoved it under the bed just before there was a knock at the door. Speeding to his desk and computer, he called, "Come in."

William entered and looked around the room before saying, "Clark, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to impugn your friendship with Lex."

Wanting just to get rid of the older man so he could leave to find Lex, Clark answered, "That's all right. I'm actually used to it by now."

"Don't be," William said unexpectedly. "Friendships like yours with Lex, from what I heard from your parents, are rare and to be protected."

Clark nodded and forced a smile. "Thank you."

"So, are we all right?"

"Yeah, yeah we're fine."

William hesitated, then nodded awkwardly and left, closing the door behind him.

Clark was on his feet and pulling out his pack a second later when there was another knock. Frustration built and he swore softly, "Shit!" shoving the pack underneath the bed again. This time he went to the door and opened it to find his parents on the other side.

"Son, there's no explanation for this if you do it," Jonathan said quietly. "There's no way that you could conceivably be in the area for anything except to rescue Lex. This could…"

"Reveal me, I know," Clark finished. "But I have to go, Dad. He's…he's my friend."

His parents exchanged a look, then his mother smiled and said gently, "Be careful, Clark. We'll call the school tomorrow and tell them that you're home sick. Assuming it's not called on account of snow."

Grateful, Clark gave her a quick hug and rubbed her belly. "I'll be fine, mom, thanks."

She nodded and stepped back to let Jonathan take his turn.

Clark stepped into the brief hug and again promised, "I'll be careful."

Smiling faintly, Jonathan replied, "Good. And good luck, I hope he's all right, Clark."

Feeling a sliver of fear, Clark said, "Me, too, Dad."

* * * *

Even for Clark, it was cold. The wind had driven the temperature down below zero and he was frantic that he wouldn't get to Lex before hypothermia did. Running through the snow had a surreal feeling to it and he fell more than once, slipping on black ice to skid uncontrollably into the nearest obstruction.

There were now several trees and guardrails lying in ruin.

He reached the mountains sometime around three that morning and took a few minutes to eat, feeling the hunger gnawing inside from all the expended speed. He also used the time to orient himself on the map he'd printed out. Finding Lex in the mass of trees and snow and brush was going to be a nightmare; especially pitted against the clock as he was.

Finally deciding that the best bet would be to use his vision to sweep arcs, Clark finished up the last energy bar and started moving.

* * * *

It was just after dawn that Clark finally found the wreckage. The snow had swirled to a gentle curtain, but was still falling, the plane mostly buried in a jagged ravine, balanced precipitously on a ledge. Setting his pack down, Clark used his vision to locate Lex in the back part of the plane. There was no sign of the pilot, so Clark had to assume that he'd been torn out of the plane on impact.

Moving slow and careful, he shimmied down the ravine to the plane. Once there, Clark saw that it was slipping closer and closer to the edge and any extra weight would probably send it over. How to keep it in place so he could get to Lex? For a few minutes, he had no idea, then it struck him that he could fuse the rock and metal together.

Using the fire was always a little embarrassing when he had time to think about it, like right then. Knowing that he had to have the hottest flame possible, he took a deep breath and relaxed, closing his eyes and letting his mind roam to his hottest fantasy. Glimpses of pale skin, strong, elegant hands, flashes of blue-gray eyes, the licking of a tongue. In no time, Clark was ready to burst and opened his eyes, focusing them and pushing the flames towards the metal and rock.

It took a long time, longer than anything Clark had ever done, requiring strict control to make sure that the metal didn't melt too high up and possibly burn Lex. By the end of it, he was shaking with exhaustion and fell to his knees, gasping for breath. The air around him was literally steaming where it touched his skin. Clark ripped off his sweat soaked shirt without a thought, grateful for the bitter temperature that now seemed only soothing and cool.

Knowing that he couldn't stop, Clark forced himself to his feet and picked up his pack before stumbling into the plane. His eyes instantly locked onto Lex, finding the man unconscious and sprawled on the floor. Using his vision, he saw that the left arm was broken in four place, five ribs were broken with others cracked, and there was swelling of the brain.

Kneeling beside his friend, Clark cupped Lex's bruised face and whispered, "Oh, God, Lex. Please don't die, please don't leave me."

Unbelievably, Lex's eyes fluttered open and, after a moment, he smiled. "Clark…didn't think…see you again."

"I'll always find you," Clark promised, his thumb stroking softly over Lex's cheek. "Always."

Lex sighed and his eyes closed, the smile lingering on his mouth.

Battling his own depleted resources, Clark pulled the first aid kit from his pack and started treating what he could of Lex's injuries. The longest thing was, of course, the arm. Grateful that his friend was unconscious, Clark pulled it back into place and splinted it. Then he taped Lex's ribs, moving the man carefully so as not to accidentally puncture anything or make it worse.

Knowing there was nothing he could do about the head injury, Clark bundled Lex in the thermal blankets. Moving by sheer force of will, he pulled out a few strips of metal from the wreckage and then gathered several large stones, placing them in the makeshift cradle a few feet from Lex. Using the last of his strength, Clark focused heat on the stones then dumped some snow on it to create a temporary steam that would warm the room, hopefully until help could arrive.

Clark took a moment to sit by Lex, monitoring his friend and thanking whatever Deity was out there, that he was all right. Then he pushed himself to his feet and grabbed his pack, stumbling outside. Climbing the ravine, Clark found a spot well hidden and high in a tree before taking out his radio.

* * * *

Manning the radio was boring during slow days, but with all the cops and search & rescue people around looking for Luthor, Andy was having a high old time.

"Excuse me? Hello? Is anyone there?"

Coming back to attention, Andy picked up the handset and answered, "Ranger Station Four. Who is this?"

"I can see the plane, the one with that rich guy, Luthor."

Not quite believing him, but having to take down all leads, Andy asked, "And where is that?"

"He's in a ravine, hurt real bad. Didn't see the pilot though. You have to get someone out here right away."

Andy frowned and questioned, "What's the coordinates?"

"I don't know! I don't have an official map or anything. The ravine is really deep, surrounded on all sides by trees, at a pretty high elevation."

"What's going on, Andy?"

Andy waved Kyle away impatiently as he said into the mike, "Is there a rock outcropping that kind of looks like antlers on the east side of the ravine?"

There was a long pause then, "Yeah, there is! Look, this guy's really not doing good. I got his arm and ribs fixed up, but there's a bad head injury. You need to get out here right now! Please!"

Geeze, it sounded like the guy was going to cry. Hastily, Andy assured him, "We'll be out there in fifteen minutes, tops. With a helicopter."

"Hurry, please hurry!"

"We will, we will. What's your name?"

There was only a crackling silence on the other side. Not wasting any time, Andy turned to his supervisor and said, "Someone just found Luthor. Get the chopper ready."

* * * *

It was closer to twenty minutes before the medical chopper arrived. Clark watched as EMT's carefully scaled the ravine ledge to get to the plane. He was so exhausted that he couldn't even use his sight to bring them into focus, they were just ants on the ground from the distance he was. A few minutes later, they brought Lex out on the stretcher and carried him to the chopper.

When it took off, Clark closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

* * * *

Martha looked anxiously at the clock and then the front door. It was nearly six o'clock and still no sign of Clark. Jonathan came up behind her and pulled her into a hug. Smiling at him, she said, "I'm fine. Just worried."

"I know. Me, too," Jonathan agreed.

"So when's Clark getting home?" William asked from behind.

They both looked at him and, belatedly, Martha answered, "He's at his friend Pete's house tonight."

A faint line of disapproval crossed the older man's face as he asked, "All night on a school night?"

Pulling away from Jonathan, Martha headed for the kitchen as she said, "He should be home, but it will probably be late."

William followed her into the kitchen and said, "I know he's a young man now, but don't you think that's a bit lax?"

"Clark's very responsible," Martha replied. "He'll be back as soon as his project is done."

"Martha! There's a bulletin about Lex on!"

Moving as fast as her heavy body would allow, Martha rushed to the living room.

"Authorities are still searching for the guardian angel who found Mr. Luthor, but if they have any leads, they aren't sharing. Mr. Luthor is out of surgery and expected to make a full recovery."

Breathing a deep sigh of relief, Martha smiled at her husband and said, "He's all right."

Jonathan nodded and pulled her into a hug, whispering, "They're both all right."

* * * *

Clark managed to get inside the house without waking anyone, somewhat surprised his parents hadn't waited up for him. Though with his grandfather still in the house, maybe that wasn't such a surprise. They would have had to give him some kind of explanation for doing so.

Climbing the stairs as quietly as he could, though he felt about ready to fall over from exhaustion, Clark made it to his room and safety. Dropping the hiking pack on the floor, he fell into bed and didn't even bother to get under the covers.

He had just drifted into sleep when his door opened and his parents came in. The bed dipped and Clark felt his mother's hand stroke his head as she said softly, "Lex is fine, Clark. Came through surgery without any trouble and is expected to make a full recovery."

"We're proud of you, Clark," his father said, just as quiet.

The only thing Clark had the energy to do was grunt, especially with his mother's soothing touch leading him into sleep. He didn't even feel the gentle removal of boots and socks from his feet, or the kisses both parents placed on his forehead.

* * * *

His body felt like lead when Clark woke, but he knew he had to get up and eat something. Sunlight streamed in his windows as he yawned and tried to wake up enough to sit. It took a few minutes, but finally he did it and then even further astounded himself when he got to his feet and made it all the way to the bathroom without falling over.

Having relieved the killer pressure on his bladder, Clark washed his hands and splashed water on his face. That helped, and he was able to get downstairs almost feeling normal. His parents and grandfather were at the breakfast table when he arrived and sat with a thump into his chair. Reaching for the plate of pancakes, he greeted, "Morning."

Smiling broadly, Martha said, "Eat as much as you want, honey, I've got more batter if I need to make more."

"And don't worry about your chores, you can take care of them after school," Jonathan said.

School. Oh shit! Looking at the clock, he half got to his feet and exclaimed, "I'm late!"

"I already called in for you," Jonathan reassured him. "Eat up."

Breathing a sigh of relief, Clark sat back down and asked around a mouthful of pancakes, "Any news on Lex? Did he call?"

"Nothing new and no, he didn't call," Martha answered.

"Seeing that he just had major surgery yesterday, that's not surprising," William observed. "He's probably spending time with his family."

Clark nearly choked on a laugh and washed down the food with most of his orange juice. "Not likely."

When William frowned, Clark explained, "Lex and his dad aren't close."

"Things like this can change that."

Clark shrugged and finished his plate, reaching for a muffin and getting to his feet. "I guess. I'm going to get ready for school."

A little anxiously, Martha asked, "You don't need to eat anything else?"

Clark held up the muffin and said, "Shower first. Really. I'll grab another plate when I come back down."

"All right, son," Jonathan agreed. "If you're ready in a half hour, I'll give you a lift."

Nodding, Clark said, "Thanks!"

When he was gone, William looked at the other two adults and shook his head. "I wouldn't have thought it the first time I was here, but Clark's manners leave something to be desired."

Martha and Jonathan stiffened almost at the exact same moment. Forestalling her husband's angry words, Martha said, "Clark's just tired from being out so late, Dad. He's usually a lot more together than he was right now."

"Coming to the table dressed in dirty jeans and no shirt or socks?" William pointed out. "Being tired doesn't excuse that."

"Look, William, Clark's a good kid. You just caught him on an off day," Jonathan stated.

Shaking his head, obviously having trouble believing that, William replied, "Well, that's as it may be, but I need to get back to work."

Dismayed, Martha asked, "So soon?"

He smiled at her and nodded, getting to his feet. "I'm afraid so. Now that the roads are fully clear, I have things that need to get done."

Martha stood as well and said, "You won't be a stranger, though."

Pulling her close, he replied, "Of course not. Those days are behind us. I fully intend to get to know this grandchild from the get-go."

Martha shot Jonathan a warning glance and he subsided without speaking, jaw clenched tight.

* * * *

"Mr. Luthor, please, you just had major surgery yesterday! You should be resting!"

Lex nodded at the older man and agreed, "As soon as this is taken care of, I will."

"But…"

"Thank you, Doctor, that will be all."

The man sighed in defeat and left, shaking his head.

The refrain echoing through Lex's mind was, 'Protect Clark, protect Clark,' because he knew that was who his guardian angel had been. Again. He remembered, hazily, Clark promising to always find him, the gentle touch of his hand. There was too much to do to keep Clark safe for him to rest. All the doctors and specialists said that he'd be fine, so he would do this first, then rest.

The plane had been fused to the rock of the ledge, preventing it from crashing to the bottom of the ravine. His arm had been splinted with uncanny accuracy, so close that there wouldn't even be any internal scarring. The rocks that had been mysteriously heated and placed in a cradle of metal that had been torn from the plane, keeping him from hypothermia. The torn shirt outside the wreck that wasn't his.

It all spoke of someone in a rush, of someone who didn't care what happened so long as Lex himself was saved. It spoke of Clark. The one person who had always been there for him, no matter what. Now it was his turn to be there for Clark.

"Lex! You're looking chipper this afternoon."

Fuck! Forcing himself to smile at his father, Lex replied, "Thank you, Father."

"The doctors tell me that you're being singularly uncooperative," Lionel continued, sitting in the chair by the hospital bed.

Lex kept his smile in place and said, "They exaggerate. I made a few phone calls."

"Is that so. Well, I guess quarantining the crash site would qualify as a few phone calls."

Shrugging mildly, Lex replied, "Just trying to find out as much about the person who rescued me as possible so I can reward them properly. I sincerely doubt that those federal buffoons have the delicacy to handle such a matter adequately."

"That is what they're paid to do, Lex."

"No, they're paid to find out why we crashed in the first place, nothing more, and there's an easy explanation for that."

"Which is?"

"Someone tried to kill me."

Lionel smiled tightly and said, "Really, Lex, this paranoia of yours is getting a little out of hand."

"Just because I'm paranoid doesn't make it untrue. Especially considering that the pilot took the only parachute and jumped off the plane. Personally, I hope he froze to death."

"My, that is a colorful tale," Lionel observed.

"It is, isn't it?" Lex agreed, in the same tone.

They looked at each other for a moment, then Lionel got to his feet. "I hope you've reported this…assassination attempt to the authorities."

Lex half-smiled and stated, "As a matter of fact I did."

"I see. Well, get some rest and let the doctors do their jobs. I'll see you tomorrow."

"I can hardly wait."

"I'm sure."

The moment the door closed behind his father, Lex let out a long, deep sigh of relief. Sparring with the elder Luthor was draining on a good day; right now, it was excruciating. Picking up the phone, Lex dialed.

* * * *

Still feeling somewhat not himself, as though he were an echo looking to solidify into himself, Clark stared into space. He knew there was no reason to think that Lex would call, not when he was probably still in recovery or something. He vaguely heard the phone ring as he glanced down at the open biology book that was holding less fascination for him than usual.

"Lex! Oh my God! How are you?" his mother exclaimed.

Instantly, Clark was on his feet and in the kitchen, gesturing impatiently for the phone.

Smiling broadly, his mother held up a finger telling him to wait as she listened to the answer on the other end then said, "We're so glad that you're all right! Clark was worried sick, we all were, when we heard about the crash. And I'll hand over the phone before he takes it from me. It was good to hear your voice, Lex. Get well soon."

"Lex? Are you all right?" Clark demanded as soon as he had the phone from his mother.

"Fine, Clark, I'm fine. Thank you," Lex replied. "I'm going to be out of the hospital in another week, but they said I can have visitors. I mean, I know it's a drive to Metropolis, so…"

"I'll be there tomorrow," Clark interrupted, smiling.

Lex sighed softly and murmured, "Good."

There was a brief silence then Clark asked, "How are you, really? You don't sound yourself."

"A brush with mortality will do that for you, Clark. I've been…thinking a lot…about…"

"About?"

Silence returned for a few minutes. Finally, Lex said, "I don't really want to discuss it over the phone. Tomorrow. When you're here."

A little worried, Clark asked, "It's nothing bad, is it? You're safe, right? Did they find out why the plane went down?"

Lex snorted. "It went down because the pilot bailed on me."

Shock ripped through Clark and he gasped, "Someone tried to kill you!? What if they try again? The hospital isn't exactly safe, right? All those people coming in and out, what if…"

"I'm fine, Clark," Lex repeated. "My chief of security has personally taken charge of things here at the hospital."

Still uneasy, Clark said, "Maybe I should come over there. Just in case."

"Just in case what, Clark? What would you be able to do if someone tried again?"

The silky tone was at odds with the questions and Clark felt split apart, wanting to answer and being unable to. "I, uh, you're right. There's nothing I can do. So, tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow is great, Clark. I'll see you then."

"Bye, Lex."

"Good bye, Clark."

Hanging up the phone, Clark wondered just how much of the encounter in the plane Lex remembered. With a head injury it wouldn't be much, right?

"Did I just hear you say that someone tried to kill Lex?"

Looking over at his father, Clark nodded. "The pilot jumped."

His parents looked as shocked as he felt and he knew that he had to tell them everything. The story of just how he'd saved Lex and how much evidence he'd left behind. If something bad was going to come out of this, then he wanted them to be prepared. "Mom, Dad, you'd better sit down."

* * * *

Arriving at the hospital early the next day, Clark waved to his father and watched the elder Kent leave. He knew that his parents were still freaked out, but there was no way to change it and he wouldn't even if he could. There really hadn't been any other way to save Lex and that had been the only thing that mattered at the time. Still did and Clark was going to be sticking around the hospital until Lex left.

Discretely, of course, so that Lex would never know.

Asking at the reception desk, he was given instructions and went upstairs, finding the room without difficulty. The hall was quiet and two imposing men were outside Lex's door, glaring at him as he stopped there. "Uh, hi. I'm…"

"Clark!"

Wincing to himself at Lionel Luthor's exclamation, Clark turned to the older man and managed a smile. There was always something disturbing about dealing with Lex's dad. As if the man were always watching him, looking for him to reveal something about his powers. Though there was no way that he could possibly know about Clark; not even Lex knew, despite his suspicions. "Mr. Luthor, hi."

"You're here awfully early this morning. It's quite a drive from Smallville," Lionel commented.

Clark shrugged. "My dad drove me."

"Isn't that nice? I'm sure Lex will be thrilled to see you."

Uncomfortable, Clark just stood there, not sure what to say.

"Well, I'll leave you to your visit. Tell Lex that I'll be back later to check on him."

Nodding, relieved that the other man was leaving, Clark agreed, "I will."

Dark eyes stared at him a moment longer, measuring, then Lionel left.

Stepping into the hospital room, Clark found Lex asleep and closed the door quietly behind him. He took a moment just to look at his friend, disturbed by how vulnerable the other man looked. Even in the ruined plane, there had been something undefeatable about Lex. Now, surrounded by monitors and clean bandages, Clark suddenly realized just how fragile life was, even Lex's.

With a hard swallow, he moved to the edge of the bed and stared down at Lex. He reached out, his hands hovering in the air over the cheek he'd touched just two days ago, then pulled back. Shaking his thoughts away from where they had no business being, Clark silently brought a chair over and sat down.

Closing his eyes, Clark allowed himself to doze while waiting for Lex to wake up. He was still really tired, somehow unable to catch up on all the energy he'd expended in the rescue. It wasn't going to help that he'd probably get no sleep in the next few days except what he could snatch here and there in some waiting room.

"You look as tired as I feel."

Clark's eyes snapped open to Lex's smiling face. The vulnerability was still there, but lessened, pushed aside by the incredible will now blazing out of blue-gray eyes. Without thought, Clark echoed the smile and replied, "I might be. Are you feeling better?"

"I am now," Lex answered. "I didn't expect you so early. You must have gotten up before dawn."

Grinning now, Clark shook his head. "No. Dad just let me drive."

"Ah. Lead foot, huh?"

"That's what he said."

They both chuckled and Clark relaxed into the chair. Everything was fine, despite the cast and head bandage that blocked the normally unencumbered pate.

"The doctors are actually going to let me leave today," Lex announced after a quiet moment.

Surprised, and a little worried, Clark asked, "Isn't that too soon?"

Lex shrugged and replied, "Well, for anyone else it probably would be. But I'll have a medical staff on hand at the castle. Besides that, I heal very quickly."

"Don't rush it," Clark advised. "Your body's going to need time to heal. You need to rest."

Smiling faintly, Lex pointed out, "Which I can do at home, a lot more comfortably. And there I won't have to worry about other things."

Clark wanted to tell him that he didn't have to worry about those other things in the hospital either, that he would be protected, but couldn't. Instead, he just nodded and said, "As long as you'll be all right."

"I'll be fine. After all, I've got you to watch over me, don't I, Clark?"

It all came down to this. A direct question that could be interpreted so many ways. A friend silently begging for the truth, begging for trust. And in his heart, Clark didn't want to offer another evasion, tell another lie. He wanted to share this with someone he could trust. Others might question Lex's integrity, but he'd never given Clark any reason to do so.

After an eternity where neither broke the hold of their eyes, Clark whispered, "Always."

Lex slowly released the breath he'd been holding and relaxed into the pillows, his eyes closing. "Thank you, Clark."

Feeling like he should be hyperventilating, both from relief at finally having told Lex and fear from having finally told Lex, Clark didn't answer. Instead, he also closed his eyes, taking a moment to get himself under control.

"Clark? Are you all right?"

Clark smiled a little at the worry in Lex's voice and opened his eyes. Nodding, he said, "Just really, really tired. I, ah, I worked hard the other day and haven't quite recovered."

"And yet you came here anyhow," Lex commented softly.

"I had to, to see that you were uh, okay."

Understanding, and something else that Clark couldn't identify, lit Lex's eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but Clark said hurriedly, "I met up with your father in the hall earlier."

Lex's jaw snapped shut on whatever it was that he'd been going to say, a grim expression crossing his face as he nodded. "What did he want?"

"He said to tell you that he'd be by later to check on you," Clark answered.

"Did he? Well, hopefully I won't be here by then. Oh, and did you need a ride back to Smallville?"

Clark nodded. "If it's okay. I was just going to call my dad when I was ready to leave, but the trip out twice in one day is a lot."

"If it's okay? Clark, you just…" Lex bit his tongue, obviously struggling to keep something in, frustration evident. "Yes. It's fine. You can keep me company on the trip back."

Something in Lex's tone and eyes made Clark feel shy as he nodded again and accepted, "I'd like that."

"So would I, Clark, so would I."

* * * *

Lionel watched the two young men from outside the room. Something was definitely going on between the Kent boy and Lex, though what, he didn't yet know. He remembered quite vividly his own encounters with Clark Kent, most of them on very memorable occasions, even if he'd been blind for several of them.

Something very strange, even for Lex, had happened at that crash site. Whoever had found him had somehow welded the plane to the mountainside. Whoever had found Lex, had splinted his arm perfectly and kept him warm by heating rocks without the benefit of fire. Whoever had found Lex had a penchant for plain, cotton t-shirts and the casual strength to literally rip it off when they didn't have the coordination to pull it off.

Rather like the plain, cotton t-shirt the Kent boy was wearing right then and there.

* * * *

Lex grinned to himself as Clark hovered protectively close while he was loaded into a wheelchair. Wondering with some amusement if it would have been easier just to have his friend settle him in personally, Lex patiently waited for the doctor to finish giving him instructions.

"You'll be there to make sure he doesn't overdo?" the doctor asked Clark.

Clark nodded seriously, provoking another private smile from Lex. Clearing his throat, Lex pointed out, "I'm sitting right here, in case you hadn't noticed."

They both looked at him and Clark flashed a brilliant smile as he said, "You're a little hard not to notice, Lex."

Feeling both complimented and insulted, Lex frowned and opened his mouth to protest when his father appeared. Groaning silently, he put on his game face and greeted, "Father."

"Lex! I didn't know you were being released so soon," Lionel replied. He glanced at Clark and said, "Hello again, Clark."

Clark mumbled an awkward hello and moved to stand behind Lex's wheelchair, gripping the handles.

Not at all liking the way his father was eyeing Clark, Lex asked pointedly, "Was there something I could do for you, Father? I'm tired and we have a long way to go."

Lionel smiled briefly and replied, "Nothing that can't wait. I'll stop by in a couple of days."

"Call first."

"Of course."

"Let's go, Clark," Lex ordered softly.

As Clark began pushing the wheelchair, Lionel called suddenly, "Oh Lex?"

Gritting his teeth as the forward motion stopped, Lex asked, "What?"

"Expect a delivery from me tomorrow."

"Fine. Goodbye, Father."

Clark took that as it was meant, with finality, and smoothly pushed the wheelchair out of the room.

* * * *

Though he didn't remember falling asleep, Lex counted on the fact of always remembering this particular waking. He was ensconced in Clark's arms, being carried with ease across the driveway towards the castle. The body he rested against was warm and strong, far stronger than he'd ever suspected. Which was a stupid thing to think since his rescue had involved tearing pieces of metal from the plane with Clark's bare hands.

Sighing deeply, feeling more relaxed and content, and certainly safer, than he had in an age, Lex shifted his head to rest against Clark's collarbone. An odd scent came from the skin so near and he had the overpowering urge to lick it to see what Clark's skin tasted like. Heat rolled through him, a mixture of embarrassment and lust, and he shifted again, this time uncomfortably.

"Almost there, Lex," Clark promised softly.

Realizing that Clark probably thought he was in pain, Lex was about to correct the impression, but changed his mind. At least the meteor crash hadn't changed Clark into a mind reader like Ryan. Ryan might have come by the gift naturally, but it hadn't made things any less uncomfortable. He could take a lot of things, but not being able to hide his thoughts or feelings from people wasn't one of them.

They were in the castle so fast that the cold barely had time to register. Though he was somewhat embarrassed at being carried like a damsel in distress, Lex was enjoying it, too. Clark didn't even breathe heavy as he climbed the stairs and Lex wondered just how strong his friend really was. How much of it was meteor induced, and how much natural? What else could Clark do? Some kind of speed issue had to be involved since he'd been found so quickly.

Forcibly turning off the scientist's voice in his head, Lex breathed deeply, the unfamiliar scent pleasant and calming. He heard someone speaking to Clark and vaguely identified it as Mrs. Malin the housekeeper, but didn't pay any attention to the conversation. He was too busy trying to figure out what that smell reminded him of and hoping that he had enough time to figure it out.

Unfortunately, that wasn't to be the case as a few moments later, Clark lowered him into bed. Protesting sleepily, Lex held tight to Clark's shirt with his uninjured hand, keeping him close.

"Lex, you're holding onto my shirt," Clark said, affection rippling his voice.

Not wanting to let his security blanket go just yet, knowing that there was someone out there actively trying to kill him, Lex murmured, "Stay with me."

"I will, I'll be right here. I promise."

Only partially opening his eyes, Lex looked up at Clark through lowered lashes. "No, stay with me."

Clark's breath hissed suddenly and Lex saw the Adam's apple bobbing rapidly as his friend swallowed. "Lex, you need to sleep."

Smiling and closing his eyes again, Lex said, "Want you where I can reach you. Please? Just tonight."

There was a long pause, then Clark replied, "All right. First I have to call my parents and let them know, so you have to let go. I promise I'll be back."

Lex nodded and released his grip. If Clark promised, then that's what he would do. He drifted in and out of sleep and at one point thought he heard Clark's voice raised in anger, but then Clark was there beside him. Curling carefully against his friend, mindful of his still painful ribs and arm, Lex was once more surrounded by those strong arms and tantalizing scent.

Content, he fell into a healing sleep.

* * * *

Waking the next morning was both heaven and hell for Clark. Heaven because he was holding Lex in his arms and the other man was still holding to him as though Clark was his own personal teddy bear. Hell for exactly that same reason.

Clark shifted carefully, trying to keep his morning erection from brushing any part of Lex by accident.

* * * *

"Are you sure you're comfortable?" Clark repeated.

Grinning, Lex nodded and said, "I'm as comfortable as a broken arm and ribs will allow, Clark. Really."

Clark smiled sheepishly and flopped into the leather chair opposite the couch. "Sorry. You just…I'm not used to seeing you as anything but invincible."

With a chuckle, loving the faint blush that hinted in his friend's cheeks, Lex replied, "I understand."

Mrs. Malin arrived then with their lunch and the telephone. Holding it out to Clark, she said, "It's your parents."

Lex frowned when Clark sighed and took the phone, his relaxed posture gone as he sat up and said, "Hello? Yeah mom, everything's fine. Is Dad still angry? Oh, okay. I didn't mean to…yeah, I know. Okay. I'll see you tonight."

When Clark hung up and put the phone on the table, Lex asked neutrally, "Everything okay at home?"

Shrugging, Clark answered, "Dad wasn't too thrilled with me spending the night here."

Lex wondered what it was that Jonathan Kent had objected to most; his son spending the night with Lex, or his son rescuing Lex in the first place. "I see."

"No, Lex, it's not like that," Clark assured him, leaning forward. "He's just upset. It'll be fine by the time I get home, I'm sure."

Was that uncertainty in his friend's voice? As if Clark might be wondering if that were really true? Knowing that he was the cause, Lex sighed and said, "I'm sorry, Clark. The last thing I want is come between you and your father."

Quirking a smile at him, Clark said, "It's not you, Lex, it's me. I don't agree with him on something and almost for the first time, I'm not backing down."

"But it's about me, isn't it?" Lex insisted, needing to know.

Clark shook his head firmly. "No, not really. It's just a father-son thing and you're the excuse. You know how that goes."

Did he ever. Nodding reluctantly, Lex agreed, "I do."

"I'm starved, how about you?"

Accepting the change of subject, Lex replied, "Famished."

Smiling with determination, Clark picked up a sandwich plate and carried it over to Lex, sitting beside him. Mischievous, he teased, "Should I feed you?"

Humor bubbling up, Lex kept a mostly-serious face and replied, "I think you should. Just in case."

"Wouldn't want you to strain anything."

"Definitely not. Might put me flat on my back and then what would we do?"

Clark's grin got even bigger as he countered, "Take you out back and shoot you?"

Lex burst out laughing then groaned, clutching his side and pleading, "Don't make me laugh, Clark, please!"

Instantly contrite, Clark said, "God, Lex, I'm sorry. I didn't even think…"

Caught between amusement and pain, Lex shut Clark up by covering his mouth with his free hand and ordering, "Shut up Clark."

Clark nodded, eyes returning to their former level of mirth. Lex nearly choked in shock when a warm tongue slipped out and licked his palm. Clark mumbled something and Lex hastily yanked his hand away. "What?"

"I said, it's going to be hard to eat with your hand in the way."

"Well, that's just been fixed, hasn't it?"

As though knowing exactly how Lex had reacted, Clark grinned and took a big bite out of Lex's sandwich before holding it out to him.

Eyes rolling, Lex observed, "Very mature, Clark."

* * * *

Clark watched Lex sleeping on the couch and brooded. He knew that's what he was doing, but couldn't help it. Despite his assurances to his friend, he wasn't at all sure of his welcome at home just then. Even though his dad usually overreacted and seldom followed through with any serious threat, Clark knew that something was different about this time.

It wasn't just that he'd refused to go home the night before. It also wasn't just about how he'd rescued Lex, though that was a good part of it. He'd chosen Lex's welfare over his parent's wishes last night and it had both hurt and upset them. His dad had been more than upset, he'd been ticked.

Sighing one last time, Clark decided to search for bugs. Lex's house had been under surveillance before and, if they were going to have a real conversation, which he really wanted to do, it had to be free from prying ears. Getting to his feet, Clark looked carefully around the entire office, going over every inch.

Lex moaned in pain and immediately, Clark rushed over to him. Kneeling on the floor, he saw tiny beads of sweat and swore, realizing it signaled fever. He went to Lex's desk and hit the intercom.

"Yes?"

"It's Lex. I think he's got a fever."

"I'll send the nurse right over."

Grateful, Clark said, "Thanks."

It was only another minute or so before the woman arrived, complete with medical kit. Though he knew he was hovering, Clark couldn't help it as he watched her wake Lex with professional ease and then started looking him over. Lex was groggy and in a bad mood when she did so, but settled down when he caught sight of Clark.

"Thought you went home," Lex asked with a frown.

Clark shook his head. "I'm here as long as you need me."

For some reason, that put a deeper frown on his friend's face, but then Lex gasped in pain when the nurse jostled his arm. "Damn it! Are you incompetent!?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Luthor," she apologized smoothly. "Just doing my job."

Grumbling, Lex closed his eyes and submitted to the rest of the exam.

Clark sat on the edge of the sofa, watching closely, waiting almost impatiently for the nurse to finish. He hated that Lex was in pain and wanted to make it stop, but that was beyond even his powers. That had been a painful lesson Ryan had taught him. Finally, she was done and left the room after administering a pain reliever and aspirin.

"All these wonderful medical technologies and it's still, 'take two aspirin and call me in the morning,'" Lex commented dryly.

Clark helped him get resettled, moving Lex slow and gentle onto the pillows.

"You're surprisingly peaceful to be around during recuperation."

Smiling, Clark said, "That's what Ryan used to say."

Lex arched an eyebrow at him and replied, "Hopefully I've got better chances than he did."

Horrified, Clark moaned, "God, Lex, didn't mean..."

"Clark, relax, I'm teasing," Lex said, gripping his hand.

Clark looked down at their joined hands, a surge of something running through him at the sight, then back at Lex. Though he didn't say anything to his friend, Lex's eyes suddenly darkened, his expression changing into something Clark didn't recognize. For a long moment, neither of them moved. Without breaking eye contact, Lex tugged Clark down to him and he went, kneeling on the floor, leaning closer.

Familiar footsteps echoed through the foyer, stopping just outside the door. Clark released Lex's hand and jumped to his feet, stepping quickly to the chair and sitting down. Lex's face was shocked and hurt for the second before the door opened. Then Lionel entered and greeted, "Afternoon, Lex. Clark."

"Is there some reason that you've suddenly started haunting my life, Father?" Lex snapped.

Arching an eyebrow at his son, Lionel replied, "I told you that I'd stop by."

"You also said that you would call first."

"I changed my mind."

"What do you want!?"

Lionel frowned and said, "Really, Lex, you make a terrible patient. I hope he hasn't been like this all day, Clark."

Startled at being addressed, and more than a little uncomfortable, Clark answered, "Uh…"

"Leave Clark out of this," Lex ordered, voice and self back under control. "Clark, help me up?"

Clark moved to his friend's side and carefully helped prop Lex into a sitting position. "I'll wait outside while you two talk."

"Thank you, Clark," Lionel accepted.

Lex simply nodded and said, "I'll call you when we're finished."

Recognizing that Lex meant whether or not his father thought they were done, Clark nodded and walked out of the office, closing the door behind him.

* * * *

"Lex, Lex, Lex. I thought those days were behind you when you made such a go of your relationship with, what was her name? Oh yes, Helen."

Not rising to the bait, Lex replied, "Clark is a good friend."

"I see," Lionel said, lips tugging into an unpleasant smile.

In a warning tone, Lex stated, "I'm not in the mood for games. What do you want that couldn't be accomplished with a phone call? Aside from the pleasure of your company, of course."

Taking the seat across from Lex, Lionel replied, "I'll be blunt."

"There's a first."

"I know that we've had our difficulties in the past."

"Just a few."

"I have a deal in the works that could be extremely lucrative for us both."

Lex paused. "Go on."

"It's not completely…legitimate."

"When has that ever stopped you?"

"It hasn't, but you seem to have developed some rather commonplace mores during your tenure in Smallville, as much as I've tried to teach you otherwise," Lionel replied dryly.

Lex barely grinned as he said, "That must have hurt to say."

Shrugging, Lionel leaned forward and informed him, "This is not something that young Mr. Kent or his family would approve of, but would net a considerable profit."

"So you said. What is it and how much?"

"Are you in?"

"Not until I know more about it."

Lionel shook his head, getting to his feet. "You're either in or out. I don't tell you more about it until after you decide."

Pursing his lips, Lex questioned, "How much profit?"

"Approximately double LexCorp's annual profit, and that would be your share alone."

Lex didn't move a muscle at the announcement. "What would be required?"

"Ah ah, that's getting into detail. I will say this, however," Lionel paused and crossed to Lex, looking down at him with a knowing gaze. "If you say yes, you leave behind Smallville, it's small-town morality, and the Kents. They wouldn't want anything to do with you if they found out anyhow. Especially your…friend...Clark."

Lex knew he should just throw his father out then and there. But the chance to make that much money didn't come along except on very rare occasions, illegitimately or otherwise. "When do you need an answer?"

"Right now. It's do or die time, Lex. Are you with me, or not?"

And for almost the first time ever, Lex saw something in the other man's eyes. It was fleeting and gone with the words, but he knew that he saw it. It was similar to what he saw when his father struck Lucas down in his supposed defense: want, need, and love.

Everything that Lex had always wanted from his father and never received, probably because the other man didn't know how, not that he was incapable.

He suddenly knew, without a doubt, that his father wanted things to be different between them, but couldn't ask for it to be so. Lionel had done all he could in his own fashion to bring Lex back to his side. It was up to Lex now. He drew things out for a couple of minutes, but his father showed nothing else, had the perfect game face on, as usual. Finally, he called out, "Clark!"

A few seconds later, the door opened and Clark entered the room. "Yeah, Lex?"

"You can go home now."

Startled, Clark frowned at him and moved closer. "What?"

Meeting his friend's eyes, Lex knew that this was the end between them. Where he was going, he couldn't bring Clark, and he wouldn't even if he could. Clark belonged as he was: clean and trusting, trying to do right in the world. "My father is going to stay with me tonight. You can go."

Clark flinched as though slapped at the dismissal. "Lex, I thought..."

"Thought what? I don't need you any longer, you can leave," Lex stated, adding a hint of impatience to his voice. The look of hurt betrayal in his friend's eyes was staggering and he almost stopped what he was doing. Almost. He'd been waiting his entire life to truly be his father's son and not even Clark was going to get in the way of that.

Drawing up stiffly, Clark said, "I'm sorry. I guess I misunderstood. Ah, I'll see you around. Good night, Mr. Luthor."

Smiling pleasantly, Lionel replied, "Good night, Clark. Say hello to your mother for me."

Lex followed Clark's defeated exit with his eyes, trying to ignore the savage pounding of his heart demanding that he call after Clark. The door closed silent behind the young man and Lex was left alone with his father. The look on the older man's face was pride, Lex suddenly realized. He'd seen it on Jonathan Kent's face aimed at Clark often enough.

Why did it feel wrong to be seeing it on his own father's?

* * * *

Clark walked backwards, keeping the castle in view as he headed for home. He felt suffocated, as though his heart was being crushed, even though no words other than friendship had ever been spoken between them. He ached so bad that it was physical, that his stomach was rebelling and his head hurt as tears slipped from his eyes.

A chill slid through him as, through the window, he saw Lionel move to Lex and grip his shoulder. Lex knew his secret, or near enough that it made no difference. Had his father been right? Had he been so wrong to listen to his heart and trust Lex? Had his best friend just become his worst enemy?

Hunched in on himself, Clark turned his back to the castle and started the long walk home.